Episode 3, Takumi's New Home

The door to Takumi’s room swung open as Mrs. Fujimoto entered, her expression a blend of concern and authority. Riku and Aiko, who had been standing close to Takumi, immediately shrank back under the weight of her gaze.

“That’s enough,” Mrs. Fujimoto said firmly, her voice brooking no argument. “I won’t tolerate you speaking to your new brother like that. Apologize to Takumi.”

Riku and Aiko glanced at each other nervously, their faces reflecting guilt.

"Sorry," they mumbled before quickly turning and shuffling out of the room. Mrs. Fujimoto watched them leave, her disappointment evident.

When the door clicked shut, she turned her attention to Takumi. She walked over to him, her and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“I’m really sorry about that, Takumi,” she said softly. “You don’t have to listen to unkind words. I like you just the way you are, and I’m here for you. I won’t force you to talk or to be someone you’re not. I understand that you might need time. I’m patient, and I’ll wait for you to come around.”

Mrs. Fujimoto then bent down and pressed a gentle kiss to Takumi’s forehead. “Take all the time you need,” she said, her voice barely more than a whisper. “We’re not going anywhere.”

With a final, comforting smile, she straightened up and turned to leave. The door closed softly behind her, leaving Takumi alone in the quiet of his new room.

As Takumi looked around the room, he thought of how kind the family was to give him a comfortable room as all his life, he's shared with others in the orphanage. He decided not to bother about Aiko and Rumi as their parents were nice to him. For the first time since arriving, Takumi felt a flicker of something other than isolation—perhaps a glimmer of hope that, despite everything, he might find a place where he could belong.

Darkness had covered the sky and Takumi slept peacefully in his new room. However, unknown to him, his new siblings had other plans. Aiko and Riku, mischievously tiptoed through the dimly lit hallway with an air of excitement and secrecy. They had thought of a way to make Takumi uncomfortable in the house and decided to execute it that night.

Aiko, carried a small porcelain jug filled with cool water. Riku, followed, ready to assist in their nocturnal adventure. The siblings paused outside Takumi's room, a subtle smile on their lips as they glanced at each other.

 Aiko gently nudged the door open, and with a careful, practiced hand, she poured a small amount of water onto Takumi’s face.

Takumi stirred, his eyes fluttering open in confusion. He wiped his face groggily and looked up to see Aiko and Riku standing by his bedside, trying hard to stifle their laughter. His initial confusion turned to mild annoyance as he slowly sat up. Without a word, he got out of bed and walked toward the bathroom, hoping a splash of cold water might help him wake up fully.

Aiko and Riku, seizing the opportunity, moved swiftly. As Takumi entered the bathroom, they gently but firmly shut the door behind him and engaged the lock with a soft click. Inside, Takumi was unaware of their mischievous plot until he reached for the door handle, finding it unyielding. He pushed and pulled in vain before his frustration turned to resignation. With a heavy sigh, he sank to the cool tiled floor, the water from his earlier awakening still dripping from his face.

The bathroom, with its pale green tiles and faint hum of a ventilation fan, offered little comfort. Takumi stretched out on the floor, his frustration gradually giving way to a quiet, detached acceptance of his situation. He closed his eyes, letting the monotony of the room lull him back into a fitful sleep.

As the first light of dawn filtered through the small bathroom window, Mrs. Fujimoto, started her day with a routine that included checking on her children. Her gentle footsteps echoed softly as she made her way down the hall. When she arrived at Takumi's door which was open, she noticed the unusual quietness, a feeling of unease settled over her.

As she entered, she didn't find him on the bed. She tried not to panic and looked around, wondering where he could be. "Takumi." She called.

She approached the bathroom door and knocked softly on the door. "Takumi, are you in here?"

There was no response and concern etched deeply on her face. "Takumi are you alright in there?" She knocked louder and called his name with increasing urgency. Hearing nothing but the muffled silence, she quickly unlocked the door and opened it. Her eyes widened in surprise as she found Takumi lying on the floor.

“Takumi!” Mrs. Fujimoto exclaimed, her voice tinged with both relief and reprimand. “I’m so sorry! Aiko and Riku have been up to their mischief again. Are you hurt?”

Takumi sat up slowly, his expression unreadable. He brushed himself off and shook his head. “I’m fine,” he said quietly, his voice carrying no trace of the annoyance or discomfort he might have felt. His demeanor was calm, almost indifferent, as he wiped away the last traces of sleep from his face.

Mrs. Fujimoto’s eyes softened with a mixture of empathy and disappointment. “I’ll speak to them immediately,” she promised. She helped Takumi to his feet, offering a gentle, apologetic smile before turning on her heel to find her children.

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