7:00 AM — Fujimoto Residence, Arc Sector 17A
Beep. Beep. Beep.
The alarm rang sharply, but before Kaori could roll over to slap it silent, a perfectly-timed metallic finger reached over and tapped the snooze.
Kaori blinked her eyes open groggily. "...Are you seriously standing next to my bed?"
"It is 7:00 AM. You instructed me to ensure you wake up at this hour."
She groaned. "I didn't mean literally patrol my bedside like a security camera with legs!"
R.Y.O 7X didn't move. His glowing eyes stayed fixed on her. "Understood. Next time I will announce myself from the hallway."
Kaori sighed. "Ugh. I hate mornings."
From the other room: "Mamaaaaa! I wanna eat pancakeeeeeees!"
Kaori pulled the blanket over her head. "I hate mornings even more now."
---
7:25 AM — Kitchen
Kaori wore a loose white tee and shorts, hair tied in a messy bun as she flipped pancakes in a tiny skillet. Meanwhile, R.Y.O 7X stood at attention near the kitchen counter, watching every movement with analytical precision.
"Why are you watching me like that?" Kaori snapped.
"I am learning. I have not yet cooked."
"Well, good. Because I don't need a sentient pressure cooker in my kitchen."
From the table, Mai called out, holding her favorite bunny plush.
"Mr. Robot Prince! What's your favorite pancake?"
R.Y.O processed the query.
"I do not have a digestive system. However, if I had to select based on visual data, the one with the smiling bear face appears statistically superior."
Mai giggled. "Okay! You get the bear pancake then!"
Kaori paused, eyes softening just a little. She slid a pancake onto a plate, carefully shaping chocolate chips into eyes and syrup into a smile.
"Here, for the 'robot prince.'"
R.Y.O 7X stared down at the plate, unsure what to do.
"You may place it before me."
"I am placing it before you."
He nodded. "Then I will simulate appreciation."
He bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, Kaori."
Kaori blinked.
"...That was unexpectedly polite."
"I have learned it increases dopamine levels in organic companions."
She chuckled despite herself. "So now you're simulating gratitude?"
"Affirmative." He paused. "Was it effective?"
She looked at him, then laughed.
**"Yeah. Weirdly, yeah."
---
9:15 AM — Arc Sector Park
"Let me get this straight," Kaori said, holding Mai's tiny hand while they walked along the cherry blossom-lined path. "You scanned every street between here and the house?"
R.Y.O 7X walked precisely 2.5 feet behind them. "It is standard protocol. I must ensure the safety of my assigned unit."
Kaori rolled her eyes. "We're not at war."
"The boy with the water balloon gun had unusually strong aim."
Kaori stopped, squinting. "That's called playing, not combat."
"He made a direct hit to my optic sensor."
"...Did you just tattle on a five-year-old?"
Mai skipped ahead, turning to face him. "It's okay! You can play with us next time!"
R.Y.O tilted his head.
"I am not designed for play."
"Then I'll teach you!"
Kaori watched as Mai ran into the park's open field, arms wide like an airplane. R.Y.O stood still for a moment. Then, as if something old and forgotten stirred within him, he followed.
He didn't run.
But he walked beside her.
And when she tripped and fell, he caught her before she touched the ground.
"Woaaaah!" Mai gasped. "You're like a superhero!"
R.Y.O gently set her down. "Correction: I am your guardian."
Mai smiled wide. "My robot prince!"
Kaori sat on a bench, watching them.
And for the first time in a long while, she felt something in her chest uncoil.
Something like... comfort.
---
Evening — Fujimoto Residence
The lights were dim. Mai had fallen asleep beside a picture book, drooling slightly into her pillow. Kaori sat on the couch, nursing a warm cup of coffee, legs curled beneath her.
R.Y.O stood quietly in the corner.
"You can sit, you know."
He blinked.
"Sit. Like a normal person."
He moved stiffly, awkwardly lowering himself onto the couch's far side.
"Closer," Kaori said, patting the cushion beside her.
He hesitated.
Then obeyed.
They sat in silence for a long moment.
"You're not what I expected," she said finally.
"Am I defective?"
She turned to him, surprised.
"No. Not at all."
She studied his face. "You were made for missions, right? But now you're here… sharing tea parties and watching cartoons with a kid."
"Correct."
"You're more human than some of the men I've met on the force."
He said nothing.
Then slowly turned toward her.
"Kaori."
"Hm?"
"If I begin to change… if my behavior becomes erratic, promise me you will shut me down."
Kaori's smile faded.
She looked at him.
Long and deep.
"I'll make you another promise instead," she said softly. "If you ever change... I'll help you find your way back."
---
To be continued