— Still Saturday Morning —
The kitchen filled with quiet, comfortable sounds—clinking cutlery, the low hum of Kaito flipping pages again (though still not reading), and the soft munching of pancakes from Ethan and Aya, who were now in a silent but intense competition to finish first.
Aya leaned forward with narrowed eyes, two bites ahead of him.
"You're slowing down, pancake prince."
"I'm savoring. It's called refinement," Ethan replied without looking up.
"It's called losing."
Ethan calmly reached for the honey.
"You already poured honey," Aya pointed out.
"A strategic second layer," he said.
"You're cheating with flavor."
"You're cheating with speed."
"Stop arguing and chew," Hana said from the stove, though her tone was light.
Aya rolled her eyes and took another oversized bite.
Kaito set the book aside completely now, stretching his arms with a loud yawn. He looked around the room like he was seeing it for the first time that morning.
"Hmm. Table's clean. Children are fed. No sauce explosions. It's a rare Saturday morning miracle."
"Don't jinx it," Hana warned.
"Maybe we should take a family walk today," he said. "The clouds are clearing, and Aya's got enough energy to power a village."
Aya's head shot up. "Can we go by the bakery?"
"Only if you help clean the dishes afterward," Hana said.
"Deal."
"You always say that," Ethan muttered. "Then you sneak off before the last plate."
"That's called delegation."
"It's called betrayal."
Aya giggled. Kaito shook his head fondly.
"Let's not pretend like Ethan doesn't disappear into thin air when it's time to sweep."
"That's self-preservation."
"Inherited," Hana said, eyeing Kaito.
He placed a hand dramatically over his chest. "False allegations. I am a reformed man."
"You're a recycled excuse," Hana murmured, walking past and ruffling his hair.
"See what I deal with?" Kaito said to the kids. "Outnumbered. Outwitted. Out-married."
Ethan smiled at that—really smiled, the kind that started in his eyes and stretched across his face before he realized it. There was something about mornings like this that made him forget everything else. School, homework, strange dreams, the confusing lessons about Yin and Yang energy, the occasional flickers of… something… inside him he couldn't explain.
They all faded in the glow of eggs and pancakes, Aya's crooked grin, and Hana's steady voice.
"We should visit the town square," Hana said after a pause. "It's been a while."
"And we could stop by Miss Suki's flower shop," Aya added quickly, eyes lighting up. "She might have those purple sky-lilies again!"
"Don't forget the bakery," Kaito added. "If we don't show up, old man Ren will think we've moved out of town."
Ethan took a slow sip of water, watching them talk, listening to the plans unfold like music. The sunlight on the table shimmered slightly, catching the side of Aya's cheek as she chattered away.
"What if…" Ethan began, setting his cup down gently.
They all looked at him. It was rare for him to interrupt with suggestions, especially when things already felt decided.
"What if we end the day with a picnic? Somewhere quiet—like that grassy hill behind the shrine. You know the one."
Aya gasped. "The one with the big tree and the wind that makes the grass sing?!"
"Yeah," Ethan said, glancing at her. "That one."
"That's actually… a really nice idea," Hana said, a little surprised, but smiling. "The weather's just right for it, too."
"I could pack extra food," she continued, thinking aloud. "Rice balls, some fruit, maybe a few of those ginger cookies you two like."
"I'll bring my sketchbook!" Aya declared. "And I'll draw everyone like warriors in the sun!"
"Make sure you draw my best side," Kaito said, patting his cheek.
"Your best side is Mom," Ethan muttered under his breath.
Hana gave a quiet laugh and rolled her eyes. "You're all hopeless."
Kaito looked over at Ethan again, not teasing this time. Just thoughtful.
"A picnic, huh?" he said. "You've been quiet lately… but that's a good idea, kiddo. Real good."
Ethan shrugged. "Just feels right."
And it did. Deep down, in a place he didn't have words for, it felt right.
Not exciting, not wild—just… peaceful.
Something worth remembering.
Aya was already running off to gather supplies, shouting about drawing swords and apples. Kaito went to help Hana clean the dishes, quietly taking over before she could protest. The kitchen buzzed with new energy now, the kind that clung to simple joys and sunny plans.
Ethan lingered at the table, still holding his cup.
He didn't know why, but he had the faintest ache in his chest.
Like the day had already become a memory.