By the time I got home, the hallway light was already on.
I slipped off my shoes and walked into the living room, where the hum of the TV blended with the faint clink of dishes in the kitchen.
Yuzu was sprawled out on the couch, still in her school uniform, half-watching a cartoon and half-asleep.
The moment she saw me walk in, she perked up and raised one arm lazily.
"Welcome home, Nee-chan~"
That was rare. Usually, she would immediately throw herself in my arms, but this time she was a bit different.
"You look like you're about to melt into the couch," I said.
"We had relay practice in P.E. today. I had to sprint, like, five times. I think my legs are still vibrating."
Her voice was soft and a little drowsy, but the greeting still made me smile.
Mom stood at the sink, sleeves rolled up, scrubbing at a frying pan like it had insulted her.
"You're late," she said without turning.
"I had work," I replied, dropping my bag by the table.
"You always have work."
I didn't respond, but not because I was upset. It was just how things were—Mom's stress came out sharp, but it dulled fast.
Dad wasn't home yet—he was working late again, probably stuck at the office with convenience store coffee and cup noodles for dinner.
Dinner was leftovers—rice, grilled mackerel, and miso soup that tasted more like the fridge than dashi.
Yuzu kicked her legs under the table as she nibbled on a piece of mackerel. "Nee-chan, do you eat fish every day at work too?"
"Not unless fish counts as convenience store fried chicken," I said, reaching for the soy sauce.
Mom glanced up. "You should eat more vegetables."
"We sell pre-packaged salads," I offered.
She gave me a look that said she wasn't impressed. Yuzu giggled.
"I like the egg they put in the salads," Yuzu said brightly. "It's always the best part."
"That's because you only eat the egg and leave the rest," Mom said with a sigh.
"Eggs are the soul of the salad," Yuzu said, raising her chopsticks like she was making a point.
I smiled into my bowl. It wasn't the most exciting meal, but it was warm. Familiar.
We didn't talk much. But it wasn't awkward or cold. More like everyone had their own routine, their own rhythm.
And that was fine.
After cleaning up and making sure Yuzu was tucked in, I headed to my room and shut the door.
The first thing I did was plug in my phone.
Then I flopped onto my bed, face-first into my pillow.
I stayed like that for a while.
Eventually, I got up, changed into my pajamas, and headed back out to the kitchen for some water.
Mom was there, drying the last of the dishes.
"Thanks for dinner," I said.
She looked surprised for a second, then nodded. "You're welcome."
Yuzu peeked around the corner from the hallway. "Nee-chan, I won't sleep in your room tonight. I think I actually stayed in there too long yesterday."
"Wow," I said, pretending to be shocked. "Are you finally becoming independent?"
"No, I just miss my plushies."
"Fair."
She gave a little wave and padded back toward her room.
"…Why did she have to inform me of that?" I muttered.