Seraphim is a Bystander

School Trip Day 1: Morning
 
 

The sound of the alarm wakes me up. Looking around, I see that I’m no longer in that strange space, but back in Ritsuki’s familiar room. Beside me, Ritsuki is peacefully asleep, and I realize that what I experienced earlier must’ve been a dream.
“…"
Even so, I can clearly remember everything that happened in that mysterious place. I still don’t fully understand what that angel wanted to tell me, but… somehow, I didn’t feel like she was lying.

…Well, dream or not, it didn’t seem like anything bad was going to happen, so I guess it’s fine.
Drawing that line ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) in my thoughts, I quietly get out of bed so I don’t wake Ritsuki. I pat his head gently and then leave the room.
“Good morning, Aoi. Did you sleep well?”

“Good morning, Mom. Yeah, I slept fine.”
“That’s good to hear. Now go get ready quickly, okay?”
I exchange a few words with my mom, who was already up preparing breakfast, and start getting ready. Like always, I wash my face, fix my hair, and pick out some clothes that weren’t packed yet to get changed.

“Aoi~ Breakfast is ready~!”
“Coming~!”
Responding to my mom, I head to the dining table where the food was already set out. I eat while chatting with my mom, who is now tidying up the kitchen, and when I check the time, there’s still a bit of wiggle room.

I move the luggage I packed yesterday to the entrance, then spend the remaining time reading a book. Though my eyes scan the words on the page, my mind is still lingering on the dream I had.
That strange space that somehow felt nostalgic… the angel who seemed emotionless but had a gentle presence… and the thing I apparently used to be able to do before I was even self-aware.
The only thing I can remember from that early time… is when Sou became part of our family.

Now that I think about it, I never really questioned it before—but how did Sou, a virtual entity, end up becoming part of our family? He’s always just been… there. It felt so natural, I never thought to ask.
But once I start wondering, the curiosity won’t go away. I shut my book and head over to the kitchen, where my mom is now preparing breakfast for Ritsuki and Dad. I make sure not to get in her way as I speak.
“Hey Mom, can I ask you something real quick?”
“What is it?”

“Sou came to our house around the time I was born, right? How did he become part of our family?”
“…”
My mom pauses what she’s doing and seems to think for a moment. Then she gives me a gentle smile and turns to face me.

“That’s true… I don’t think we ever told you. You know, Aoi—Sou became part of our family because of you.”
“…Because of me?”
“Yes. You helped Sou, and both you and he wanted to become a family. That’s why he came to live with us.”

I helped Sou…? When I was just a baby? Me, who hadn’t even formed proper memories yet, helping a virtual being like Sou—who’s way stronger than any other entity I’ve encountered?
“What happened back then?”
“Well… oh my, Aoi, are you sure you’re not running late?”

Her words make me glance at the clock—and sure enough, it’s time for me to leave.
“I guess we’ll talk about it after your school trip, okay?”
“Yeah! Promise, okay?”

“Of course. Now go enjoy yourself and have fun on your trip!”
“I will! I’m off!”
After saying that, I head to the entrance, put on my shoes, and grab my luggage. Just as I’m about to head out, a sleepy-looking Sou and Ritsuki show up.

“Niisan, are you leaving already…?”
“Woof!”
Before I leave, I give them both a big hug, gently patting their heads as I speak.

“Yeah, I’m heading out now. Sou, take care of things while I’m gone, okay? When I get back, I want to hear all about you.”
“…Have a good trip!”
“Woof!”
With both of them seeing me off, I leave the house. My bag’s heavier than usual, but with all the training I’ve had at Master’s place, this is nothing. Actually… my steps feel a bit lighter than normal.

With blue skies just as the forecast promised, I begin walking toward the school, my heart full of anticipation—and a touch of nervousness.
…Come to think of it, I never did ask what that angel’s name was.