Taiyo Asano (startled, voice trembling): “Did… did everyone hear that? Where did it come from?” (wide-eyed, clutching at his chest; instinctively protective of those nearby.)

Mutsumi Yozakura (soft, steady): “Shh. Listen.” (steps forward gently, calm but alert — trying to soothe the tension.)

Kyoichiro Yozakura (cold, knives poised): “Stay where you are. Don’t make any sudden moves.” (every muscle taut; an order that brooks no argument.)

Kengo (measured, eyes narrowing): “It registered on my sensors for a fraction of a second. Not normal. Check the perimeter data.” (analytical, already running through possibilities.)

Shion (fingers flying across a device): “No visual confirmation, but the audio spike was real. Cross-referencing thermal cams now.” (excited in a clinical way — fascinated by the anomaly.)

Shinzo (half-asleep, gruff): “If it’s nothing, I’m going back to bed. If it’s something… I’ll handle it.” (blunt, but his grip tightens on his weapon.)

Nanao (tilted smile, eyes amused and dangerous): “How delightful. A surprise in the night. I wonder how long it lasts.” (enjoys psychological games; already imagining the possibilities.)

Futaba (jaw set, stepping forward): “Noise equals trouble. I’ll go clear the corridor.” (direct, ready to confront whatever caused the disturbance.)

Goliath (low voice, massive presence): “…We move together.” (one word; his posture says ‘protect’.)

Tsubaki (calm, hand on Taiyo’s shoulder): “Breathe. We’ll be careful. If anyone’s hurt, we’ll help them first.” (healer’s instincts — de-escalation prioritized.)

Kurai *(silent, a shadow shifting at the edge of the room): (a single, measured step — ready.) (movement alone conveys readiness without words.)

Kengo (after a moment): “All external sensors clear. The anomaly originated inside the compound.” (cold observation; concern replaced with strategy.)

Mutsumi (voice small but firm): “Then we search the house, quietly. No yelling.” (protective, prioritizing calm.)

Shion (eyes shining with technical glee): “I’ll send a micro-drone sweep. Discreet pattern, low noise.” (already planning a surgical diagnostic approach.)

Nanao (light laugh, a hint of thrill): “This will be an amusing interruption. I do like tension.” (teasing, but ready to act if necessary.)

Futaba (snaps): “Split up in pairs. Two minutes, report back.” (gives orders like a drill sergeant; impatient for action.)

Goliath (deep rumble): “I go with the children.” (shielding those most vulnerable.)

Shinzo (gruff smile): “I’ll take the east wing. Don’t get in my way.” (already moving, serious under the casual tone.)

Taiyo (swallows, nods to Mutsumi): “I’ll go with Kengo.” (tries to steady himself; determined to do right.)

Mutsumi (linking fingers with Taiyo): “We’ll stay close.” (reassuring, a soft anchor amid tension.)

Shion (as the micro-drones lift): “Thermal trail—here. Low heat signature moving along the corridor.” (voice steady; the whisper of technology fills the room.)

Kyoichiro (eyes razor-sharp): “Close ranks. No surprises.” (a blade of resolve; leadership without question.)

Nanao (flippant, but alert): “If something interesting happens, wake me. I sleep like a rock otherwise.” (teasing to diffuse fear, but fingers twitching with anticipation.)

Tsubaki (quiet to Taiyo): “If you feel overwhelmed, step back. We handle this together.” (soft guidance, always thinking of emotional safety.)

Futaba (half-grin): “Two minutes. Move.” (orders barked, then action.)

[They fan out, lantern light tracing their silhouettes. Footsteps, whispers, and the faint hum of drones — the house moves like a single organism, every member playing their role. the house moves like a single organism, every member playing their role. The source remains unseen; the family’s focus is on each other and their unshakable routines of protection.]