An Unnaturally Quiet Day

POV: AIRI

That Sunday morning, I woke up a little later than usual. My body felt heavy, and my eyelids refused to open completely. I slowly made my way down from the second floor to the living room, my steps still half-asleep.

When I reached downstairs, I saw Onii-chan busy in the kitchen. The sound of a frying pan, the clink of a spatula, and the warm smell of cooking filled the room, making me feel a bit more awake.

“Morning…” I greeted him, rubbing my eyes.

“Oh… morning, Airi-chan,” he replied, not turning around for long.

“For some reason… I woke up late today,” I complained as I sat down on a chair.

“Maybe because it’s Sunday?” he asked lightly.

“I don’t think so… I usually still wake up early,” I answered, ending with a small yawn.

Onii-chan glanced at me. “Usually, yes. But today you woke up almost at eight. You know that’s late for you.”

“I’m just… tired,” I muttered, rubbing my eyes again.

“Tired? Wait—what time did you go to sleep last night?” he asked.

I turned my face away. “Not that late.”
Even though I’d gone to bed at eleven.

Onii-chan sighed. “Airi… you’re already seven. You need to start managing your bedtime on your own.”

“Okay…”

“Now go wash your face and brush your teeth. Breakfast comes after that.”

“Alright…” I nodded slightly and slowly stood up from my chair.

I dragged my feet toward the bathroom, still very sleepy. When I turned on the light, it felt blinding. I squinted and turned on the faucet.

“Cold…” I murmured as the water touched my hands.

I splashed my face a few times, then brushed my teeth while staring at my reflection in the mirror. My hair was messy, my eyes half-closed.

I squeezed toothpaste onto my toothbrush—slightly more than usual, hoping it would wake me up faster—and began brushing while looking at myself.

As I brushed, I talked to myself in my head.
Onii-chan is strange… naggy, always controlling. But when I’m tired or sick, he’s the one who panics the most.

I paused to rinse, then looked at the mirror again.

Just as I was about to leave, I heard Onii-chan’s voice from the kitchen.

“Airi—don’t take too long. The omelet’s still warm!”

“Yeees! I’m done already!” I replied, hurrying toward the dining area.

At the table, I scooped up the omelet the moment I sat down. Soft and warm—I ate too fast.

“Nwe… Onwii-chwan…” I mumbled with my mouth full.

“Hm? What is it?” Onii-chan replied while pouring milk into his glass.

Gulp. I swallowed before speaking again.

“I have plans with two of my friends… Mahiro-chan and Mahiru-chan. We’re going to play at the nearby playground,” I said, swinging my legs.

“And?” he asked calmly.

“I can go, right? They’re coming to pick me up.” My eyes sparkled with hope.

“That’s fine. You already promised them, after all,” Onii-chan said with a faint smile.

“Yatta—!”

“But—”

I froze immediately. My face stiffened.
“Yeah… yeah. I know. You’re coming too, right? Because of my condition, right?” I cut in, sounding annoyed.

“Yes… that too,” he said seriously. “But not just that.”

“Huh? Then why?” I frowned.

“There.” Onii-chan pointed his chopsticks toward the TV in the living room.

I turned to look. On the screen, a reporter stood behind police tape. The news sounded serious.

“Recently, another child abduction case has occurred in the northern part of the city. The victim is an eight-year-old child last seen on Friday evening while returning home from school. According to preliminary police reports, the child was seen talking to an adult male near a narrow alley before disappearing. The suspect’s identity remains under investigation. Police have increased patrols in residential and school areas and urge the public to report any suspicious activity. Authorities once again advise parents and guardians not to allow children to walk alone, especially during school commute hours. Children are also reminded not to talk to or follow strangers, even if they appear friendly or claim to know the family.”

“Huh… another kidnapping…” I murmured.

Onii-chan nodded.

I swallowed. “Onii-chan… why do people kidnap children?”

He stopped moving. His shoulders lowered slightly, his expression softening—yet his eyes remained firm, as if choosing words that were honest but wouldn’t scare me too much.

“There are many reasons… and all of them are bad,” he finally said.

“Bad?” I asked again. I already regretted asking… but my curiosity was stronger.

“Yes. Usually, they demand ransom from the family—money in exchange for returning the child.”

“But… how do they call the parents? they doesn’t know the number, right?” I asked.

“As far as I know, they ask the child for phone numbers—parents, uncles, aunts, or grandparents,” he replied.

I nodded slightly. That was scary… but still understandable.

“But there are also people who are… worse than that.”

I froze. My spoon stopped moving.
“Worse…?” I whispered.

Onii-chan looked at me for a long time.

Finally, he spoke—quietly, almost in a whisper.

“Some of them… sell children to bad people.”

My toes grew cold.

“S–sell…?” my voice trembled.

“Yes. And there are also those who… I’m sorry for telling you this, I don’t mean to scare you, but…”

“But what?” I asked.

He sighed. “They kill them… and sell their body parts.”

Every hair on my body stood on end. My fork trembled in my hand.

“K–k–kill… and s–s–sell their body parts?” I whispered in fear.

He nodded slowly.

I went silent. My body trembled. My breathing grew shallow. Without realizing it, I hugged myself, as if trying to protect my body. The room felt colder. Even the smell of the omelet seemed to fade. Sweat trickled down my back.

I… couldn’t imagine it happening to me.
I was scared… truly scared.

Onii-chan quickly moved closer and gently stroked my head. His touch was soft, comforting—like a barrier shielding me from all my fear.

“That’s why I worry. Not because I don’t trust you… but because this world has things you can’t fight alone.”

I stared at the table, biting my lip. “…I understand,” I whispered.

Suddenly, I hugged Onii-chan. He hugged me back. My body felt warm.

Onii-chan smiled faintly. “You can still play. I don’t want to take that away from you. But let Onii-chan come along, okay? I won’t interfere. Walking a few steps behind is fine too.”

“I–if you come… I’ll be safe, right?” I asked softly.

“Always,” he answered without hesitation—as if it were a promise he had carved into his life long ago.

“…But… if I may… can you walk beside me? Holding hands?” I asked shyly.

He smiled. “Of course.”

Ding dong

The doorbell rang, breaking the quiet morning.

“Haaaaaiik!!!” I instinctively ran to the door. When I opened it, two familiar faces greeted me.

“OHAYOU, Airi-chaaan!!!” one of them shouted cheerfully.

“Oh… Mahiro-chan. Good morning,” I replied with a smile, my ears ringing a little.

“C–cotto, Mahiro… don’t be so loud… it’s embarrassing…” the other girl said, tugging her twin’s arm.

“It’s okay, Mahiru-chan,” I said quickly to reassure her.

They were my friends—Mahiro and Mahiru. Twins, yet like day and night. Mahiro was full of energy, always moving. Mahiru was the opposite: gentle, polite, and easily nervous.

“Oh! Airi-chan, is that a new outfit?” Mahiro stepped closer without hesitation. “It’s super cute!”

“M–Mahiro… don’t say it so loudly…” Mahiru lightly pinched her arm.

Mahiro laughed. “But it’s true! You look like a little mochi!”

My face heated up. “Don’t… don’t call me mochi…”

From behind, I heard a small snort. Onii-chan stood near the door, trying to suppress a smile.

Mahiru smiled softly and opened her small bag. “I—I brought a small camera. If Airi-chan wants… we can take pictures later.”

“Pictures! Pictures!” Mahiro jumped excitedly.

Onii-chan stepped forward slightly. “Have you two eaten breakfast?”

“Yeah, we have, Rui-san,” Mahiro answered casually.

Onii-chan glanced toward the kitchen, making sure everything was safe, then bent down slightly to meet my eyes.

“Did you bring your medicine?” he asked quietly.

I nodded. “Yes. One capsule in my pocket. Just in case.”

He looked relieved. His hand moved subtly, briefly checking my pocket. I felt embarrassed—but also warm. There was a strange sense of safety in knowing someone remembered the small things about me.

Mahiro grinned. “Huh? Rui-san’s coming too? Nice!”

“I am. Just in case,” he replied briefly.

“Let’s go, Airi-chan!” Mahiro grabbed my hand. “Today’s going to be fun!”

“Ready?” Onii-chan asked.

I nodded again.

Before stepping outside, he took my hand. His grip was warm and firm—like a silent promise. My chest felt lighter.

We set off together. Onii-chan walked beside me, holding my hand tightly.

Along the way, I saw a small flyer:

WARNING – KIDNAPPING REPORT

“Let’s stick to the main sidewalk. Don’t go into narrow paths,” he said.

“Okay!”

On the road—

“Hey, Airi-chan,” Mahiro called.

“Hm? What is it?”

“I’m curious. Why is your Onii-chan coming too?”

I took a small breath. “You know… my condition. And all those kidnapping news.”

“Not really,” she replied with a whistle, as if it were nothing.

I clicked my tongue quietly. Annoying… but that was just Mahiro.

Then I noticed something.

Mahiru had been glancing at Onii-chan repeatedly. Not just once—more like checking on him. Whenever their eyes met, she quickly looked away, her cheeks turning red.

“W–what is it, Mahiru-chan?” she asked nervously.

“Hey, Onii-chan,” I suddenly called.

“Yes?”

“It looks like Mahiru-chan li—”

My mouth was suddenly covered.

“I–it’s nothing!” Mahiru interrupted in panic.

“Hey—what are you doing?” I protested, half annoyed, half confused.

Onii-chan blinked, clearly puzzled.

I gently pulled Mahiru aside.

“Mahiru-chan… what’s wrong?” I whispered.

She lowered her head. Her hair swayed softly in the morning breeze.
“I—I just… I just—”

“What is it?” I asked gently.

She opened her mouth… then closed it again.

Mahiro, walking ahead, turned around. “Huh? Why did you stop?”

“It’s nothing!” Mahiru replied too quickly.

I looked at her. There was something in her eyes—uneasy, yet hesitant.

Onii-chan stepped closer. “Is there a problem?”

“N–no! Not at all!” she answered, too loud, too fast.

I could see it now—the way Mahiru avoided his gaze, then unconsciously glanced back again.

“Onii-chan,” I said softly, “let’s just keep walking.”

He nodded, though clearly still confused.

We walked on.

A few steps later, Mahiru slowed down and walked beside me.

“Airi-chan…” she whispered.

“Hm?”

“Your Onii-chan is…” she hesitated. “…kind.”

I blinked. “Huh? Yeah.”

“And… attentive. And it feels like he always thinks about you first.”

I smiled softly. “Well, I am his little sister.”

She gripped the hem of her clothes. “Yeah… I know.”

Her tone was strange—like she understood, yet still found it heavy.

I glanced at Onii-chan walking a few steps ahead. His back was straight, his steps calm. As always.

Then I looked back at Mahiru.

“…Mahiru-chan,” I asked softly, “what’s wrong?”

She stayed silent for a long time. Then, in a barely audible voice—

“I’m just… a little impressed.”

Something clicked in my chest—like a puzzle piece falling into place.

So that’s it.

I didn’t say anything. I didn’t ask. I didn’t push.

I just held her hand.

“Mahiru-chan is a good person,” I said. “So… it’s okay to have strange feelings.”

She looked at me, surprised. “A–Airi-chan…?”

I smiled gently. “But… Onii-chan is kind of… difficult, you know.”

She smiled faintly—sad, but relieved.

“…Yeah. I know.”

Up ahead, Mahiro shouted, “Hey! I can see the swings! Hurry up!”
We both smiled quietly.

For now, that secret was enough to keep between us.

At the Playground

The park gate came into view. The green paint was faded, but the laughter of children made the place feel alive.

“WOW—! The swings are empty!” Mahiro shouted, running ahead.

“Mahiro—don’t run—” Mahiru tried to stop her, but she was too fast.

I paused for a moment and took a breath. The air here was fresher, mixed with the scent of grass and damp soil.

“Tired?” Onii-chan asked, glancing at me.

“No,” I replied quickly, then smiled. “I want to go on the swing too.”

Onii-chan nodded. “Slowly.”

Mahiru and I sat on neighboring swings. The chains creaked softly as we started swinging.

“Waaa—go higher!” Mahiro pumped her swing energetically.

“I–if it’s too high, you’ll fall…” Mahiru held the chains tightly.

I giggled softly.

My swing moved gently. Each time it went forward, the wind brushed my face—calm and soothing.

Onii-chan stood a bit back near a bench, his eyes never leaving us.

Suddenly, Mahiro stopped. “OH! I forgot!”

“Forgot what?” I asked.

“ICE CREAM!” she shouted, pointing at a small cart near the park entrance.

I turned to look. My eyes sparkled.

“Onii-chan…”

He sighed lightly. “One only.”

“Yatta!”

We sat on a long bench. The vanilla ice cream in my hand started melting a little.

Mahiro was already messy. “It’s cold but good!”

Mahiru ate neatly, little by little. “Airi-chan… come here.”

She took out her small camera. “I want to take a photo…”

“Now?” I asked.

“Yes… before the ice cream melts.”

Mahiro jumped up. “LET’S TAKE ONE TOGETHER!”

I stood beside Mahiru. Onii-chan initially stepped back.

“Hey! Onii-chan too!” Mahiro protested.

“…Me?” He hesitated.

“Just for a moment,” I said, gently tugging the hem of his clothes.

He finally stood next to me, awkward, unsure what to do with his hands.

“Ready…” Mahiru held the camera with both hands. “T–three… two…”

Click.

I smiled without realizing it.

Afterward, Mahiru checked the photo. Her eyes widened slightly.

“It’s nice…” she murmured.

“Can I see?” I asked.

On the small screen, I was smiling brightly. Mahiro was laughing strangely. And Onii-chan… was looking at me, not the camera.

My cheeks warmed.

“Why weren’t you looking at the camera?” I asked innocently.

He snapped back. “Ah—habit.”

Mahiru lowered her gaze, her lips curving slightly.

I took another bite of my ice cream.

Today—
I want to enjoy it.

My friends and I continued playing.

The sun climbed higher. Its heat touched my skin, slowly making my body feel heavy. My legs ached, and my head throbbed slightly.

“Oni… ch–chan…”

“Airi-chan?” Onii-chan turned immediately. “What’s wrong?”

“T–tired…” I walked slowly and sat beside him, nearly collapsing.

His expression tightened instantly. He crouched in front of me, looking closely.

“Are you okay?” he asked quickly. “Is any part hard to move? Your arms? Legs?”

I raised my hand, then moved my legs slightly. “No… I can still move everything.”

He exhaled deeply. “Thank goodness…”

“Thirsty…” I licked my dry lips. “Onii-chan… can I drink?”

“Of course.” He reached into his bag, then stopped. The bottle was empty. “Ah… we’re out of water.”

He stood up. “I’ll buy a drink. What do you want?”

I thought for a moment, then my eyes lit up. “Hmm… milk?”

“Sure. What flavor?”

“Vanilla!!!” I answered without hesitation.

He smiled faintly. “Alright. Wait here. Don’t go anywhere. Watch the bag, okay?”

“Okay…”

He ran toward the convenience store at the end of the street.

I sat alone on the park bench. The hot wind blew gently. I grew sleepy, hugging Onii-chan’s bag.

But… for some reason… I had a bad feeling.

And that was when—

Everything happened.

[To Be Continued]