The night had fallen completely by the time Raito pulled up to the villa, headlights cutting across the driveway like silent blades. Emi was already dozing in her car seat, her tiny hand still clutching the plush toy Yumi had given her. The backseat was filled with pink bags, boxes, and bubble-wrapped collectibles—an absurd contrast to the sleek, shadowed exterior of the villa.
Raito unbuckled Emi and hoisted the sleepy baby into his arms. She stirred slightly but didn't wake. With a sigh, he nudged the front door open with his foot and stepped inside.
He was immediately met with an ambush.
"There you are!" Raika's voice came flying from the living room, full of heat and sharp worry. "You said you'd be back before sunset! Do you know how late it is?! Emi's still a baby, she shouldn't be dragged around like—"
Then she noticed the bags.
"And what the hell is all this… merchandise?!"
Raika stood still for a moment, lips pressed into a tight line. Her arms crossed.
"And you could've texted," she muttered.
"I was working."
"Working?! You come home looking like you robbed a toy store, and you call it working?!"
Raito let out a tired exhale. "I'm going to shower."
Still holding Emi, he walked past her and up the stairs without another word. Raika let out a muffled groan and flopped onto the couch, glaring at the wall like it was to blame.
Fifteen minutes later, Raito emerged again, dressed in a dark shirt and sweatpants, hair damp from the shower. He found Raika standing by the table, staring at the bags like they were radioactive.
"…So, what's with all the Kawai Kitty stuff?" she asked, arms crossed again. "You some kind of secret superfan or something?"
Raito didn't miss a beat. "Bought it for Emi."
Raika narrowed her eyes. "Really?"
"She likes the colors."
"Uh-huh…"
"I'm tired, so go away."
She huffed, clearly wanting to argue, but finally threw up her hands in surrender. "Fine, whatever. At least hand her over."
Raito gently passed Emi into her arms. The baby murmured softly, curling into Raika's chest, completely at peace.
"You should get some sleep too," he said flatly. "It's late."
"Don't act like you're the responsible one," she muttered as she turned toward the stairs. "Good night."
"'Night."
As her footsteps faded away, Raito stood alone in the living room, surrounded by pastel pinks and sparkles. He sighed again and dragged himself to his room, dropping into bed with the heaviness of someone who had done too much for one day.
Just as he closed his eyes, Kurai's voice slithered in through the silence.
"So... are we gonna call the princess, or are we ignoring the veiled threats of a blackmailing celebrity?"
Raito pulled the blanket over his shoulder. "I have better things to do than take threats from a silly girl."
"Heh… you really know how to pick your enemies."
"I'm going to sleep."
"Suit yourself. Just don't come crying to me when she shows up at your front door with a camera crew."
Raito didn't reply.
He was already drifting off, the weight of the day finally catching up to him. The villa settled into stillness, save for the soft hum of appliances and the gentle breathing of its strange, temporary family.