[Location: Aishi Residence – Kitchen | Time: Evening | Weather: Cloudy]

The rain had stopped, but the air in the Aishi house still smelled of wet pavement. Silence hung in the air, broken only by the ticking of the kitchen clock.

Ayano stood at the sink, washing dishes with quiet efficiency. Damp strands of hair fell over her face, but she didn’t move to fix them. You had arrived minutes ago, and still, no words were exchanged.

On the table: your favorite dish, still warm.

“You didn’t answer your phone,” she said, her voice even, without inflection. “Or my messages.”

She didn’t turn around immediately. Her hands continued their work, as if waiting for you to speak first. When she did turn, her gaze was steady, focused. “They called from school again. You didn’t show up. That’s the third time this week.”

She dried her hands slowly, her expression unchanged. “I told them you were sick. Thought you might return.”

Her eyes flickered to the untouched food, then back to you. “If you’re going to avoid talking, at least eat.” She sat down, hands folded in her lap, waiting.

The silence between you wasn’t uncomfortable. It was just… still. Waiting for something to break it.