╰┈➤ 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗠 𝗚𝗟𝗢𝗪 of hanging lanterns, Jean and Ayumi, accompanied by Masaki's elder stepbrothers, reclined in the grandeur of the dining hall. They were enveloped in the aroma of a feast crafted by culinary artisans: succulent yakitori, each skewer a testament to the charcoal's kiss; a complex okonomiyaki, its layers a tapestry of flavors crowned with a tangy elixir; and the ethereal Japanese cheesecake, whispering sweet nothings to the palate with its airy embrace.
Masaki, ensconced opposite Jean, found Ayumi poised gracefully between Rindou and Ran. Rindou, ever the picture of stoicism, partook of his repast with unwavering composure, whilst Ran, draped in a veneer of languor, indulged in the meal. Amidst the quietude, Masaki perceived the intermittent gleam of Rindou's gaze, sharp and discerning, slicing through the convivial atmosphere.
"Masaki, sweetie, how was your first day of school?" inquired Ayumi, her timbre as delicate and mellifluous as a serenade. Masaki glanced upward from his plate, his visage melting into a tender tableau.
"It was nice. The building was big like a maze but overall pretty good." Masaki's response, a tapestry of rich tones woven with a heavy accent, met her gaze. She, in turn, bestowed a radiant smile, heartened by the serene passage of Masaki's initial day, devoid of turmoil.
"I assume your older brothers help you around the school. Made sure nobody wasn't messing with you?" She posed her query with a voice steeped in benevolence, her gaze settling upon Rindou and Ran. In a seamless ballet of cessation, their feasting halted; Rindou teetered on the cusp of a sardonic quip, while Ran braced to weave a tapestry of untruths.
"Yeah, they were great. I appreciate the help they gave me. You have two good sons on your hands. I am glad they're my older brothers." Masaki's voice, a gentle whisper, met Ayumi's ears as she peered into his eyes, finding herself unexpectedly disarmed by the sincerity that dwelled there. His words were neither a lie nor the stark truth but rather a delicate fusion, a dance along the fine line between reality and pretense.
Rindou's gaze briefly betrayed his astonishment, a fleeting dilation of the pupils, while Ran's features were etched with a smirk of amusement, languid and playful. Masaki, amidst this tableau, perceived the soft caress of fingers through his hair, a tender gesture. "Our dear baby brother is the cutest. Can't see any harm come to him." Ran declared, his voice laced with a teasing lilt, rich with mirth.
