"Well, I have some savings. I've been managing a little here and there," he said.

Aiko paused, a hint of relief crossing her expression.

"Are you still doing the cleaning gigs? I know that doesn't pay much."

"Well… not exactly. I have other stuff I'm doing now," Raito replied, smiling faintly

Aiko started unpacking the groceries while Raito leaned against the doorway, arms crossed.

"So, what are you even doing these days?" Aiko asked, glancing at him over her shoulder.

"Like I said, I'm working," Raito replied casually. "I work security for a company nearby. Just got my pay yesterday. But since you came back, I've been on leave."

Aiko narrowed her eyes.

"Hmm… are you sure about that? I feel like you're lying. But…" she sighed, looking at the grocery bags, "…I guess I'll believe you this time. These groceries alone must've cost, what, over six thousand yen?"

"Yeah," Raito said, smiling faintly.

"I still haven't seen you go to work, even once since I got back," Aiko said, crossing her arms. "But fine. Anyway, I hope you're not busy tomorrow."

"Tomorrow? Not really," Raito replied. "Why?"

"Because you're coming with me," Aiko said matter-of-factly.

Raito blinked.

"What?"

"We're going to meet some of my classmates. It's been a while since we all got together, and this time it's happening at a café. So yeah, you're coming."

"Wait, wait, I'm not doing that," Raito protested. "You can't just tell me what to do."

Aiko turned and smirked.

"Oh? You really want to say no to your big sister?"

Raito groaned.

"You're really going to pull that card, huh?"

"Yup," she said, grinning. "You're going with me. It's been too long since I saw them, and it'll be awkward alone. Besides, my classmates have been talking nonstop about me these past three days — I think they just miss me. We're meeting every day till the weekend's over."

Raito tilted his head.

"And after that?"

"After that," Aiko said teasingly, "you can finally stop being lazy in my house."

Raito blinked.

"Wait, are you saying you want me to leave?"

"No, no, no! That's not what I meant!" she said quickly, waving her hands. "Forget I said that."

Raito chuckled softly.

"Fine, fine. I'll go with you tomorrow."

"Good!" Aiko said with a satisfied smile.

THE FOLLOWING DAY

The next morning, both Aiko and Raito woke early. They got dressed neatly, stepped out of the apartment, and flagged down a taxi. Their destination — a classy café where Aiko would be meeting her old classmates.

The ride didn't take long. When they arrived, Raito's eyes widened as soon as he stepped inside. The café was elegant and modern, filled with men and women sipping wine in tailored suits and silk dresses.

This place isn't just any café… he thought, glancing around. Looks like only rich people come here.

Just then, a familiar voice called out from across the room.

"Aiko! You came!"

It was Yuki — one of Aiko's closest friends. She hurried toward them, her heels clacking against the polished floor.

"You're late again! You said seven p.m., and it's already eight," Yuki scolded lightly.

"I know, I know," Aiko said, rolling her eyes. "I got busy. Besides—" she gestured toward Raito "—you can see my brother's with me this time."

Raito gave a polite nod.

"Good evening."

Yuki blinked. "Your… brother? Wait, him? Are you serious?"

She looked Raito up and down, disbelief flashing across her face.

"Wow. I barely recognized you! You've changed a lot since I last saw you — three months ago, right?"

"Guess I did," Raito said, scratching the back of his neck.

Yuki stepped closer, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Changed? You look… good. Really good. And you've filled out—muscular, even."

She reached out and touched his arm lightly, curious.

Raito froze. This is… really awkward, he thought.

"Hey, Yuki!" Aiko frowned, pulling her friend back. "You're making him nervous. Behave yourself."

"Ah, sorry!" Yuki said quickly, giggling.

"It's fine," Raito said, forcing a smile.

"Still," Yuki continued, "he's different. He used to have that gloomy look on his face all the time. But now… it's gone."

"Yeah, I guess you're right," Raito replied. "But enough about me. What are they serving today? I thought this was supposed to be a café, not a bar."

"We convinced the owner to make it a special night," Aiko said proudly. "Those who drink get wine, and the rest of us can have coffee."

But Yuki wasn't paying attention anymore. Her eyes were still fixed on Raito. He's so different now… Maybe I could even use this. He'd make a perfect boyfriend…

"Raito," she said sweetly, leaning in again, "do you have a girlfriend?"

Raito blinked. "Uh… no. Why do you ask?"

"Oh, no reason. Just wondering if maybe you'd be—"

Before she could finish, Aiko grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her aside.

"Hey! What are you doing?!" Aiko hissed. "You can't be serious! You're twenty-two — he's eighteen!"

Yuki pouted.

"So what? He's tall, handsome, and honestly, everything a girl could want. Besides, my ex is still watching my stories. If he sees me with someone like that, he'll lose his mind."

"You're unbelievable…" Aiko muttered, rubbing her temples.

"What are you two whispering about?" Raito asked from behind them.

"N-nothing!" Aiko said quickly.

"Right…" Raito sighed. "Anyway, you guys keep chatting. I'm gonna grab a coffee."

He turned and walked to the counter, relieved to escape the awkwardness — though he could still feel Yuki's gaze on him as he walked away.

"Ah, finally," Raito muttered under his breath as he reached the counter. "I can finally be alone for a bit."

He exhaled deeply, resting an elbow on the polished wooden counter. But even as he tried to relax, something felt… off.

People kept glancing at him.

Some looked away quickly when he noticed. Others whispered softly behind their glasses of wine.

What's going on? Raito thought. Is there something on my face? Why's everyone staring?

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