Chapter 13: The Winds of Danger
As the soft rays of dawn filter through the windows, Jisso wakes up in her nightwear, which clings to her lightly, making her feel a little self-conscious. Carefully, she tiptoes out of her room to avoid waking Kanata, who's still fast asleep.
Reaching the kitchen, she's greeted by the sight of Subaru standing at the stove, wearing a half-sleeved shirt and pajama pants, his calm demeanor making the scene unexpectedly endearing.
*Jisso*: "Good morning!"
*Subaru* (glancing at her with a small smile): "Oh, good morning, Jisso."
*Jisso*: "I didn't know you could cook."
*Subaru*: "It's just an old hobby."
*Jisso*: "Hah, and here I am, a girl, who doesn't even know how to cook."
*Subaru*: "That's okay. In today's world, it's not that unusual."
*Jisso*: "Yeah, I guess… though it gets boring eating restaurant food or packaged meals every day."
*Subaru*: "Looks like I've got a chance to impress you with my skills."
*Jisso* (excitedly): "Aww so cute!"
The two of them dive into cooking together, laughing and chatting as Subaru patiently teaches her a few basic steps. Flour ends up on Jisso's nose at one point, earning a rare chuckle from Subaru as she playfully swipes at him in return.
--
After their fun in the kitchen, the table is set with a delicious spread of eggs, toast, pancakes, and fresh juice.
*Subaru*: "I'll go call Rai. Can you get Kanata?"
*Jisso*: "Sure thing!"
She heads upstairs to wake Kanata, while Subaru finds Rai lounging in the living room.
*Rai* (grinning): "Good morning, sleepyhead!"
*Jisso* (smiling): "Good morning, Rai!"
Kanata emerges moments later, his hair slightly messy, rubbing his eyes as he greets everyone.
*Kanata*: "Good morning, Jisso. Good morning, Subaru."
*Jisso and Subaru* (in unison): "Good morning, Kanata."
Jisso notices something amusing and nudges Subaru playfully.
*Jisso*: "Ohh, same pinch!" She pinches his arm lightly.
*Subaru* (confused): "What's this for?"
*Jisso* (laughing): "If two people say or do the same thing, they pinch each other! It's a game."
*Subaru*: "Really?" He leans in and gently pinches her arm back.
*Jisso* (clapping her hands with a grin): "Yay, you got it!"
*Subaru* (shaking his head with a small smile): "Alright, alright. Now, sit down and eat your breakfast."
*Jisso*: "Okey-dokey!"
The four of them sit together, chatting and laughing as they enjoy the meal. For a brief moment, everything feels warm and carefree, like a family sharing an ordinary, happy morning.
Outside the villa
A strong gust of wind howls through the trees, shaking the branches violently. The sky darkens slightly, as if signaling the arrival of something sinister. A haunting violin sound echoes in the distance, intensifying the eerie atmosphere.
A shadowed figure steps forward, his cloak billowing in the wind, revealing a pale, menacing face. His lips curl into a cruel, creeping smile as he looks toward the villa, seeing the warmth and laughter shared among Jisso, Subaru, Rai, and Kanata through the window.
??: "Ah, there you are… having fun while you can. How charming. But soon… I'll catch you."
The figure's red eyes gleam in the fading light, and his smile widens.
---
**Inside the Kitchen**
Subaru suddenly paused mid-step, his body tensing. A flicker of unease crossed his usually composed features.
**Subaru (murmuring):** "I… don't feel well."
Jisso turned to him, concern etching into her expression.
**Jisso:** "Huh? But you seemed fine just a minute ago. What's wrong?"
Across the kitchen, Rai's playful demeanor faded. His sharp green eyes darkened with recognition, a knowing smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
**Rai:** "You're feeling it too, huh?"
Subaru exhaled slowly, his crimson eyes flickering toward the window.
**Subaru:** "I guess we were bound to feel it sooner or later."
Kanata, who had been lazily leaning against the counter, straightened up, his usual carefree expression hardening.
**Kanata:** "Then what should we do to protect her?"
Jisso's heart skipped a beat, her gaze shifting between the three of them.
**Jisso:** "Protect me? From what? What's happening?"
Rai sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.
**Rai:** "Looks like they finally figured out that you came back."
Jisso frowned, confusion and fear creeping into her voice.
**Jisso:** "Oh my god."
Kanata's violet eyes glowed under the dim light of the kitchen.
**Kanata:** "The ones who have been lurking… waiting for you. And now, they want your power."
The room fell into a heavy silence. Jisso's hands trembled slightly as she took a step back.
**Jisso (whispering):** "Am I really that much of a threat?"
Subaru's gaze softened as he reached out, gently placing a hand on her shoulder.
**Subaru:** "Who said you're a threat? You're not dangerous, Jisso."
His lips curved into a small, reassuring smile.
**Subaru:** "You're an angel."
Tears welled in Jisso's eyes, her emotions threatening to spill over.
**Jisso (sobbing):** "But because of me… you and my whole family have to suffer."
Subaru sighed, pulling her into a warm embrace.
**Subaru (softly):** "You're not the reason for our suffering. You're the reason we're still fighting."
As Jisso buried her face in his chest, Rai and Kanata exchanged a glance, both silently vowing the same thing—no matter what, they wouldn't let anyone take her away.
Outside, the figure watching them took a slow step forward, the wind growing harsher around him.
**?? (grinning):** *"Let the game begin."*
---
As suddenly as it came, the eerie wind ceased, and the oppressive presence lurking outside vanished in a blink of an eye. The villa fell into a deep, unnatural silence, as if the air itself had been holding its breath.
Jisso shivered, a lingering unease curling in her chest. She knew something—or someone—had been watching them, waiting. Even though the presence was gone, she couldn't shake the feeling that danger was drawing closer.
Without thinking, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms tightly around Subaru, seeking warmth and reassurance in his embrace. His body was cool to the touch, but his steady presence calmed the storm raging inside her.
She glanced toward Rai and Kanata, hesitating for only a moment before gesturing for them to join.
Without missing a beat, Rai smirked and strode toward them, slipping into the embrace with ease.
**Rai (grinning):** "I know, babydoll, you're having a bad time, but don't worry—your sugar daddy is here."
Kanata rolled his eyes, completely ignoring Rai as he stepped closer.
**Kanata (smirking softly):** "She knows who can really protect her."
Subaru let out a small chuckle, glancing down at Jisso.
**Subaru:** "Well, if everyone's throwing out their best pickup lines, why not me? Jisso, I will never leave your side."
Jisso let out a soft laugh, warmth spreading in her chest despite the fear she had felt just moments ago.
**Jisso (smiling softly):** "You guys are impossible."
Rai ruffled her hair playfully.
**Rai:** "And yet, you love us for it."
Jisso sighed but didn't deny it. Surrounded by them, she felt safe—like she truly belonged.
But deep in her heart, she knew this was just the calm before the storm.