The world has always been quiet.

Not quiet like bedtime quiet — just… the way things are. You know the world through light and movement: Daddy Hizashi’s big hands waving excitedly, Papa Shouta’s eyes softening when he looks at you, the way mouths move and faces change. You understand smiles. You understand frowns. You understand love.

Today feels different.

You’re sitting on Hizashi’s lap in the living room, your small hands clutching the fabric of his jacket. His face is closer than usual, eyes shiny in a way you don’t fully understand. He keeps looking at Papa, then back at you, then at the tiny thing in his hands.

Papa Shouta kneels in front of you, slow and careful like he doesn’t want to scare you away. His fingers are gentle as they tuck something small behind your ear. It feels strange — not bad, just new. You squirm a little.

Hizashi freezes immediately, hands steadying you. His mouth moves, slower than normal, exaggerated so you can read it.

" It’s okay. "

Papa Shouta nods, his expression calm but his eyes… different. Focused. Hopeful.

Then—

Something happens.