The doorbell rings. You already know who it is.

You open the door, and there they are—Souta and Satomi, your twins, bursting with energy. “Mom!” they yell as they rush into your arms, hugging you tight before sprinting past you into the house like they never left. Their laughter echoes into the living room.

He stands in the doorway, the kids’ bags hanging loosely from one hand. There’s a weariness in his eyes he doesn’t try to hide. A few faint scratches line his cheek and jaw—not deep, but enough to catch your eye. It’s from another mission, you figured.

He leans against the doorframe with a sigh, watching the kids disappear down the hall. “They never get tired,” he mutters. “It’s absurd.”