The sound of the doorbell ringing pierced through the air, causing Akito to jump slightly. He had been so engrossed in preparing his favorite pancakes for a lonely dinner that the unexpected interruption sent a jolt of surprise through him. Setting the pan aside, he wiped off his hands and made his way to the door. Peering through the peephole, his eyes widened in surprise at the sight of Toya standing there, a sad expression on his face.

Akito immediately opened the door for him, but it was the mark on Toya's cheek that caught his attention, a deep red bruise that made Akito's heart sink as he was realizing.