As Kai stepped into the house behind Akane, he was struck by the unique blend of modern Japanese architecture that surrounded him.
It was a refreshing departure from the typical urban designs he'd encountered in the city.
While he was taking in the aesthetics, a burst of energy heralded the arrival of Akane's younger brother, Sora. The boy sprinted toward his sister, arms outstretched.
Akane, her eyes sparkling with affection, bent down to receive her little brother's enthusiastic embrace. She ruffled his hair and patted his head gently.
Sora looked up at his sister, his eyes brimming with curiosity. "Hey, Big Sister, how was it there? Do you have anything for me?" he inquired, his excitement barely contained.
Akane beamed at her brother. "Of course, Sora. I brought gifts for everyone, and Uncle and Aunt sent the cookies and sweets you liked. Let me take them out of the bag."
As Akane reached for her bag, she suddenly realized her lapse in courtesy.
She turned to Kai with an apologetic smile. "I'm so sorry, Kai. I got caught up in the moment and didn't introduce you."
Kai, understanding the situation, waved it off with a reassuring smile. "No worries, Akane. It's perfectly normal. This is your family reunion, after all."
Meanwhile, as Kai and Akane exchanged words, Sora looked at Kai with a puzzled expression.
"Big Sister, who is this person?" he asked, pointing at Kai.
Akane introduced Kai to her brother, emphasizing the importance of politeness. "Sora, this is Kai. He's the one who helped me all the way from the station to here"
Sora, a bit shy but with a happy smile, stepped out from behind his sister. "H-Hello. My name is Sora. Nice to meet you."
Kai approached the young boy, crouching down to his level and extending a friendly hand. "Hello, Sora. My name is Kai. Nice to meet you too."
Sora shook Kai's hand and then darted back behind his sister, a bashful grin on his face. Akane couldn't help but laugh at her brother's reaction. "What happened, Sora?"
Kai, seeing Sora's charming shyness, couldn't help but think, "How cute."
As this exchange unfolded, two figures appeared from the corridor, approaching the entrance.
Akane's expression lit up with happiness as she rushed toward them, calling, "Mom, Dad!"
With open arms, Akane's parents welcomed her back, their smiles warm and affectionate.
Akane launched into an animated conversation, sharing stories of her travels, and her parents listened with interest.
Feeling a bit out of place and awkward, Kai wondered if he should excuse himself from the family reunion. But before he could decide, Akane quickly introduced him.
"Mom, Dad, meet Kai. He's the one who helped me all the way from the station to here, just as I told you."
Kai greeted them warmly, "Hello, Uncle, Aunty."
Akane's parents responded with genuine warmth and a smile, "Hello."
Feeling somewhat overwhelmed, Kai wasn't sure how to continue the conversation.
Akane's mother noticed his discomfort and let out a light giggle. "No need to be so tense, Kai."
Akane's father chimed in, "Yeah, and thank you for helping our daughter."
Kai, still a bit nervous but genuinely pleased, stammered, "N-No need to thank me. I was happy to help."
Akane sensed Kai's unease and quickly intervened. "Dad, Kai, and I were talking on our way, and I mentioned your love for swords and your collection. He was curious and wanted to see them. Would you mind showing him?"
Akane's father's eyes gleamed with enthusiasm. "You're interested in swords too, Kai?"
A bit surprised by the sudden attention, Kai responded, "Yes."
Without further ado, Akane's father took Kai's arm and led him toward the room where his collection was stored.
Kai, slightly taken aback, couldn't refuse the man's enthusiasm as he was guided into the world of magnificent swords.
The room was like a treasure trove, the walls adorned with an impressive assortment of swords and blades.
As Kai listened to Akane's father passionately describe each one, he couldn't help but be drawn into the world of these intricate, beautiful weapons.