...Morning Conversations...

"Take care of the house while I’m gone, Pia," Akio said, glancing at his watch as he fixed his tie. His sharp suit and polished shoes were a testament to his professionalism.

Pia leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, a teasing smirk on his face. "And you think I won’t? Have I ever let you down? Come on bro ! I’ve only been doing that for, what, the past five years? Give me a real challenge, Akio."

Akio chuckled softly, brushing his neatly combed hair back. "No, you haven’t. But still, someone has to remind you, just in case you’re tempted to slack off."

"Slack off? Please," Pia scoffed. "You’re the one who vanishes to your office and leaves me to deal with the house and the brat."

From the kitchen, a voice piped up. "I heard that!" Riku shouted, his small face peeking out from behind the fridge door. "I’m not a brat!"

"That confidence is impressive," Akio replied, pulling his blazer over his shoulders. "But remember, it’s not just about the chores. Keep an eye on Riku. He’s been unusually quiet the past few days."

"Quiet?" Pia raised an eyebrow. "Are we talking about the same kid who almost set the toaster on fire last week because he wanted to 'see how electricity worked'?"

"Hey!" Riku’s voice rang out from the kitchen. "That was an experiment, and it was almost successful!"

Pia and Akio exchanged a look, both suppressing a laugh.

"You sure about that?" Pia shot back, grinning.

Akio shook his head, his usual serious demeanor softening into amusement. "Don’t be too hard on him, Pia. He’s only ten. And Riku, stop raiding the fridge. It’s not even lunchtime."

Riku groaned, shutting the fridge door. "Fine. But I’m not a brat," he muttered under his breath, dragging his feet back to the living room.

Akio turned back to Pia. "Alright, I’m off. I’ll be back late, so don’t wait up. And Pia..."

"Yeah?"

"Thanks. For everything." Akio’s tone was quieter now, more serious.

Pia nodded, his smirk fading into a small smile. "Don’t mention it. Just don’t work yourself to death out there."

Akio hesitated for a moment, his expression unreadable. "I’ll be fine," he said finally, his tone quieter. He adjusted his tie one last time, grabbed his briefcase, and headed for the door.

Riku poked his head out of the kitchen just in time to wave. "Don’t forget to bring me something cool from work, Akio!"

"Like what?" Akio asked, already halfway out the door.

"Something mysterious! Maybe a secret file or a gadget!" Riku said, his eyes gleaming.

"Not happening," Akio replied, his voice tinged with amusement. "Be good, Riku. And don’t blow up the house."

...Reflecting on the Past...

With that, the door clicked shut, and Akio’s car engine roared to life. Pia watched from the window as his older brother disappeared down the street, leaving the house unnervingly quiet. Sundays were supposed to be relaxing, but in their house, they were anything but.

After grabbing a broom, Pia began his daily chores. Cleaning, folding laundry, fixing the occasional broken item—it had become second nature to him over the years. He worked silently, his mind drifting back to the past.

As he swept the living room floor, his eyes landed on the old family photo hanging above the fireplace. The five of them—his parents, Akio, himself, and Riku—stood smiling against the backdrop of a cherry blossom tree.

It felt like a lifetime ago.

Pia’s thoughts wandered as he worked.Their mother, Yuki, had been the heart of their family. Pia remembered her faintly—a soft smile, warm hugs, and the smell of lavender that lingered wherever she went. Their mother’s death had been the first crack in their family. She had been their anchor, her gentle presence holding them together. When she passed away after Riku’s birth, everything changed.

Her death had left a void in their lives, one that even Akio’s tireless efforts couldn’t completely fill.

Akio, only ten years old at the time, had to grow up overnight. He took on responsibilities no child should have to face, and even now, Pia often wondered how Akio managed to stay so composed.

Then there was their father, Kenji. A man shrouded in mystery, even to his own family. His interests in ancient artifacts, cryptic symbols, and the occult had always been a source of fascination—and concern.

When Kenji died in what the authorities called a “freak accident,” the questions only multiplied. The details were vague, the explanations incomplete. Pia remembered the hushed conversations Akio had with the police. Akio had tried to shield Pia and Riku from the truth, but Pia wasn’t blind. He had seen the unease in Akio’s eyes whenever their father’s name was mentioned.

Pia shook his head, trying to dispel the thoughts. Dwelling on the past wouldn’t change anything.

...Riku’s Antics...

"Pia!" Riku’s voice shattered the silence, pulling Pia out of his thoughts.

"What now?" Pia called, exasperated. He found Riku in the living room, crouched over a pile of old books and papers.

"Look at this," Riku said excitedly, holding up a torn page covered in strange symbols. "Isn’t it cool?"

Pia frowned, leaning closer. "Where did you get that?"

"From Dad’s old box in the attic," Riku said nonchalantly, as if rummaging through forbidden belongings was the most natural thing in the world.

"Riku, you’re not supposed to mess with that stuff," Pia said, his tone firm. "Akio would kill you if he found out."

"But why not?" Riku argued, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Dad loved this stuff. It’s like a treasure hunt!"

"Yeah, a treasure hunt that could get you grounded for life," Pia retorted, snatching the paper from Riku’s hands.

"Come on, Pia," Riku whined. "Don’t you ever wonder about the things Dad was into? He wasn’t just some regular guy. He was... different."

Pia paused, looking at the symbols on the page. He hated to admit it, but Riku wasn’t entirely wrong. Kenji had been different, and his interests had always been shrouded in mystery.

"Just... be careful, alright?" Pia said finally, handing the paper back. "And put this stuff away before Akio gets home."

"Fine," Riku said, though his mischievous grin suggested he had no intention of stopping his exploration anytime soon.

...Pia’s Perspective...

As the day went on, Pia found himself reflecting on their family’s situation. It has been 14 yrs since they moved here. They lost both of their father and mother. Akio was the glue that held them together, but Pia often worried about him. At just 20, Akio had taken on responsibilities that most people wouldn’t face in a lifetime.

And then there was Riku, the wild card. His fascination with their father’s strange hobbies sometimes bordered on obsession. Pia wondered if it was just a phase or if there was something deeper at play—something that tied their family’s past to their uncertain future.

Pia glanced at the family photo hanging on the wall. It was old, slightly faded, but it was the only one they had with all five of them together. Yuki’s smile was radiant, Kenji looked as enigmatic as ever, and the three brothers stood in front, oblivious to the challenges that lay ahead.

"What’s next for us?" Pia thought, his gaze lingering on the photo. "Will we ever get answers, or are we just meant to keep moving forward, pretending everything’s fine?"

...Evening Stillness...

By evening, the chores were done, and the house had fallen into its usual quiet rhythm. Pia sat on the couch, flipping through a book, while Riku played with one of his gadgets on the floor.

A sudden creak broke the silence, coming from the basement. Pia froze, his ears straining to catch any further sounds.

"Did you hear that?" he asked, his voice low.

Riku didn’t even look up. "Probably a rat. Or maybe it’s one of Dad’s secrets coming to life," he added with a smirk.

Pia sighed, getting up to check. He opened the basement door cautiously, peering into the darkness. A faint scurrying noise confirmed Riku’s theory—a rat darted across the floor, disappearing into the shadows.

"Just a rat," Pia muttered, closing the door.

"See? Nothing to worry about," Riku said, though his grin suggested he was slightly disappointed.

Pia sighed, closing the door and leaning against it. "I swear, this house is gonna drive me insane one day."

As he returned to the couch, his thoughts drifted once more to their father. The house was filled with his presence—not in a ghostly sense, but in the remnants of his life: the books, the trinkets, the lingering questions.

Pia glanced at Riku, who was now engrossed in his gadget, and then at the clock on the wall. Akio would be home late, as always.

For now, it was just the two of them, navigating the strange, unpredictable life they had inherited.

...Ending with Reflection...

As the night deepened, Pia found himself sitting by the window, gazing at the dark street outside. The quiet hum of the neighborhood was a stark contrast to the storm of thoughts swirling in his mind.

Their family had been through so much—loss, uncertainty, and the weight of unanswered questions. Yet, they had endured.

Pia glanced at the family photo on the wall, his eyes lingering on their parents’ faces. "What were you hiding, Dad?" he thought. "And why does it feel like it’s not over yet?"

He sighed, closing his eyes for a moment. The past was a mystery, and the future seemed equally uncertain. But for now, all he could do was focus on the present.

"The past feels like a puzzle we’ll never solve," he thought, resting his chin on his hand. "And the future... it’s just as uncertain. But no matter what, we’ll face it together. That’s what family is for."

With that thought, he turned off the lights and headed upstairs, leaving the house in silence. Somewhere in the shadows, the secrets of the Kuzo family waited to be uncovered.

...****************...

The faint glow of the morning sun seeped through the curtains of the Kuzo house, painting the walls with muted golden hues. The soft chirping of birds outside was almost drowned out by the faint hum of a distant car engine, signaling the start of another busy day in the quiet neighborhood. The house at 25 Oval Street stood still, its old wooden structure creaking gently under the cool morning breeze.

Pia slowly opened his eyes, his mind groggy and clouded with thoughts from the night before. He had fallen asleep wondering about Akio—when he would return and whether he was safe. He waited sitting on his bed and watching by the window, staring at the dark, empty streets, the flickering streetlight outside casting eerie shadows on the pavement.

He shook off the lingering drowsiness and sat up on his bed. The faint sunlight filtering through the window illuminated his small, cluttered room, revealing scattered books, an unkempt bed, and a single framed photograph of the family—taken years ago, back when their lives seemed simpler. Pia sighed, running a hand through his messy hair, before stretching and standing up.

...The Morning Routine...

Pia cleaned his room quickly, tidying up the scattered items and straightening his blanket. His thoughts were still a jumbled mess. He remembered Akio hadn’t been home when he fell asleep.

Where had he been? And why hadn’t he at least called?

Pia headed downstairs, the wooden stairs creaking under his weight. As he reached the hall, he glanced at the old wall clock hanging near the doorway. The clock’s faint tick-tock echoed in the quiet house. "6:00 already," Pia murmured, rubbing his eyes.

Walking into the hall, Pia stopped abruptly. His eyes widened in surprise as he saw Akio sprawled on the couch like a beast was sleeping. Pia blinked, the sight catching him off guard. Akio wasn’t someone who usually rested on the couch; his disciplined nature ensured that he was always up early and ready for the day ahead.

Pia was taken aback. He couldn't process the way Akio looked. He rubbed his eyes twice to see clear whether it was Akio or not. Shaking his head, Pia decided not to disturb him just yet.

Heading to the kitchen, Pia set the kettle on the stove and prepared two cups of coffee. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, bringing a faint smile to his lips. Carrying the mugs back to the hall, he stopped. The couch was empty. Pia’s heart skipped a beat as he glanced around.

"Looking for me?" Akio’s voice came from behind, startling Pia. Turning around, he saw his elder brother emerging from his room, dressed in casual attire—a stark contrast to his usual office wear.

"You're already awake?" Pia asked, his voice tinged with confusion. "I thought you were asleep on the couch."

Akio chuckled, running a hand through his neatly combed hair. "I was, but I moved to my room after you got up. Didn’t want to disturb you."

"But aren’t you late for work?" Pia questioned, glancing at the clock again. "It’s past six. You never leave this late."

Akio smirked, taking the coffee mug from Pia. "I’m not going in today."

Pia froze, staring at his brother in disbelief. "What? You’re taking a day off?"

Akio nodded, his calm demeanor contrasting with Pia’s shocked expression.

"You never take a day off. Not even on Sundays! What’s going on?" Pia pressed, narrowing his eyes.

"Well," Akio said with a sly grin, "maybe I felt like it. And for the record, neither is Riku going to school today."

The mention of Riku ignited a spark of annoyance in Pia. "What?!" he exclaimed, slamming his coffee mug on the table. "Do you know how many days he’s already missed? His attendance is dropping like crazy! He’ll get into trouble if this keeps up!"

Without waiting for Akio’s response, Pia stormed off toward Riku’s room. The younger boy had a knack for avoiding school and creating trouble, and Pia wasn’t going to let it slide this time.

...The Hustle-Bustle Between Brothers...

Pia barged into Riku’s room, finding the boy buried under his blanket. "Riku!" Pia shouted, pulling the blanket off with a swift motion.

Riku groaned, squinting at his elder brother. "What now? It’s too early for this!"

"Too early? It’s Monday morning, and you’re skipping school again! Do you even care about your attendance?" Pia retorted, his voice filled with frustration.

Riku sat up, rubbing his eyes. "School’s boring. I’ll catch up later. Besides, Akio said it was okay."

"Akio said—" Pia began, but before he could finish, a loud voice interrupted him.

"Alright, enough!" Akio stood at the door, his authoritative tone silencing both brothers. "Let’s not start the day with a fight. Riku isn’t going to school because I said so. End of discussion."

"But Akio—" Pia started again, only to be cut off.

"No buts. Focus on getting ready. You’re the one who’s going to be late for school at this rate," Akio said firmly.

Pia sighed, shaking his head. "Fine. But this isn’t over." He shot a glare at Riku before leaving the room.

...The Rush to School...

"6:10 already? I am definitely going to be late Today! ", Pia’s heart sank.

He rushed through his morning routine, gathering his books, packing his bag, and preparing breakfast for everyone.

His movements were quick but methodical—he had done this countless times before.

Just as he was about to leave, Akio stopped him in the hall. "Hey, leave the housework to me today," Akio said, taking the dishcloth from Pia’s hands. "You focus on school. I’ll handle the household for today."

Pia gave him a skeptical look. "You? Handle the housework? That's rich !"

Akio grinning mocking, "What’s that supposed to mean?"

"It means you don’t even know how to separate whites from the colors when doing laundry", Pia smirked.

Akio said grinning "That was one time."

"Alright, but don’t forget to bring milk and the groceries......... and also don't forget to fix the toaster and the fridge," Pia said, listing tasks as he grabbed his bag.

"Sure. Milk, groceries, clean house, fix the toaster and the fridg....—wait. Fix the fridge?" Akio replied

At the mention of the fridge, Akio frowned. "What did Riku do this time?"

Pia smirked. "Let’s just say it involved magnets and a lot of bad ideas."

Akio groaned, heading upstairs toward Riku’s room with a determined look. "Riku! What did you do to the fridge?"

Pia took the opportunity to slip out of the house, shouting, "I’m leaving! Don’t burn the house down!!"

""Need a ride? It’s already 6:33!" Akio called from upstairs.

"I’m good! Later!" Pia replied, hopping onto his bicycle.

Akio comes downstairs to see him off, leaning against the doorway with a smile.

"Don’t forget your lunch!" Akio said in a high voice.

"Got it!"

Akio stood at the door, watching as Pia rode off down the street. He waved, a small smile playing on his lips, before heading back inside to face the chaos his younger brother had undoubtedly created.

...The Journey to School...

The morning was painted in delicate hues of orange and gold, the sun rising slowly over the quiet streets of Oval Avenue . Pia pedaled at an even pace, his bicycle’s tires crunching softly against the asphalt. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of dew-drenched grass. It was the kind of morning that usually filled him with energy The faint sunlight trickled through the trees lining Oval Street, casting dappled shadows across the pavement. It was early, yet the world seemed alive with a quiet energy.

The neighborhood was slowly coming to life.

A mailman walked briskly along the sidewalk, his bag swaying with each step. A woman on her porch sipped coffee, her fluffy cat curled lazily by her feet. A jogger in a bright tracksuit passed by, offering a nod of acknowledgment. A bakery on the corner had just opened, and the aroma of fresh bread wafted through the air, mingling with the faint hum of morning traffic. A milkman balanced crates on his cycle, a mother tugged her child along to the bus stop, and a pair of dogs barked at each other from opposite sides of the road. He watched her as he passed, wondering how peaceful it must feel to start the day with such calmness.

Pia took a deep breath, feeling the cool air fill his lungs. He pedaled slowly at first, his eyes wandering across the familiar sights of the neighborhood. He always found these mornings oddly comforting. The rhythmic clicking of his bicycle chain, the occasional rustling of leaves, and the distant hum of cars on the main road created a melody he had come to appreciate.

The houses grew sparser as the road led into Crestwood Lane, where towering trees lined the street. The air seemed quieter here, the chatter of the town fading into a gentle hum. Children stood in small groups at bus stops, their laughter ringing through the air. Pia passed a boy tossing a ball to his dog, the animal bounding joyfully after it. For a moment, the simple scene eased his mind.

But as the road transitioned into "The Silencer Forest"—a patch of densely packed trees earning its ominous name for its eerie quiet—his thoughts began to shift. The lively scenes of the streets were left behind, replaced by the dark, towering trees that seemed to swallow sound itself. Pia felt the weight of solitude settle over him.

Despite these lively signs of routine, Pia couldn’t shake the strange sense of unease that had followed him since he’d left home.

"Akio... what’s going on with you? "

His mind replayed the image of his brother sprawled on the couch, completely unlike his usual composed and disciplined self. The Akio he had always known was meticulous, almost annoyingly so—everything about him, from his appearance to his actions, was perfectly calculated. But this morning, that Akio seemed to have disappeared, replaced by someone unrecognizable. Pia couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen Akio so careless.

"And then... ", Pia frowned as he recalled the abrupt transformation. " After reappearing from his room so suddenly, Akio had emerged looking as fresh and alert as ever, as though the figure on the couch had been a trick of my imagination."

Pia’s fingers tightened around the handlebars. "Was he pretending? No... Akio doesn’t play games like that. "

"And then there’s Riku", he thought, his brow furrowing. Akio’s sudden defense of their youngest brother had caught him off guard.

"Akio wasn’t the kind of person to coddle anyone, least of all Riku, who had been skipping school far too often. Why would he protect him? What’s going on between them?"

The cool air of the forest made him shiver slightly, though he wasn’t sure if it was from the temperature or his thoughts. Pia’s mind turned over the morning’s events again and again, trying to piece together the puzzle.

"Akio took the day off work, he thought, the idea still feeling foreign and wrong. The Akio I know would never take a day off unless he absolutely had to. Work is his life. So why now? "

He tried to rationalize it—" maybe Akio really did need a break. But that didn’t explain the strangeness of the morning, the way Akio had shifted between two completely different versions of himself. "

The forest ended as abruptly as it had begun, and Crestwood High came into view, its red-brick façade glowing warmly in the sunlight. Pia sighed, forcing himself to focus on the day ahead. But even as he parked his bike and joined the stream of students heading inside, the questions lingered in his mind, unanswered and unsettling.

...The School Day...

Crestwood High stood proudly, its red-brick walls and tall windows catching the morning light. The school was bustling with activity. Students streamed through the gates, chatting and laughing, while the faint hum of the school bell echoed faintly in the distance.

Pia parked his bike in the rack, securing it with a chain. Adjusting his bag, he joined the flow of students heading toward the entrance. Inside, the hallways were a flurry of motion—lockers slamming shut, sneakers squeaking against the polished floor, and a cacophony of voices filling the air.

As he approached his locker, a familiar voice called out.

“Yo, Pia!” Ethan, his best—and only—friend, jogged over and waving enthusiastically, his messy hair bouncing slightly. Ethan was the kind of guy who could light up a room, his energy and optimism contagious. “Did you saw a ghost today?", Ethan spoke in a teasing manner.

"Hey, Ethan," Pia greeted, managing a small smile. “Yeah, just didn’t get enough sleep, I guess.”, shaking his head.

“You're sure? You look like you’ve been run over by a truck, Everything okay?”" Ethan said, falling into step beside him.

"Rough morning," Pia admitted.

"Let me guess—Riku?"

Pia shook his head. "It’s Akio this time. He took the day off."

Ethan stopped in his tracks, his eyes wide. "Akio? Your Akio? The guy who works on Sundays and holidays? Are we talking about the same person?"

"Yeah, my thoughts exactly," Pia said, sighing.

Ethan leaned in conspiratorially. "Maybe he’s planning something big. A surprise, maybe?"

"I doubt it," Pia muttered, his mind still turning over the morning’s events.

The bell rang, signaling the start of the first period.

...First Period: Math...

The bell rang sharply, signaling the start of the day. The math classroom was a bright space, with sunlight streaming through the large windows that lined one wall. The faint sound of birds chirping outside seemed in stark contrast to the groans of students dragging their chairs into place. Pia slipped into his usual seat near the back, next to Ethan, and set his notebook on the desk.

Mr. Coleman, the math teacher, strode into the room. He was a tall, thin man with a stern face softened slightly by round glasses perched on his nose. He carried a stack of textbooks under one arm, his free hand adjusting his tie as he moved toward the board.

"Good morning, class," he said in his usual monotone voice, glancing briefly at the sea of half-awake students. "I hope you all reviewed the quadratic equations we covered last week because today's problems will be a bit more challenging."

A collective groan rippled through the room. Ethan leaned over to Pia, whispering, "Why does he always say 'challenging'? It’s just code for 'brain-melting torture.'"

Pia smiled faintly but didn’t reply. His mind was far from quadratic equations. As Mr. Coleman started writing problems on the board with precise, deliberate strokes, Pia’s thoughts drifted back to Akio.

He looked so... different this morning, Pia thought. Carefree, almost careless. That’s not the Akio I know. And why did he defend Riku? He’s always been the one to hold us accountable.

“Pia!”

Mr. Coleman’s sharp voice cut through his thoughts. Pia blinked, realizing the entire class was staring at him.

“Care to solve this one for us?” Mr. Coleman pointed at an equation on the board, his gaze unwavering.

Pia stammered, “Uh... sure.” He fumbled with his pencil, trying to focus on the numbers, but the equation looked like gibberish to him.

Ethan whispered from the side, “It’s x \= 4. Just say x \= 4.”

“X equals 4,” Pia blurted out.

Mr. Coleman raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. “Correct, but try to pay attention next time, Pia. Daydreaming won’t help you pass your exams.”

Pia nodded, feeling the heat rise to his cheeks as the class snickered quietly. He kept his head down for the rest of the period, trying to shake off the thoughts that refused to leave him alone.

...Lunch Break...

The cafeteria buzzed with chatter and the clinking of trays. Pia and Ethan sat at their usual table near the window, the sunlight streaming in and casting warm patterns on the floor. Ethan was mid-rant about a new video game, but Pia was barely listening.

“...and then, out of nowhere, this dragon appears! It was insane! Pia? Earth to Pia!”

“Huh?” Pia blinked, realizing Ethan had been talking. “Sorry, what were you saying?”

Ethan leaned back, crossing his arms. “Seriously, man, what’s up with you today? You’ve been spaced out all morning.”

Pia hesitated. “It’s just... Akio was acting weird this morning.”

"You are thinking about that again?” Ethan asked, intrigued.

“He took a day off work and..............,” Pia said almost ignoring Ethan word's , still struggling to process it himself. “And he was defending Riku for skipping school.”

Ethan frowned. “Okay, that’s definitely odd. Your brother doesn’t seem like the type to slack off.”

“Exactly,” Pia said. “It’s like he’s... I don’t know, hiding something.”

Ethan smirked. “Maybe he’s got a secret life. What if he’s a spy?”

Pia chuckled despite himself. “Yeah, sure. Akio the spy.”

But even as they joked, the uneasy feeling in Pia’s chest remained.

Ethan shrugged. “Well, whatever it is, I’m sure he has his reasons. Maybe you should just ask him.”

Pia sighed, knowing it wasn’t that simple. Akio never shows his cards. "Whatever’s going on, he won’t tell me unless he wants to", Pia thought.

...Sports Period...

The sports field was alive with activity, the shouts and cheers of students echoing across the grassy expanse. The sun was high, casting a warm glow over everything, and the breeze carried the faint scent of freshly cut grass. Pia joined his classmates on the field, grateful for the distraction.

Today’s game was soccer, and the teams were quickly divided. Pia started as a midfielder, his usual position, and for a while, he managed to lose himself in the rhythm of the game. The feel of the ball at his feet, the sound of his teammates calling out plays—it all felt grounding, a temporary escape from the questions nagging at his mind.

But as the game progressed, his thoughts began to drift again.

Why did Akio look so different this morning? Carefree, almost lazy. That’s not him. And why did he protect Riku? What’s going on with them?

“Pia! Over here!”

The shout jolted him back to the present. A teammate was calling for a pass. Pia quickly kicked the ball in his direction, trying to refocus.

During the second half of the game, it was his turn to guard the goal. Pia stood in front of the net, the opposing team advancing toward him. The ball moved quickly, passed from one player to the next, until one of them wound up for a powerful kick.

Pia froze. His mind was elsewhere, caught in the web of his thoughts. Are they hiding something from me? Akio, Riku... is there something they don’t want me to know?

“Pia! Watch out!”

The shout brought him back just in time. The ball was hurtling toward him, and he instinctively dove to the side, his hands outstretched. He felt the impact as he deflected the ball, sending it flying off course.

The field erupted in cheers, his teammates rushing toward him in celebration. Ethan clapped him on the back, grinning. “Nice save, Pia! For a second, I thought you were gonna let it through.”

Pia forced a smile, but his mind was still spinning. What’s going on at home? And why do I feel like I’m the only one who doesn’t know?

...History Period...

The history classroom exuded a sense of calm that contrasted with the restlessness of the students inside it. The large windows were partly obscured by heavy, maroon curtains, allowing only slivers of sunlight to seep through. The faint smell of old books mingled with the faint hum of the overhead fan.

Mr. Andrews, the history teacher, stood at the front of the room, his silver-rimmed glasses perched precariously on the tip of his nose. He wore his usual tweed jacket, which seemed to have been in fashion centuries ago, but it suited him perfectly. In his hand was an aged, leather-bound textbook filled with his meticulous annotations.

As the bell rang, he tapped his desk lightly to gain the students’ attention. “Good afternoon, class,” he began in his deep, gravelly voice. “Today, we dive into one of the most fascinating tales of human history: the rise and inevitable fall of the Roman Empire.”

There was a collective groan from a few students in the back, prompting Mr. Andrews to narrow his eyes. “Oh, don’t tell me you find this boring. The story of Rome has everything—power, ambition, betrayal, glory. If this doesn’t captivate you, perhaps I should assign an essay instead?”

The groans quickly turned into murmurs of reluctant enthusiasm.

“Much better,” Mr. Andrews said, smirking slightly. He turned to the board and wrote in elegant cursive: ‘The Fall of the Roman Empire: Lessons from History.’

Pia sat in the middle row, his notebook open but his pen still. His mind wasn’t on Rome or its emperors; it was back home, circling around Akio’s unusual behavior. Why did he take a day off today? What’s he hiding? And why did he defend Riku so strongly?

“Pia!”

The sharp call of his name made him jolt. Mr. Andrews was looking directly at him, one eyebrow raised.

“Are you with us, young man, or have you been swept away to another century?”

The class chuckled softly, and Pia straightened in his seat, his cheeks flushing. “Sorry, sir. I’m here.”

“Good,” Mr. Andrews said, crossing his arms. “Then perhaps you can answer this question: What was the primary reason for the collapse of the Western Roman Empire?”

Pia racked his brain, the question pulling him back to reality. He recalled reading something about internal conflicts and invasions. “Uh… was it the Barbarian invasions?”

“Partially correct,” Mr. Andrews replied, his tone encouraging. “External threats like the Barbarian invasions certainly played a role, but the collapse of the empire was far more complex. It was also weakened from within—political corruption, economic instability, and over-expansion. A reminder, class, that even the mightiest can crumble when they neglect their foundations.”

As he continued his lecture, Pia’s thoughts began to wander again, his mind latching onto Mr. Andrews’ words. Neglect their foundations... Is that what’s happening to us? Akio’s always been the foundation of our family, but now... something’s different. Is he cracking under the pressure? Or is it something else entirely?

Mr. Andrews moved seamlessly through the lecture, pointing to a map of the Roman Empire pinned to the wall. He gestured dramatically as he described the vast territories it controlled and how its sheer size eventually became its downfall.

“Remember, class,” he said, his voice rising slightly for emphasis, “power can be both a blessing and a curse. The Roman Empire sought to expand endlessly, but in doing so, it stretched itself too thin. A lesson, perhaps, for those who dream of taking on too much at once.”

Ethan leaned over and whispered, “Think he’s talking about Akio?”

Pia shot him a look but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at his lips. Ethan always knew how to lighten the mood.

The rest of the period passed with Mr. Andrews weaving a story out of history, his passion for the subject infecting even the most reluctant students.

By the time the bell rang, Pia felt slightly more grounded, but the questions in his mind remained unresolved.

... School wrap up...

The school bell's final ring signaled the end of the day, and a collective sigh of relief echoed through the halls. Students poured out of classrooms, like water bursting from a dam, their chatter filling the air. Pia walked alongside Ethan, his thoughts still tangled in the morning’s events. their chatter filling the air. Pia slung his bag over his shoulder and stepped into the bustling corridor, his mind still preoccupied with the events of the morning.

As he made his way through the throng, Ethan appeared at his side, his usual grin firmly in place.

“Finally!” Ethan exclaimed, throwing his hands up dramatically. “I thought the day would never end. What’s your plan for the evening? Gonna solve world peace or just tackle Akio’s mysterious day off?”

Pia laughed softly. “I think world peace would be easier than figuring out Akio today,” he said, adjusting the strap of his bag.

Though Pia managed a faint smile but remained silent. Ethan noticed his friend’s subdued demeanor and gave him a light nudge.

“Come on, You’ve been like this all day,” Ethan said, his tone concerned. “Still thinking about Akio?”

Pia nodded. “It’s hard not to. I mean... he’s never acted like this before.”

The two walked side by side, weaving through the crowd. The warm afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows, casting golden patches on the floor. Ethan kicked a stray pebble, his expression thoughtful.

“Well,” he began, “I still think you’re overthinking it. Maybe he’s just tired. Everyone gets tired, even Akio. He’s not some invincible superhuman.”

Pia shook his head. “You don’t understand. He’s never taken a day off, Ethan. Not even once. And this morning... when Riku took the day off, Akio just let it slide. He even told me not to bring it up. That’s not like him.”

Ethan frowned, trying to piece things together. “Okay, so maybe he’s trying something new? You said he looked different on the couch, right? Like he wasn’t himself?”

“Exactly,” Pia replied, frustration creeping into his voice. “He didn’t just look different—he felt different. It was like... he wasn’t Akio anymore. At least not the one I’ve known my whole life.”

Ethan stopped walking and turned to face Pia, his expression serious. “Look, I get it. It’s weird. But stressing about it isn’t going to help. Akio’s your brother. He’s probably just dealing with something he doesn’t want to share yet.”

Pia sighed. “Maybe. But what if it’s something big? Something I should know about?”

Ethan clapped a hand on Pia’s shoulder. “If it’s big, he’ll tell you. And if not, you’ll figure it out. You always do, man.”

Pia’s lips twitched into a small smile. “Thanks, Ethan.”

Ethan grinned, his usual cheerfulness returning.

“No problem. Now, how about you join me at the arcade tonight? You could use the distraction. I hear they’ve got a new game, and I need someone to beat my high score.”

Pia raised an eyebrow. “Seriously? Exams are coming up, and you’re worried about a high score?”

“Hey, life’s about balance,” Ethan said, holding up his hands defensively. “And right now, your balance is way off. You’ve been brooding all day. Come on, just for an hour.”

Pia hesitated, then shook his head. “I’ll think about it. But no promises.”

Ethan sighed dramatically. “Fine, but don’t blame me when I dominate the leaderboard without you.”

As they reached the school gate, Ethan turned to Pia one last time. “Hey, don’t let this Akio stuff eat you up, okay? He’s your brother. Whatever’s going on, you’ll handle it.”

Pia nodded, though the weight in his chest remained. “Thanks, Ethan. See you tomorrow.”

Ethan adjusted his bag and waved back,“Alright, see you tomorrow, genius. Don’t let your books eat you alive.”

Pia laughed. “See you, Ethan. And try not to spend all your money at the arcade."

“Later!” Ethan called as he jogged off down the road.

Pia lingered for a moment, his gaze drifting back to the school.

...A Shadowed Journey...

As Ethan’s figure disappeared down the lively street, Pia turned his gaze back toward the school. He stood still for a moment, his bag weighing heavily on his shoulder. The school building, now nearly empty, seemed almost serene in the golden afternoon light. The soft sunlight glinted off the glass windows, creating reflections that danced like rippling water. The walls, weathered yet resilient, bore streaks of ivy curling upward, their vibrant green a sharp contrast against the pale brick.

From Pia’s vantage point, the courtyard appeared quiet—almost hauntingly so after the day’s hustle and bustle. The faint rustle of leaves swaying in the breeze and the distant chirp of birds were the only sounds accompanying the soft crunch of gravel beneath his shoes as he walked to his bicycle.

As he mounted the bike and began pedaling, he glanced back once more. The school, now framed against a sky streaked with soft hues of orange and pink, felt oddly distant, like a chapter he’d just closed for the day. A fleeting pang of nostalgia gripped him—of carefree afternoons spent with his friends, of simpler worries that didn’t involve the peculiarities of home.

But the moment passed, replaced by a growing sense of unease as his gaze turned forward.

Ahead loomed the ominous edge of the Silencer Forest. Its shadow stretched across the road like a dark curtain drawn over the brightness of the day. Pia slowed his pedaling, his chest tightening as he approached the entrance. The forest seemed like a old haunted dungeon, its towering trees like silent sentinels guarding an ancient secret.

He swallowed hard, his grip tightening on the handlebars. A chill ran down his spine, and his thoughts turned back to the name etched into the collective memory of their town: The Silencer Forest. People whispered tales of its unnatural quiet, of the way sound seemed to vanish entirely once you crossed its threshold.

Pia shook his head, trying to calm himself. “It’s just a forest, and I have already done it almost a thousand times.” he muttered under his breath.

But as he crossed the threshold, the air seemed to change. The usual cacophony of the town—the distant chatter of voices, the hum of passing cars—vanished, swallowed whole by the oppressive silence. The temperature dropped noticeably, the warmth of the afternoon sun replaced by a cool, damp chill.

The road ahead was a narrow path flanked by towering trees, their gnarled branches twisting together to form a dense canopy that barely let any light through. Shadows danced across the ground, shifting and writhing as if alive. Pia’s heart raced, his mind a storm of thoughts.

“Akio…” he whispered, his brother’s name escaping his lips unbidden.

His thoughts spiraled back to the morning’s events. Akio, the ever-diligent, ever-responsible older brother, had been a stranger today. The image of him sprawled carelessly on the couch, his expression soft and unguarded, clashed violently with the Akio Pia had known all his life. And then there was the way he had shielded Riku, brushing off the broken fridge door as if it didn’t matter.

“Why?” Pia’s voice trembled in the silence. “Why would he do that? What’s going on with him?”

The questions swirled in his mind, each one heavier than the last. Were Akio and Riku hiding something? Was there a reason for Akio’s uncharacteristic behavior? What if he’s hiding something big? What if... what if this is just the beginning of something we can’t control?

The possibilities seemed endless, each one more troubling than the last.

Struggling with thoughts, Pia closed in eyes. He didn’t notice how far he’d traveled into the forest until a sudden memory surfaced, breaking through his stormy reflections like a ray of sunlight piercing the canopy.

...A Fragment of the Past...

It was a simpler time. Pia was eight, and the world felt smaller, safer. He sat on the living room floor, his legs crossed as he doodled on a scrap of paper. Akio was beside him, reading aloud from a worn storybook, his voice steady and melodic. Their mother reclined on the couch, her frail figure swathed in a soft blanket. She smiled at them, her eyes filled with warmth despite the illness that clung to her like a shadow.

“Pia,” she had said, her voice soft but strong. “Promise me you’ll always take care of each other, no matter what.”

Pia had nodded earnestly, his small hand clutching the edge of the couch. “I promise, Mama.”

The memory faded, leaving behind a bittersweet ache in his chest. Pia blinked, his surroundings coming back into focus.

...The Forest’s Hold...

The silence was still heavier now, the air thicker. It felt as though the forest itself was watching him, its unseen eyes following his every move. His chest tightened, a faint sense of dread creeping in. The path ahead seemed endless, stretching into an eternity of shadows.

But then, like a breath of fresh air, the light broke through.

The trees thinned, and the oppressive canopy gave way to the open sky. The bright afternoon sunlight fell on his face, warm and reassuring. Pia stopped pedaling, letting the bike glide to a halt as he took a deep breath.

...The Streets Come Alive...

The transition from the forest’s darkness to the town’s lively streets was jarring but welcome. The air here was filled with life - the chatter of people and the occasional bark of a dog ; the rhythmic clink of a blacksmith hammering away in his shop. A street musician played a cheerful tune on his accordion, drawing a small crowd.

He passed by the old candy shop, where a group of kids were excitedly pointing at the colorful jars in the window. Pia found himself momentarily distracted by the scene. A group of elderly men sat on a bench, playing chess, their laughter ringing out as one of them made a bold move.

Pia slowed his pace, taking in the scene. It was fascinating how much the atmosphere changed after leaving the forest. The world seemed brighter, livelier. For a moment, he forgot about the turmoil in his mind, letting himself be carried by the charm of the surroundings.

Vendors lined the streets, their carts brimming with fresh produce and colorful trinkets. The scent of roasted chestnuts mingled with the aroma of freshly baked bread, making Pia’s stomach rumble despite the heaviness in his heart.

He pedaled slowly, taking it all in.The infections laughter of children echoed, playing hopscotch on the sidewalk.

A young couple strolled hand in hand, their smiles bright and carefree. An artist knelt by the curb, his hands smudged with paint as he worked on a vibrant mural depicting the town’s history.

For a moment, Pia felt a sense of normalcy, a brief reprieve from the storm of emotions raging within him. But as he turned onto Oval Street, the weight returned.

...Arrival Home...

The house came into view, its familiar shape bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon sun. The white picket fence stood straight and pristine, the garden bursting with flowers in shades of red, yellow, and orange.The curtains in the living room fluttered gently in the breeze, offering glimpses of the shadowy interior.The windows reflected the golden light, giving the place a deceptively warm and inviting look. But Pia couldn’t shake the feeling that something had changed within those walls.

Pia parked his bike by the gate, his hands lingering on the handlebars. He stared at the house, his thoughts racing.

“What awaits me now?” he murmured, his voice barely audible.

With a deep breath, he stepped through the gate and walked toward the front door, each step heavier than the last.

He stepped onto the porch, his hand resting on the doorknob. For a moment, he hesitated, his mind still circling around the events of the morning.

"Whatever’s going on, he thought, I’ll find out. Even if they don’t want me to."

...A Shifting Silence...

Pia stepped inside the house, pushing the door open with the faint creak that always seemed louder in an empty home. The warmth of the afternoon sun outside was replaced by an eerie chill, and the silence inside was almost suffocating. He placed his shoes neatly by the door, the sound of them thudding against the floor echoing faintly.

“Akio?” Pia called out, his voice breaking the silence. “Riku? You here?”

No response.

He tried again, louder this time. “Akio! Riku!”

Still nothing. The quiet wrapped itself around him like a heavy blanket, stifling every sound. His gaze swept over the living room, the once-familiar space now feeling oddly alien: the bookshelf that Akio always kept meticulously organized, the coffee table where Riku would often scribble with crayons, the couch where he’d seen Akio sprawled out earlier that morning, seemingly so carefree.

But now...

The house felt like a hollow shell.

The couch where Akio had been sprawled this morning seemed untouched, yet Pia could feel a strange energy lingering there.

He dropped his bag onto the couch, the soft thud startling him in the oppressive stillness. Thoughts began swirling in his mind.

“Where are they? Akio wouldn’t just leave the house without saying anything... and Riku’s always so loud. How can it be this quiet?”

Pia shook his head, trying to dismiss the unease creeping up his spine. He decided to look around.

...Searching for Answers...

He headed toward Riku’s room first, the little one’s usual haven of chaos. The door was slightly ajar, and Pia pushed it open with care. The room was empty, the bed unmade, toys scattered across the floor. It was a snapshot of Riku’s typical messiness, but the absence of the boy himself made it feel hollow.

“Not here...” Pia muttered, backing out of the room.

Next, he moved to Akio’s room. The door was closed, and Pia hesitated for a moment before knocking softly. When no answer came, he slowly turned the knob and peeked inside. The room was pristine, as always—everything in its place, not a single item out of order.

But no Akio.

Pia’s unease deepened. He stepped back into the hallway, running a hand through his hair. His mind was a whirlwind of questions and fears.

“First the weird behavior this morning, and now this... Did something happen to them? Are they hiding something? Or... could someone else be here?”

...The Door That Creaked...

As his thoughts raced, a sound broke through the silence—a faint creak. Pia froze in place, his heart skipping a beat. His head snapped toward the source of the sound: his own bedroom door, which was slightly ajar, creaking as though someone had just slipped inside.

A cold shiver ran down his spine. Pia’s body stiffened, every instinct screaming at him to stay still, to not move. He stood rooted to the spot in the hallway, staring at the door as it swayed slightly in the still air.

“Someone’s in there,” he thought, his breath shallow. “But who? Or... what?”

Pia’s heart jolted. His imagination ran wild, conjuring images of shadowy figures and unexplainable entities. For a long moment, Pia stood frozen at the base of the stairs, his mind warring between fear and responsibility.

A chill ran down his spine, freezing him in place. His bedroom was the one place he hadn’t checked, and now the thought of someone—or something—inside sent a wave of terror crashing over him.

“Maybe.........,” he thought, his throat dry. “Akio? or Riku? Or...”

The idea of a ghost—absurd as it was—flashed through his mind. His legs felt like lead, refusing to carry him forward.

For what felt like an eternity, he stood there, paralyzed by indecision. Finally, summoning every ounce of courage he could muster, he took a step forward.

“I have to check,” he whispered to himself. “If it’s someone dangerous, I can’t just leave it. This is my house.”

...A Walk Into the Unknown...

The staircase loomed ahead, its wooden steps creaking, each sound sharp and jarring in the oppressive silence under Pia’s weight as he ascended. The air seemed heavier, colder, as though the house itself was holding its breath. The shadows cast by the dim afternoon light seemed to stretch and twist, taking on shapes that made Pia’s imagination run wild.

The closer he got to his room, the heavier the air seemed to grow. His breath came in shallow gasps, his palms clammy as he gripped the banister. Each step felt like a mile, and with every creak of the stairs, Pia’s pulse quickened. His mind conjured images of what could be waiting for him: a thief, a wild animal, or worse—something unexplainable.

Finally, he stood at the top of the stairs, just a few feet from his door. The silence pressed down on him like a tangible weight. The hallway stretched before him, dim and foreboding. The door was slightly ajar, the faintest sliver of darkness visible through the gap.The faint creaking of the door sent a shiver down his spine, and he felt as though unseen eyes were watching him.

He reached out a trembling hand toward the door.

...A Voice in the Dark...

“Pia.”

The voice was soft, deliberate, and suddenly came from directly behind him.

Pia’s body went rigid. His heart stopped. For a moment, it felt like the world itself had frozen.

He didn’t dare turn around. Every instinct screamed at him to run, but his legs felt glued to the place he was standing.

He didn’t think—he reacted. Whipping around with every ounce of strength he had, he swung his fist wildly. His knuckles connected with something solid, and a grunt of pain followed.

The figure before him stumbled back, wobbling slightly. Pia’s chest heaved as he took in the sight before him: a tall, looming figure dressed in an oversized, dark cloak that shrouded most of its body. Its face was pale, gaunt, and partially obscured by a hood. Its eyes—large and shadowed—stared back at him with a mixture of shock and confusion.

“Wh-who—what is that?” Pia stammered, his voice breaking.

Before he could process the situation, another figure emerged.

...Ready for a Fight...

The door to Pia’s room swung open violently, revealing a smaller figure—shorter than the first but no less terrifying. This one wore a similar cloak, but its face was more childlike, its features twisted into an unsettling grin. The smaller figure tilted its head, its movements jerky and unnatural, as though it were a puppet on invisible strings.

Pia’s blood turned to ice. “This is it,” he thought, panic flooding his senses. “I’m done for. They’ve got me.”

Pia’s mind blanked. His body acted on pure instinct.

Without thinking, he turned and leapt over the banister, his feet landing hard on the floor below. Pain shot through his legs, but adrenaline kept him moving.

His feet hit the ground with a thud, pain shooting up his legs, but he didn’t stop. Grabbing his bag from the couch, he spun around, his chest heaving as he faced the staircase.

The taller figure loomed at the top of the stairs, its movements slow and deliberate. The smaller one peered over the banister, its grin never faltering.

Pia’s fear gave way to anger.

His breath came in ragged gasps as he prepared to face whatever was coming. Despite the terror coursing through him, a strange determination settled in his chest.

“This is my house,” he thought, his grip tightening on the strap of his bag. “Whatever they are, I won’t let them take it from me.”