PeakWEST 𝙎1 - 5 : Vessel

ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ 𝟹𝟽 - 𝙻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝚏𝚊𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚢

Sasaki yawns and rises from his bed, catching the sweet aroma of coffee drifting into the room.

He smiles, knowing his wife must be preparing it.

Just then, Hana enters with a tray in her hands, carrying the warm cup.

Hana: Good morning, Sasaki!

Sasaki: Good morning, Hana.

Sasaki takes the coffee, and Hana sits beside him, a gentle smile on her face.

Hana: You finally got some real sleep after so long, didn't you?

She blushes, and Sasaki nods, taking a sip.

Sasaki: Yeah, that big case is finally wrapped up.

Hana: The Amanda case?

Sasaki: That's the one. Both hers and the related case. It's been a whirlwind.

Hana: Only you could handle something so intense in just five days.

Sasaki: Well, that's what you get for marrying a genius detective.

He chuckles and leans over, giving her a gentle kiss on the forehead.

Sasaki: By the way, where are Chiyo and Yui?

Hana: Those little bundles of energy are still sleeping.

Sasaki: Good kids. We must be doing something right.

Hana: They're ours; of course, they're wonderful!

They share a light laugh, enjoying the rare quiet moment together.

Hana: You know, it's been a while since we had time like this. Just talking, just us.

Sasaki: I know. Work's been demanding, but I'm hoping that promotion comes through soon. Then, we'll finally have more time together.

Hana leans in, wrapping her arms around him. Sasaki returns the hug warmly.

Just then, the door creaks open, and their daughter Chiyo peeks in, looking sleepy but determined.

Hana: Hey, Chiyo! Thought you'd still be snoozing!

Chiyo: Mommy, it's 7 o'clock...

Hana: Oh, so ready to get going for school, huh?

Chiyo: Actually... I don't want to go today.

She pouts, making Sasaki chuckle as he reaches down and lifts her into his lap.

Sasaki: Oh, why's that? Feeling under the weather?

Chiyo: I'm just bored, Daddy. I want to spend time with you and Mommy and Yui.

Sasaki brushes a strand of hair from her face and kisses her forehead.

Sasaki: Tell you what, I have a tiny bit of work to finish this morning. After that, I'll come home, and we'll all go out together. How does that sound?

Chiyo: Really? Yay! I love you, Daddy!

She leans over to give him a peck on the cheek, then gives Hana a kiss as well before sliding off his lap and prancing out of the room.

Sasaki: She's growing up so fast. Seems like just yesterday she was barely saying "mama."

Hana: I know. And she's as lively as ever-just like her parents.

They share a laugh, and Sasaki gets up, slipping on his coat. Just before he heads out the door, Hana gently holds his hand.

Hana: Are you really coming back so soon?

Sasaki: Yes, I am. The case is closed, so they won't assign me anything major for at least three days. And if luck's on our side, I'll get that promotion sooner than we think.

Hana: You'll get it, Sasaki. I believe in you.

He smiles, pulling her into a soft hug before giving her one last kiss on the forehead.

As he opens the door to leave, he finds both Chiyo and Yui waiting there, waving excitedly.

Sasaki: ( smiling ) My perfect send-off.

With one last wave, he steps out, his heart warm from his family's love as he heads to the headquarters.

Marlene: Is that it? You idiots! Why didn't you consider us from the beginning?

Alan: It's not that we didn't want to...

Deepika: We just didn't want to bother you all. You have your own lives too.

San: Bother us? Listen, we're more than just friends-we're like family. You two can come to us anytime. No more going it alone. Let's stick together from now on!

Samuel: Exactly! Alan, we've been friends since we were kids. You should have known I'd be there for you, no questions asked.

Alan: (feeling guilty) I'm sorry, Samuel. I should've trusted you more.

He reaches out, and the two friends share a genuine, heartfelt hug.

Wasime: Honestly, I'm surprised fate brought us together like this. But, you know... it really does feel like we're a family. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Deepika: I never thought I'd have so many people I could truly lean on. It's... really comforting.

San: And that's how it'll stay. From now on, if one of us has a problem, we all have a problem. If one of us wins, we all celebrate.

Alan: (smiling) I never realized how lucky I was until now.

Marlene: Well, you better appreciate it, you fool. We're here for you both, whether you want it or not. So don't pull any more of this "not wanting to bother us" nonsense, okay?

Alan: (laughs) Got it. No more shutting people out.

Samuel: Good, because we've got your back no matter what. We're in this together now.

Wasime: To sticking together, through thick and thin.

They all nod, exchanging warm glances that convey the depth of their bond.

One by one, they bring each other into a group hug, laughing and letting the warmth of their friendship seep into each of them.

Deepika: I don't know what the future holds, but... I know I want to face it with all of you.

Alan: Same here. With all of you by our side, I know we can face anything.

They break the hug but linger close, feeling a renewed sense of strength and unity. For the first time in a long time, they all feel at peace-together, as a family.

𝘛𝘰 𝘉𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘦𝘥...