"Ready to go?" he asked Akai, glancing over at her with a friendly smile. He started the engine, and the car hummed to life.
As they pulled away from the house, she gazed out the window, watching the sleepy neighborhood wake up, while Ryder focused on the road ahead, his hands steady on the wheel.
"What are you carrying in your bag?" Ryder asked, glancing at the plastic bag beside Akai.
"There are some clothes your grandma prepared for me. I would return them after washing ." Akai replied, looking down at the bag.
"Did anyone ask you to return them?" Ryder asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No," Akai answered, her response simple and quiet.
"Then why are you thinking of returning them? Grandma would feel bad if you do so," Ryder said, his tone gentle but firm.
