As he continued on his journey, the stars above seemed to shine with renewed brilliance, guiding him toward his destination. With each step, he felt a sense of purpose coursing through his veins, driving him ever forward toward a future filled with hope and possibility.
With Kaito's home just ahead, Haruto quickened his pace, his heart filled with anticipation.
As Haruto made his way through the bustling streets, he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building within him. The warm glow of the lanterns cast a soft light over the scene, illuminating the faces of the people milling about. The air was filled with the tantalizing scent of grilled meat and savory snacks, tempting his senses and stirring his appetite.
Stopping at a nearby food stall, Haruto purchased a selection of snacks, carefully choosing a variety of treats to share with Kaito's family. It was a small gesture, but one that he hoped would convey his gratitude and appreciation for their hospitality.
With the snacks in hand, Haruto made his way through the crowded streets, dodging and weaving through the throngs of people as he navigated his way to Kaito's home. As he approached the building, he couldn't help but notice the lively atmosphere emanating from the neighboring house.
The sound of music and laughter filled the air, mingling with the tantalizing aroma of grilled meat and fragrant spices. Haruto glanced over at the source of the commotion and saw a lavish party in full swing. Yu Kizuna, the daughter of one of the concubines, was celebrating her awakening her jigoku eyes in grand style, her mother pulling out all the stops to ensure her family's safety and status within the clan.
Despite the allure of the party, Haruto knew where his priorities lay. With a determined set to his jaw, he skirted around the edge of the festivities and made his way to Kaito's home, located on the outskirts of the building.
As he approached the door, Haruto took a moment to gather his thoughts. He knew that Kaito's mother could be harsh at times, but he also knew that she had a deep love for her son and would do anything to ensure his success and survival within the clan.
With a deep breath, Haruto knocked on the door, the sound echoing through the quiet hallway. Moments later, the door swung open, revealing Kaito's mother standing in the doorway, her expression guarded but not unkind.
"Haruto," she greeted him, her voice tinged with surprise. "What brings you here?"
"I... uh, brought some snacks," Haruto replied, holding out the small bundle of treats. "I was wondering if... if it would be alright for me to stay the night."
Kaito's mother regarded him for a moment, her eyes flicking over his face before softening slightly. "Come in," she said, stepping aside to let him enter.
As Haruto stepped into the warmth of the house, he couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over him.
"He's at your place isn't he?"
This question froze Haruto in his tracks, Kaito's mother was observant and her deductive skills were no joke. "Y..yes" he answered his gaze lowered as he stared at the hard wood floor, considering her age she was considered no longer fit to be a concubine by whoever was Kaito's father and was tossed aside, the fact that despite Haruto's mother being a few years younger than her and still receiving attention was a blow to her pride as a woman.
And yet, she let Haruto into her house, whether out of fear for Lord Bloodfire or parental love fore Haruto that was unknown.
Haruto's heart raced as he stood before Kaito's mother, her penetrating gaze seeming to pierce through his very soul. He felt a wave of guilt wash over him, knowing that he had inadvertently betrayed Kaito's trust by seeking refuge in their home without his friend's knowledge.
"I'm sorry," Haruto muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't mean to cause any trouble."
Kaito's mother regarded him with a mixture of pity and understanding, her expression softening as she took in his troubled demeanor. "You're not in trouble, Haruto," she said gently, her voice carrying a note of compassion. "But you should know better than to keep secrets from us."
Kaito's mother gave him a reassuring smile, her eyes twinkling with kindness. "Good," she said, patting him gently on the shoulder. "Now, come join us for dinner. There's plenty of food to go around, and I'm sure Kaito will be glad to see you."
With a grateful nod, Haruto followed Kaito's mother into the cozy living room, where a warm fire crackled in the hearth and the scent of home-cooked meals filled the air. Despite the lingering tension in the air, Haruto couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the warmth and hospitality of Kaito's family.
His best friend sitting by the fire and pot of food with a bowling hand, singing carefree with his little sister.
"Soup, soup, mother's soup is the yummiest"
Haruto couldn't help but smile at the sight of Kaito and his little sister, their laughter filling the room with warmth and joy. It was moments like these that reminded him of the true meaning of family and friendship.
As he joined them at the table, Haruto felt a sense of belonging wash over him, the worries and troubles of the outside world fading away in the comforting embrace of Kaito's family.
The soup was rich and flavorful, each spoonful a comforting reminder of home. As they ate, Kaito's mother regaled them with stories of her youth, her eyes shining with nostalgia as she reminisced about days gone by.
'I wonder if this is what family is for,' Haruto thought as a disturbing memory of him dying at his family's hand as Arthur flashed in his mind, that memory ruined the taster of good soup in his mouth.
Haruto's pleasant reverie was abruptly interrupted by the unwelcome intrusion of painful memories. The taste of the delicious soup turned bitter in his mouth as he was reminded of the dark shadow that loomed over his past.
The memory of Arthur, the man who fought to save the world, who gave everything for humans only for them to betray him in the end, sent a shiver down Haruto's spine.
The warm glow of the fire cast dancing shadows across the cozy living room as Haruto mustered up the courage to broach the delicate subject with Kaito's mother. Despite the pleasant atmosphere, a sense of tension hung in the air, the weight of Haruto's request heavy on his shoulders.
"Um, Kaito's mother," Haruto began tentatively, his voice barely above a whisper. "I... I need your help with something."
Kaito's mother turned to him, her eyes filled with concern. "Of course, Haruto. What is it?" she asked, her tone gentle and reassuring.
Haruto hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts before plunging ahead. "It's about my hair," he confessed, a flush creeping up his cheeks. "Lord Bloodfire... he doesn't like it. He commanded me to change it, to dye it jet black."
Kaito's mother's eyes widened in surprise, a frown marring her features. "That arrogant fool," she muttered under her breath, her disdain for the clan leader evident in her tone. "Who does he think he is, dictating how others should look?"
Despite the pang of guilt that gnawed at him, Haruto couldn't help but feel a sense of relief at Kaito's mother's words. It was rare to find someone who dared to defy the leader of the clan so openly, and Haruto found himself feeling grateful for her support.
"I... I don't know how to dye my hair," Haruto admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I was hoping... maybe you could help me?"
Kaito's mother regarded him for a moment, her eyes softening with pity. "Of course, Haruto," she said gently, rising from her seat. "Let's take care of that right now."
With a sense of trepidation, Haruto followed Kaito's mother to the small washroom adjacent to the living room. The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of candlelight casting eerie shadows on the walls.
As Haruto sat in front of the mirror, Kaito's mother bustled about, gathering the necessary supplies for the task at hand. The smell of ammonia and dye filled the air, mingling with the scent of the burning candles.
"Your hair is beautiful, Haruto," Kaito's mother said softly, her voice laced with sincerity. "It's a shame to cover up such a unique color."
Haruto offered her a small smile, his heart swelling with gratitude for her kind words. Despite the circumstances, he couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and acceptance in her presence.
With practiced hands, Kaito's mother set to work, carefully applying the jet black dye to Haruto's silver locks. The process was meticulous and time-consuming, but Haruto found himself feeling oddly comforted by the rhythmic motion of her hands.