The soft hum of the air conditioner mixed with the gentle clinking of cups as Yuki set the tea tray down on the table. Shion's family home was warm and inviting, the scent of freshly baked cookies lingering in the air. It had been two years since the tragedy that left a void in their lives, but the Shizuki household continued to soldier on, even with a sadness that seemed to seep into the walls.
In the living room, Kenji, Shion's younger brother, was sprawled on the carpet in front of the television. His fingers deftly worked the controller as he played a co-op game with Aki, who sat cross-legged beside him.
"Come on, Aki-san! You're dragging us down again!" Kenji teased, his tone light but his concentration unbroken.
"Hey, I'm doing my best here, Kenji-kun," Aki replied, a hint of exasperation in his voice as his character was defeated yet again. "You've been playing this for years. Cut me some slack!"
