Kazuo opened his eyes, slowly emerging from a peaceful sleep. Morning light filtered through the curtains in his room, casting delicate patterns on the wall. He stretched, his muscles still stiff, when he heard voices coming from downstairs.
He frowned, recognizing one of them: Hiroshi.
"What's he doing here so early?" Kazuo muttered as he sat up in bed.
He strained to listen. His mother's warm laughter filled the air as she chatted with Hiroshi.
"... Yes, he was always like that as a child!"
"True, Mrs. Saito. Kazuo hasn't changed much since then, has he?" Hiroshi replied in a casual tone.
Kazuo sighed, annoyed. He quickly pulled on his uniform, headed downstairs, and found Hiroshi sitting comfortably at the kitchen table, sipping tea like he owned the place.
"Early riser, huh?" Kazuo grumbled, giving his former friend a tired, unamused glare.
Hiroshi flashed him a bright smile.
