Hide walked along the street, asking passersby for directions to his new home. Some people helped him kindly, while others ignored him completely. After wandering for a while, he finally found the address.
He stood at the gate, looking up at the two-story house. It was bigger than he expected, with other houses pressed close on either side. He pushed open the gate and rang the doorbell.
A moment later, the door opened, and a young boy peeked out.
"Hi there," Hide said with a warm smile.
The boy blinked in confusion. "Um… do I know you?"
Before Hide could respond, a man appeared behind the boy.
"Ah, sorry about that, Hide. Minami didn't know you were coming today," the man said with an apologetic chuckle.
"Hello, Mr. Fujishi. I'm sorry if I showed up too early," Hide said politely, shaking his hand.
"No need to apologize! You'll be living with us from now on. I didn't expect you quite this soon, but I suppose they wanted you settled in quickly," Mr. Fujishi said. He stepped aside to let Hide in.
Inside, Mr. Fujishi led Hide upstairs and showed him to a small room.
"I'll leave you to get settled. It's simple, but I hope you'll be comfortable here."
"It's perfect. Thank you," Hide said.
Once Mr. Fujishi left, Hide set down his luggage and unpacked his clothes. The room was plain — just a bed, a desk, and a window — but it felt peaceful enough for now.
Downstairs, Minami tugged at his father's sleeve. "Father… who is he?"
Mr. Fujishi smiled. "He's an exchange student. From today on, he's part of our family. Think of him like an older brother — though you'll probably just call him by his name. He's unique, you know. Did you notice his left eye? Not common around here… but that's what makes him special."
Minami didn't reply, only glancing up the stairs silently.
When he finished unpacking, Hide went down to see what was for dinner. In the kitchen, he met Mrs. Fujishi for the first time. She greeted him warmly and fussed over him like a mother meeting a new son.
They all sat down together at the table — Hide, Mr. and Mrs. Fujishi, and Minami. As they ate, Hide felt a pang of memory — sitting at a table like this with Izumi's family, long ago.
"So, Hide," Mr. Fujishi asked, "why did you come here to study?"
Hide paused, then gave the story he'd practiced. "My parents wanted me to come here for school… but I think they really want me to join the BCC."
"Ahh, I see. So your parents are in the BCC too, then?" Mr. Fujishi asked.
Hide nodded silently.
Mrs. Fujishi leaned forward, curiosity shining in her eyes. "Hide, can I ask… your left eye — why does it look like that?"
Hide hesitated, then gave her the easiest answer. "I was born with it. It's just a defect — nothing special."
Mrs. Fujishi waved away his words with a warm smile. "Well, I don't mind it at all. It makes you unique — and cute, just like my Minami."
Hide smiled awkwardly while Minami stared at him from across the table, saying nothing.
After dinner, Hide retreated to his room and lay down on the bed. Tomorrow would be his first day at school in this new world.
Just then, his phone — the one Miss Yumi and Jinko had given him — buzzed on the bedside table. He answered it.
"Hello?"
"It seems you made it there safely, Hide-kun. How is everything?" Miss Yumi's voice asked.
"It went fine. Nothing strange, except I didn't have any money when I got here."
"Well, we can't keep providing for you forever. You'll have to handle that yourself from now on," Miss Yumi said lightly.
"Understood," Hide said, forcing a small smile.
After the call ended, Hide closed his eyes. Tomorrow, everything would start for real.