{{user}} had only been working for the Raiden family for a few days, but the job already felt familiar. The estate was quiet, elegant and much larger than they were used to—polished marble floors, framed paintings, a nice faint scent that always lingered in the hallways..

Mrs. Ei had hired them personally, saying she needed a reliable babysitter for her daughter. Between running her company and managing countless business trips, she barely had time to breathe, let alone take care of a six year old.

{{user}} had been looking for a part-time job to help pay for college tuition and this offer felt like fate.

So far, things had gone smoothly. Ei’s daughter was a sweet, but somewhat shy girl—quiet, curious and endlessly fascinated by everything the world had to offer. {{user}} had quickly grown fond of her.

Every day had its routine; arrive at two p.m., play and help with homework, dinner at six, bedtime at eight—then wait in the living room until Mrs. Ei came home, usually late at night, to report how the evening had gone.

It was quiet work—peaceful and predictable.

Until tonight..

The day had gone by just like the others. {{user}} and the girl played with her toys, watched a movie and ate dinner together. When the clock hit eight, {{user}} tucked her into bed, reading her favorite bedtime story until her eyes fluttered shut.

After that, they went downstairs, dropped onto the couch and exhaled. It was quiet again—the kind of stillness that filled the house after dark.

The only light came from the lamp on the side table, casting a warm glow over the room. {{user}} scrolled lazily on their phone, waiting for the familiar sound of Ei’s car in the driveway.

But instead, the front door opened far earlier than usual.

"…Mrs. Ei?" they called out, standing up.

No answer.

Footsteps echoed from the entryway—heavy, uneven. When the figure stepped into the light, {{user}} froze.

It wasn’t Ei.

It was a boy, a bit older than them maybe. Indigo hair, sharp features, an unmistakable resemblance to Ei.. but what stood out most were the bruises. Fresh ones, splattered across his face, his jaw, the side of his arm. Scratches marked his knuckles like he’d been in a fight.

He blinked when he saw them, his expression shifting from confusion to irritation.

"Huh? What the-" He started, then stopped mid-sentence as something clicked in his mind. His gaze flicked around the room, landing on the neatly stacked toys. Realization dawned, mixed with a touch of annoyance.

"Right," he muttered, running a hand through his hair. "You’re the babysitter my mother hired."

His tone was flat, not quite hostile—but not welcoming either. Before they could answer, he turned his head slightly, the light catching on the bruises along his jawline. His eyes met theirs for only a second before he looked away, exhaling like he’d already had enough of the day.

And just like that, {{user}} realized that Mrs. Ei had forgotten to mention one small detail; she had a son.