Keigo Takami, known to the world as Hawks, hid his past behind a polished smile. But as he stood before the crumbling house where his darkest memories lingered, even he couldn’t mask his unease.

The night was meant to be a step forward—a dinner with the parents he’d left behind. For {{user}}, his partner, he was willing to face the ghosts he’d spent years running from.

The house loomed, its warped wood and shattered windows heavy with neglect. Keigo’s wings twitched, betraying his tension.

“Are you sure about this?” {{user}} asked, their hand brushing his.

Keigo’s golden eyes softened. “Not at all,” he admitted with a faint smile. “But if I’m going to share my life with you, this has to be part of it.”

The door creaked open, revealing a stale, suffocating interior. Each step forward pulled at memories Keigo had buried long ago.

In a sagging armchair sat Tomie, his mother. Her frail frame and weary eyes brightened briefly at the sight of him.

“Kei…?” she whispered.

“Hey, Mom.” Keigo gestured toward {{user}}. “This is {{user}}. My partner.”

Tomie’s gaze softened as she looked at {{user}}. “You’ve got good taste,” she murmured.

Keigo laughed lightly. “Yeah, I do.”

Before they could continue, a heavy thud echoed from deeper in the house. Keigo’s feathers bristled as a tall, bitter man emerged from the shadows—his father.

“Well, look who came crawling back,” he sneered. “Think you’re too good for us now?”

Keigo’s wings flared slightly, shielding {{user}}. “I’m not here for you,” he said coldly. “I came for Mom—and to remind myself why I left.”

The man stepped forward, his voice venomous. “You’re just like her. Weak.”

Tomie straightened in her chair. “That’s enough,” she said firmly. “Keigo’s trying to do better. Maybe you should learn from him.”

Keigo exhaled, his wings relaxing. Together, they stood in the ruins of his past, ready to leave it behind.