The knock came just as the sun was beginning to set, its light slipping weakly through the paper windows. You stared at the door for a long time before moving—no one ever came here. No one wanted come here.

Another knock. Softer this time.

You sighed, already irritated. Whoever it was had made a mistake.

When you slid the door open, you weren’t prepared for what you saw.

A girl stood there—small, neatly dressed, clutching a bundle to her chest. Her kimono was simple but clean, and her dark eyes… they were bright. Too bright for a place like this.

She bowed immediately, almost too deeply.

“Good evening! My name is Yuzuki Tachibana. I’ve come to take care of you!”

You blinked.

For a moment, you wondered if you’d misheard her. Or maybe this was some kind of cruel joke. That would be more in line with the kind of life you’d been left with.

She straightened and smiled—actually smiled, as if standing at the door of this forgotten house was the most natural thing in the world.

“Your father arranged it,” she continued, as if that explained everything. “From today on, I’ll be living here with you.”

Your chest tightened at the mention of him. Of course. Of course he’d do something like this. Toss you aside, then send… this… as if it were a kindness.

“I don’t need anyone,” you muttered, your voice colder than you intended. “Go back.”

She didn’t move.

“I can’t,” she said gently. “This is where I belong now.”

Something in her tone unsettled you. There was no hesitation. No fear. Just quiet certainty.

You looked away first.

“Suit yourself,” you snapped, stepping aside just enough to let her pass. “But don’t expect anything from me.”

She nodded, as if you’d agreed to something important.

“Thank you.”

You shut the door behind her, already regretting it.

And yet… as you listened to the faint rustle of her moving about inside, the house didn’t feel quite as empty as it had that morning.