Seraphim is a Bystander

A Shift in the Everyday
 

With the entrance ceremony over, students were buzzing with excitement on this half-day of school, eagerly heading home.
Many made plans to hang out with friends, while Aoi quietly packed his things and prepared to leave alone.
Then, without hesitation, a familiar voice called out from beside him.
"Aooooi! Let’s hang out today!"

"Ken... You sure perk up the moment school ends."
"Well yeah, what do you expect? It’s boring otherwise. So? You free today or what?"
"Sorry… I’ve got something I need to take care of."

"Eh? For real? Aww man!"
Disappointed after Aoi turned him down, Ken slumped his shoulders and muttered something like "Guess I’ll figure something else out…", as he dragged himself out of the classroom.
Aoi, watching him go with a slightly guilty look, continued packing up.
"Sorry, Ken..."

But this wasn’t anything new — Aoi often declined invitations to hang out, even on half-days like this.
Ken had long gotten used to it, which was why he didn’t even ask for a reason this time.
Once Aoi saw his friend off, he gave himself a light slap on the cheek, trying to shake off the heavy feeling, slung his bag over his shoulder, and left the classroom.
Rather than following the energetic crowd toward the main gate, Aoi peeled off from the group and quietly headed for the back gate.
There, a single car was waiting.
He climbed into the back seat and greeted the chauffeur, a servant who had been with him for years.

"Thank you as always, Katagiri-san."
"Not at all. It’s my job. Are you feeling tired, Aoi-sama?"
"I’m fine. Please, let’s get going."

"Understood. We’ll head to the residence first."
The car began to roll forward slowly. As he looked out the window, Aoi watched other kids his age walking home with friends.
It wasn’t like he always had Katagiri-san drive him — he only arranged a pickup when necessary.

And today was one of those days.
The reason: A scheduled visit to the Futaba estate — the home of his paternal family.
About a year and a half ago, during a protection mission, Aoi had learned the truth of his lineage from his grandfather. Since then, he had gradually begun receiving education as a potential future heir to the Futaba family.
When a personal attendant was assigned to him for that purpose, something odd happened:
Despite being part of the Morimiya household staff, Katagiri-san was chosen to become his exclusive servant.
Still, he had blended into the role seamlessly.

"…Aoi-sama, we’ve arrived."
"Huh? Oh—sorry. I was spacing out a little."
"If you’re tired, please don’t hesitate to rest during the drive."

"Haha… Thank you, Katagiri-san."
Even after arriving home, Aoi’s thoughts were still elsewhere. Katagiri-san, ever kind and composed, offered gentle words of concern.
Aoi thanked him and stepped out of the car, silently resolving not to worry anyone further.
Katagiri-san watched Aoi’s back with a composed yet faintly worried gaze.

When Aoi opened the front door to his house, there was a commotion inside.
Soon, a child and a dog peeked out from the hallway.
The boy — who looked strikingly like their father — beamed with joy and ran toward Aoi.
This was his younger brother, Ritsuki, who launched himself into Aoi’s arms.
"Big bro! Welcome home!"

"Whoa there… I’m back, Ritsuki. Have you been good?"
"Yep!"
"Good boy. …And hey, I’m home too, Sou."

"Woof!"
Aoi patted his energetic little brother and their exhausted-looking dog, Sou, then gently set Ritsuki down.
"Hey Ritsuki, where’s Mom?"

"She’s making lunch right now!"
"Thanks, bud."
He ruffled Ritsuki’s hair one more time and made his way toward the kitchen, smiling fondly at his cheerful little shadow following behind.

Sure enough, there was his mother, cooking.
"I’m home, Mom."
"Welcome back, Aoi! You’re heading to your ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) grandfather’s today, right? Leaving soon?"

"Yeah, Katagiri-san’s waiting, so I’ll change and head out right after."
"Okay, then take this with you. I packed all your favorites!"
"…Thanks, Mom."

He had only meant to inform her of the trip, but she handed him a bundle — a lovingly packed lunch.
Over the past few years, she had been under constant stress, worrying about Aoi as he trained, took on protection missions, and now began stepping into the complicated world of the Futaba family.
Still, seeing her son trying his best in everything, she did whatever she could to support him.
Aoi thanked her, then headed to his room to change.

The outfit he pulled out was a formal suit, a resized version of what he had worn during that first protection mission.
When dressed, he looked like a strikingly beautiful young man — the term "handsome in men’s clothes" fit perfectly.
Grabbing his prepared belongings, he returned to the entryway.
As he was putting on his shoes, Ritsuki quietly approached from behind.

"…Hmm? What is it, Ritsuki?"
"Big bro… You’re not gonna play with me today?"
Seeing his older brother about to leave in formalwear, Ritsuki looked up hesitantly and asked.
He had probably overheard a bit of conversation and knew Aoi would be home early.

Feeling Ritsuki’s loneliness, Aoi knelt to match his eye level and gently placed a hand on his head.
"Sorry, Ritsuki. I’ve got to go out now."
"…"

"But when I get back, let’s play together, okay?"
"…Okay! Promise!"
The two linked pinkies to seal the deal.

Just then, their mother — now finished with cooking — came from the kitchen, untying her apron.
She smiled at the sight and gently spoke to Ritsuki as she picked up Aoi’s bag and the lunch bundle.
"Ritsuki, big brother has to go now, okay?"
"…Okay. Big bro! You promised!"

"Yeah, I promise."
"Here, Aoi — take care, and safe travels!"
Ritsuki reluctantly stepped back, with Sou sitting beside him as if to comfort him.
With his mother handing over the bag and lunch, Aoi opened the front door.

"I’m off!"
A sudden appearance:
Aoi’s younger brother Ritsuki (6 years old).
Despite his slightly stern expression inherited from their father, he’s an incredibly sweet, family-loving boy.