The sun still hung high in the sky, casting golden light across the road as Raito drove through the city. It was barely past 3:35 PM, but to him, it felt like he'd lived through an entire lifetime in the past few hours.
Emi was nestled tightly against him in the passenger seat, tiny fists gripping the front of his shirt with surprising strength for someone her size. She refused to let go. Her cheek was pressed to his chest like it was her last safe haven.
Raito didn't mind. He didn't say anything. He just kept driving with one hand, the other gently resting on her back.
The silence in the car wasn't awkward—it was heavy. And yet, somehow, comforting.
At the next red light, he fished into his pocket and pulled out the last lollipop from the crinkled packet he'd carried through hell and back today.
He held it up between them. "Here," he murmured. "For being a good girl…unlike your sister."
Emi blinked at it, her expression momentarily confused. Then she snatched it with all the eagerness of a pirate finding treasure.
Pop.
Her delighted giggle filled the car.
Raito allowed himself a faint smirk.
"Is that your way of saying forgive me?" Kurai chuckled lazily from within. "Giving out candy like some grumpy dad in a slice-of-life anime? You're turning soft."
"…Shut up."
"I mean, it's adorable. Don't get me wrong. Just don't expect me to start babysitting."
The gate to the villa slid open as Raito's car pulled in. The sun cast long shadows across the neatly trimmed lawn. It was a beautiful day—but Raito was too drained to care.
He parked, got out, and carried Emi inside without saying a word.
The villa was quiet. The light streaming in through the wide windows gave everything a soft glow, almost like a dream. Raito padded across the living room barefoot, Emi still latched onto him like a little sloth.
He eyed the clock. 3:45 PM.
They still had the whole day ahead of them.
"…Guess I'm not going back to work today."
He took Emi to the bathroom and set her down on a fluffy towel. She immediately started chewing the lollipop stick like a stress toy.
"I don't even want to think about what kind of bacteria you're eating right now," Raito muttered, turning on the water.
He gave her a quick wash—gentle, but efficient—and then took a fast, cold shower himself, scrubbing away the blood and ash no one could see but him.
He towel-dried her, tossed a new onesie on her, and pulled on a loose pair of black pants himself. Shirt? Optional. He was too tired to care.
They returned to the living room, Emi now feeling fresh and energetic again, and Raito feeling like he'd aged five years.
He dropped onto the couch like a fallen tree, his body slumping deep into the cushions.
Emi climbed up after him and settled herself comfortably on his chest, like it was her new permanent spot.
"…Heavy," Raito muttered, not moving.
She looked up at him and smiled, the lollipop still in her hand like a trophy.
He grabbed the remote and flicked the TV on.
KAWAI KITTY'S MAGICAL DREAM ADVENTURE immediately burst onto the screen in a flood of pastel colors and cheerful theme music.
Raito didn't even try to change the channel.
"…This is my life now," he said.
"Could be worse," Kurai replied. "You could've died single and unloved in a bloody warehouse instead of watching rainbow cats with a giggling baby on your chest. Character development, Raito. I'm so proud."
He didn't answer. His eyes were already half-lidded.
Emi yawned. She curled up tighter against him, clearly more relaxed than she'd been in hours.
Raito let the familiar opening theme wash over him like a lullaby.
His breathing slowed.
The warmth of the afternoon sun filled the room.
And finally, without realizing when it happened, Raito drifted off to sleep with Emi safe and sound on top of him, the TV quietly playing glitter-filled nonsense in the background.
For once, it felt okay to rest.