Chapter 21 — Echoes Beneath the Surface, Part2

The front door opened as the triplets stepped inside after returning from the academy.

The house was calm compared to the busy streets outside.

From the kitchen came the quiet sounds of utensils and plates. Akari was inside, preparing food for the evening, occasionally moving between the stove and the counter.

In the living room, Renjiro was lying across the sofa, one arm behind his head, resting.

He looked toward the entrance when the three of them walked in.

"You're back," he said.

Kaito dropped his bag near the table and stretched his shoulders. "Yeah."

Renjiro sat up slightly. "I delivered the invitations to everyone."

"That fast?" Kaito asked.

Renjiro shrugged casually. "It wasn't that hard."

Haruto set his bag down near the wall and looked toward Ayame.

"By the way," he asked, "why were you late?"

Ayame paused while removing her shoes.

"I was inviting Hina," she said. "She was going to Yuji-san's place."

Haruto nodded slightly. "I see."

From the kitchen, Akari spoke while continuing her work.

"Good. Yuji will be coming tonight as well."

Ayame nodded. "Yes."

Renjiro stretched his arms and stood up from the sofa.

"Well," he said, looking around the living room, "you three should start the decorations."

Ayame immediately went to the table where the decoration bags had been placed earlier.

Kaito grabbed a pack of balloons and sat on the floor.

Haruto pulled a chair toward the wall and stepped onto it.

The room slowly began to change.

Ayame tied ribbons along the walls and across the corners of the ceiling.

Kaito started blowing up balloons and tossing them toward the couch and shelves.

Haruto carefully fixed the Happy Birthday banner across the wall.

Behind them, the sounds from the kitchen continued as Akari prepared the food.

The quiet house slowly filled with movement and light conversation as the triplets began setting up the decorations for Mimi's birthday.

The living room slowly filled with movement as the decorations began taking shape.

Haruto stood on a chair carefully fixing the Happy Birthday banner across the wall while Ayame worked on tying ribbons from the corners of the room. Kaito sat on the floor surrounded by balloons, already struggling to keep them from rolling away. Renjiro leaned casually against the table, occasionally handing tape or small supplies like a supervisor who had already finished his part. Meanwhile, Akari moved between the kitchen and living room, bringing small plates and snacks closer to the table, occasionally glancing at the chaos with a small smile.

Kaito's job was simple.

Blow up the balloons.

"Don't overfill them," Ayame warned while stretching to tie another ribbon across the ceiling.

"I know," Kaito replied confidently.

He grabbed a balloon and started blowing air into it.

It grew bigger… and bigger… and bigger.

Renjiro slowly glanced over. "That looks like a bad idea."

Kaito ignored him and blew even harder.

POP!

The balloon exploded loudly.

Kaito froze, staring at the small rubber pieces now in his hands.

The room went silent for half a second.

Then he calmly placed the remains on the floor.

"…It died."

Renjiro burst out laughing.

Ayame turned around. "You overfilled it!"

Kaito looked offended. "No, I didn't. It just couldn't handle the pressure."

Haruto, still on the chair adjusting the banner, said without looking down, "You literally watched it reach the size of your head."

Akari, standing near the table with a tray of snacks, shook her head with an amused sigh. "Boys…"

Kaito grabbed another balloon.

"This one will survive."

He started blowing again.

Renjiro walked past him and muttered, "Rest in peace."

Ayame shook her head but couldn't stop smiling.

Haruto stretched slightly to reach the last corner of the banner.

"Pass the tape," he said.

Kaito tossed it up.

Haruto caught it, but the chair wobbled slightly.

Ayame immediately looked up. "Don't fall. Mimi's birthday will become a hospital visit."

"I won't fall," Haruto replied calmly.

Right at that moment, Kaito's second balloon slipped from his hand before tying it.

The balloon shot across the room making a loud screeching noise as it deflated wildly.

Everyone turned to watch it fly in chaotic circles before landing near the door.

Renjiro slowly clapped. "Incredible. A new species of bird."

Kaito pointed at it proudly. "That one escaped."

Ayame laughed despite trying to stay serious. "Just tie them properly!"

Akari, setting a plate down on the table, chuckled. "He's hopeless, but at least he's enthusiastic."

Kaito grabbed another balloon.

"Relax," he said. "This time I'll control the airflow."

Haruto glanced down briefly. "You said that last time."

Within minutes, the room was filled with half-tied balloons, ribbons hanging slightly crooked, pieces of tape scattered across the table, and snacks precariously arranged by Akari.

But the house also filled with something warmer.

Laughter.

And somewhere in the middle of all the chaos—

Mimi's birthday decorations slowly came together.

After a few more moments of chaos, Haruto stepped down from the chair, stretching his arms.

"I'm hungry," he said simply.

Akari, who had been quietly tidying up the table and keeping an eye on everyone, smiled softly. "I thought you might be," she said.

She carried a few light dishes over from the kitchen—small sandwiches, fruit slices, and a few snacks—enough to tide everyone over without spoiling the main party feast. She placed them neatly on the table.

"Here," she said. "Just something light before the guests arrive."

Kaito immediately grabbed a sandwich and took a big bite. "Finally!" he exclaimed, crumbs falling onto the floor.

Ayame sat down beside Haruto and picked up a fruit slice. "Not too much," she teased.

Haruto simply nodded, taking a small bite. "This will do."

Renjiro leaned back on the sofa again, casually munching a snack. "Told you, food first, decorations second," he said with a smirk.

Akari chuckled, shaking her head. "You boys are impossible, but at least the decorations are done."

The living room now glowed warmly, filled with ribbons, balloons, snacks, and the quiet satisfaction of a job well done.

Everything was ready. The house was decorated. The snacks were set. The birthday party for Mimi could begin.

And for the triplets, for once, the day's battles and training could be forgotten—tonight was just family, laughter, and celebration.

The evening air was crisp, and the soft glow from the living room lights spilled onto the porch. The house smelled faintly of snacks and cake—a comforting sign of the preparations the triplets and Akari had put in earlier.

The doorbell rang.

"That must be her!" Ayame exclaimed, smoothing her hair as she ran to the door. Haruto followed calmly, while Kaito bounced in place, practically vibrating with excitement. Renjiro leaned casually against the wall, smirking.

Ayame opened the door to reveal Mimi, clutching a small gift bag, eyes shining with excitement. Beside her was Mikasa, her mother and the triplets' aunt.

"Mimi!" Ayame called—but Mimi dashed straight toward Haruto, little feet moving fast across the floor.

"Big Brother! I missed you!" she squealed, wrapping her arms tightly around him. Haruto bent down slightly, gently hugging her back, a small smile tugging at his lips.

Kaito stepped forward, frowning. "Hey! I'm here too!" But Mimi barely glanced at him, grinning at Haruto again.

Ayame chuckled and bent down to add a tiny side hug. "Looks like someone has a favorite," she teased. Mimi hugged Haruto tighter, her fingers brushing his sleeve, clearly showing who she trusted most.

Mikasa smiled warmly. "She's been counting down the minutes," she said. "Thank you all for making this special."

As the group stepped inside, more guests began arriving. First were Arashi Homura and his younger brother Akashi, quickly followed by their parents, Raijin and Sayuri, carrying a small wrapped present. Akashi ran to Mimi, tugging her hand, but Mimi shook her head and giggled, clinging to Haruto instead.

From the street came Yuji, the triplets' father's friend, with Miri, who knelt down to greet the younger children with a playful smile. Behind them walked Hina Kobayashi and Daichi Mori, chatting quietly as they entered the room.

More classmates trickled in: Izumi Homura and Amaya Homura, skipping around and teasing Kaito gently, while Souta Nishikawa observed calmly with a small smile. Yuna Sekiguchi bent down to greet Mimi politely, but Mimi stayed glued to Haruto's side, showing him her gift first and tugging his sleeve to show him the decorations.

Finally, Daigo walked in, supervising calmly, and Ken followed with a subtle, caring smile. At the back, Raizen, whom the children affectionately called "Big Brother Raizen," nodded at the group, exuding a protective warmth.

The room buzzed with laughter and energy. Mimi stayed glued to Haruto's side, offering him the first fruit slice, pointing out decorations to him, and giggling whenever he smiled at her.

"This is perfect," Mimi whispered to Haruto, her hands brushing his sleeve. "Thank you… for everything."

Ayame smiled, gently tugging at Mimi. "Let's start with some snacks before the cake," she suggested, but Mimi lingered, her attention still fully on Haruto.

Renjiro smirked from the corner. "Looks like someone has a favorite," he teased.

The house was alive with warmth, chatter, and laughter. For Mimi, Haruto was the center of the party, while the rest of the celebration spun joyfully around them.

The lights in the living room dimmed slightly as the cake was brought out, a small chocolate cake topped with bright candles and colorful frosting. Mimi's eyes widened, sparkling with excitement.

"Wow… it's so pretty!" she gasped, clapping her tiny hands.

Ayame guided her forward, but before anyone could take her hand, Mimi tugged Haruto along, wrapping her small fingers around his. "Haruto! Help me blow them out!" she squealed. Haruto knelt down, careful not to topple the cake, and Mimi leaned in, cheeks puffed with determination.

Kaito nudged her gently. "Hey! I can help too!" Mimi barely glanced at him, shaking her head and giggling. Haruto smiled softly and whispered, "Ready?" Mimi nodded furiously. Together, they blew out the candles, and the room erupted in cheers.

"Yay! You did it, Mimi!" Akashi shouted, clapping happily. She giggled and turned to show Haruto the trail of candle smoke curling into the air.

Next came the gifts. Mimi bounced from one package to the next but made sure Haruto saw each one first. She handed him a small card she had decorated herself.

"For you!" she said proudly. Haruto accepted it carefully, reading the little drawing of their trio inside, and nodded. "Thank you, Mimi," he said softly.

Other children joined in: Kaito offered her a funny little toy, Daichi and Hina cheered as she opened a brightly wrapped package, and Miri leaned down, teasing, "Looks like someone already picked their favorite." Mimi only laughed, clutching Haruto's sleeve, then showed him the contents of her next gift.

Even as everyone played with snacks, decorations, and little party favors, Mimi kept circling back to Haruto, tugging him to sit beside her, pointing out balloons, or whispering something she wanted him to see first. Haruto watched over her patiently, letting her excitement guide the moment, while Ayame and Kaito exchanged amused smiles.

Raizen chuckled from the back, "She clearly adores you, Haruto," while Daigo supervised the smaller children, making sure no one tripped over a stray ribbon. Ken quietly handed Mimi a small cup of juice, which she accepted before hurrying back to Haruto.

At last, Mimi flopped into a chair beside him, cake crumbs on her tiny fingers, looking up with a satisfied grin. "Best birthday ever," she declared. Haruto ruffled her hair lightly, smiling.

Ayame leaned over, smiling warmly. "I think she'll remember this one forever."

Renjiro smirked from the corner. "And it's all thanks to the lucky guy she won't let go of."

Mimi looked up at Haruto again, a small laugh escaping her. "You're the best, Haruto!"

For a moment, the room quieted in contented laughter and the soft hum of conversation. The decorations, the gifts, and the cake didn't matter as much as the tiny girl sitting happily beside her favorite, while the rest of the party buzzed joyfully around them.

The cake had been eaten, gifts unwrapped, and the laughter of the party echoed through the living room. Mimi clutched a small toy from one of her gifts, her eyes sparkling.

"Come on, Akashi! Let's build the tower!" she squealed, dropping Haruto's hand and running toward her little friend. Haruto watched quietly, a small smile tugging at his lips, letting her go.

Kaito nudged him lightly. "She's having fun," he said. "Don't look so serious."

Ayame smiled. "Let her enjoy herself, Haruto. She'll come back."

Mimi joined Akashi, Daichi, Hina, and the other children, laughter spilling as they played together. Miri knelt down beside them, showing Mimi a clever way to stack her blocks.

From across the room, someone asked Mimi gently, "Mimi… if you could have anything in the world, what would you want?"

Mimi paused, thinking for a moment. Then she looked up with a small, earnest smile. "I… I would've wanted a big brother. Like Haruto."

The words hit Haruto like a sharp weight. He turned silently and slipped into a quiet corner of the room, away from the laughter and chatter. His shoulders trembled, and hot tears rolled down his face.

Ayame, noticing him, hurried over. "Haruto… are you okay?" she asked softly.

Kaito followed, concern in his eyes. "What happened?"

Haruto shook his head, trying to steady himself. "Aunt Mikasa… she didn't… say anything to Mimi. She's happy with us… but maybe she would've been even happier… if Kazuki had been here."

Ayame and Kaito shared a glance, understanding immediately. Gently, they both wrapped their arms around Haruto, holding him close.

"It's okay," Ayame whispered. "She's happy, and she has us… and you. That's enough."

Kaito nodded. "Yeah… you're already the big brother she wished for."

Haruto leaned into their hug, slowly letting his tears fall. "I just… I wish Kazuki could've seen her grow up," he murmured.

They stayed like that for a moment, the noise of the party around them, the laughter of children playing drifting through the room. Outside that small corner, Mimi continued to play with Akashi and the others, blissfully unaware of the ache she had stirred in Haruto—but her innocent wish had reached him, reminding him of what was lost, and what he had to cherish now.

Haruto slowly returned from the quiet corner, brushing his sleeves and taking a deep breath. Mimi, still giggling with Akashi and the other children, spotted him immediately and ran over, tugging gently at his hand. "Haruto! Come play with us!" she squealed.

Haruto smiled softly, kneeling to her level. "Alright, alright. Let's see what you're building," he said, letting her guide him to the blocks.

The other children cheered as Haruto joined in, helping steady towers and handing out small toys. Laughter and chatter filled the room once again. The adults, classmates, and older kids mingled nearby—Miri teasingly showing some of the younger children a trick with balloons, Raizen watching over them with a quiet, protective gaze, and Daigo supervising calmly from the side.

Renjiro leaned back against the wall, a smirk on his face. "Looks like Haruto's finally warmed up again," he said, nudging Ayame slightly.

Ayame nodded, watching her brother interact with Mimi and the other kids. "It's good to see him smiling," she said quietly.

Time passed, and the room remained alive with energy. Children ran around, laughter echoed, and little games sprang up spontaneously. But after a while, a small, subtle quiet settled in one corner. Akari noticed something missing.

She scanned the room, her eyes flicking from the laughing children to the adults chatting nearby, and then froze slightly. Haruto wasn't among the group anymore.

Her heart gave a small pang. She felt the urge to go and check on him, to make sure nothing was wrong, but she hesitated. Looking around, everything seemed calm—Mimi was happily playing, the other kids were laughing, and the adults were busy chatting.

Akari took a steadying breath and shook her head slightly. "It's fine," she whispered to herself. "He's probably okay."

She forced a gentle smile and turned back to continue her conversation with Renjiro and Raizen, keeping her worry buried for the moment.

Haruto had slipped quietly upstairs, leaving the laughter of the party behind. In the privacy of the triplets' room, he stood near the window, the soft evening light spilling across the floor. In his hand was a folded letter, edges slightly worn.

He stared at the envelope for a long moment. Slowly, almost reverently, he whispered the name written on it:

"To Haruto… To Haruto… To Haruto…"

He repeated it two, three times, each utterance carrying the weight of fear, worry, and anticipation. His chest tightened with every repetition, and his hands gripped the letter as if holding onto it could prepare him for what came next.

Finally, gathering a deep breath, he carefully opened the letter and began to read. His eyes scanned the lines, the words hidden from view, but the tension and the weight of the message were written plainly on his face.

After a long, heavy moment, he folded the letter carefully and slipped it into his pocket. Smoothing his hair back and taking another deep breath, he descended the stairs.

Emerging into the warm, bustling living room, Mimi waved excitedly. "Haruto! Come play!"

He smiled faintly, kneeling to join the children. Though the letter still lingered in his mind, the laughter around him and Mimi's joy pulled him back into the moment.