The soft click of the car door echoed through the quiet morning as Raito settled into the driver's seat. Emi was strapped securely against his chest in a dark gray baby carrier, her tiny hands clinging onto his shirt as she looked around with wide-eyed curiosity. The carrier was simple and inconspicuous, blending well with his usual attire. Despite everything, he wore it like it was the most natural thing in the world.
The engine started with a low purr, and Raito pulled out of the driveway. The road ahead was empty, the early hour giving them a peaceful start. But inside the car, Raito's quiet anticipation was mounting. His hands gripped the steering wheel with more intent than usual, and his expression, while calm, carried a subtle sharpness.
Kurai's voice slithered into his thoughts almost immediately. I can't believe you're actually doing this. A grown man dragging a baby into a convention about pastel-colored cats and singing stars. You've hit a new low, Raito.
Raito didn't respond. He adjusted the rearview mirror slightly and kept driving, ignoring the familiar snark like one might ignore the buzz of a distant fly. His focus was elsewhere—on the promise of the day.
This place is going to be swarming with squealing kids, sugar-hyped teens, and obsessive fanatics, Kurai continued. You really think this is worth all the effort?
Still, Raito gave no answer. Emi babbled softly against his chest, clutching at the strap of the carrier. A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, not at Kurai, but at the small warmth nestled close to him because it was his ticket to the con.
He pulled into the parking lot, the massive building ahead already buzzing with early arrivals. Vibrant banners of the Kawai Kitty characters hung from the entrance, and music from the show played faintly over loudspeakers. He parked the car, stepped out, and took a long breath.
Kurai scoffed in his mind. You're not seriously getting emotional over this, are you?
Raito stepped toward the entrance, the weight of Emi grounding him as he adjusted the strap of the carrier. He ignored the stares of other early attendees—mostly parents and excitable kids. If they had opinions about a man like him walking in with a baby, none of them voiced it.
Then, as he crossed through the doors into the convention hall, something in him shifted.
His eyes scanned the rows of booths, displays, and limited-edition exclusives. Familiar faces from the show beamed down at him from oversized banners. The air was electric with excitement and nostalgia.
A new expression settled over his face—not one of giddiness or childish joy, but of calm, focused determination.
"I'm getting everything I came here for," Raito muttered under his breath, almost to himself.
Kurai sighed. Great. The stoic antihero becomes the ultimate Kawai Kitty collector. What a twist.
Raito's eyes narrowed with resolve as he moved forward, the soft weight of Emi bouncing slightly with each step.
Let the games begin.
The chapter ends with Raito stepping deeper into the convention floor, his footsteps steady, his expression unreadable—save for the rare glint of excitement in his eyes.