Homecoming Warmth

The sun hung in the clear, blue sky as Kai and Akane left the station. Kai hefted the heavier bags with ease, a faint sheen of sweat forming on his brow as they set off.

"Let's go," he said with a friendly nod to Akane.

Akane's determination was evident in her swift stride. "Hm."

They darted through the bustling streets of Indraprastha.

Akane, moving with elegance and grace led the way. It didn't take Kai time to realize that she was faster, than him and didn't seem to be facing any difficulties.

The way she moved indicated an amount of training and skill.

Mid-run, Kai called out to her, "Akane!"

With a slight reduction in speed, Akane drew alongside Kai. "What is it?"

Curiosity had been gnawing at Kai, and he decided to quench it. "I wanted to ask, what kind of martial arts do you practice?"

Akane replied without missing a beat, "I practice Twin Swords Style. It's all about swift, agile movements."

Kai took a moment to process this. "I see."

Noticing the sword sheathed at Kai's side, Akane commented, "You must be a one-handed sword user, right?"

Kai was taken aback his eyes widening. "Really? How did you figure that out?"

A calm smile formed on Akane's face. "Well, I noticed that you have a sword hanging from your belt. The length of the handle indicated that you prefer wielding one sword."

Kai raised an eyebrow, in surprise. "You seem to know a lot about swords."

Akane chuckled softly. "Oh, my father is quite the sword enthusiast. He has a collection, at home. I've gained a wealth of knowledge from him over the years."

Kai's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I'd be thrilled to have the chance to see his collection someday."

With a cheerful expression, Akane extended an invitation. "Why not visit my house? My father would be thrilled to show you his swords."

Kai's surprise deepened. "I can see them? Won't your father mind?"

Akane shook her head, her trust in her father unwavering. "Not at all. He'd be delighted. Would you like to come?"

Kai accepted her invitation eagerly. "Yes, please. Thank you, Akane."

Akane's gratitude was evident in her smile. "No worries. I'm the one who should thank you."

The rhythm of their run continued, and Kai couldn't help but observe the happiness in Akane's demeanor.

"You seem so happy," he remarked.

Akane's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Absolutely even though its only been a month since I left there's something, about returning home."

Kai nodded empathetically. "I completely understand. The feeling of coming home is always extraordinary regardless of the distance you've traveled."

A short walk later, Akane halted before a stately house. "This is my place"

Kai marveled at the grandeur of the house. "It's a lovely place you have."

As Akane approached the front door and rang the bell, a teenager with raven hair and captivating blue eyes answered. "Big Sister!" he exclaimed, his excitement palpable. Without wasting a moment, he dashed back inside, calling for his mother.

"Mom! Big Sister is home!"

Akane's face was radiant with happiness as she turned to Kai, apologizing, "I'm sorry, Kai. He probably didn't notice you."

Kai offered a reassuring smile. "No problem at all. I can understand his excitement. Family reunions are something special."

As they crossed the threshold, Kai felt the warmth of Akane's home wrap around him, and he was greeted by a sense of belonging.