Chapter 354: Aoki and Kurisu Clean the House

Aoki reached for the old broom lying forgotten in the corner of the room, its wooden handle rough with age and its bristles splayed out unevenly. With broad, determined strokes, he began sweeping the wooden floor, every movement stirring up clouds of dust that had long settled in thick layers across the planks.

Kurisu, meanwhile, worked on the furniture. She had a damp cloth in her hand, and with patient, steady movements she wiped the surface of the dull wooden table. Each stroke left behind a streak of clean wood, a stark contrast to the grime and age still clinging to the rest. It was almost as if she were drawing light onto the surface with every pass.

They moved in quiet synchronicity, cleaning each part of the house with diligence. At one point, they pushed the old doors wide open. The heavy wooden panels groaned in protest, their hinges squealing with a long, metallic creak that echoed through the emptiness of the house.

They didn’t stop there. One by one, they unlatched and opened every other door, even the one that led to the overgrown yard outside, along with each window that had been shut tight for years. Sunlight poured in at last, spilling across the gloom that had cloaked the rooms for so long. The fresh air followed, flowing in gentle currents, slowly pushing away the stale, damp odor that clung to every corner. The air inside began to change, becoming lighter, warmer, more alive.

Hours passed as they worked through the first floor. Sweat clung to their brows, but neither of them complained. Once the lower rooms were done, they turned their attention to the second floor.

Upstairs, it was even worse. Spiderwebs hung in the corners like dark, eerie curtains, swaying faintly as the air moved. Dust coated the wooden staircase, which groaned loudly with every step they took. Aoki swept with all his strength, while Kurisu sometimes paused her work to polish the glass of the windows until they gleamed, capturing the returning sunlight.

When both floors were finally cleaned, their task was still not done. They stepped outside to face the yard.

The place was a small wilderness: dry leaves scattered everywhere, tall wild grass covering the stone path, and pebbles lying about in disarray. Aoki grabbed a small sickle and bent low, cutting away at the overgrown weeds. Kurisu crouched nearby, carefully gathering the dry leaves into piles with her hands, her movements graceful even in this simple task.

Their efforts didn’t go unnoticed. Neighbors from the houses beside Aoki’s began to peek out curiously. To them, the sight of these strangers working in the old house was unexpected. Faces appeared behind fences, eyes full of curiosity and voices murmuring in low tones edged with doubt as they wondered who these two could possibly be.

None of them recognized Aoki. The last time they had seen him, he had been just a boy—ten, perhaps twelve years old at most. Now, at fifteen, his body had grown taller, his features sharper, more mature. His demeanor carried a quiet strength that hadn’t been there before. He was no longer the child they remembered.

It was only after Aoki explained, in a steady but slightly embarrassed tone, that he was indeed the same Aoki, that recognition dawned on them. The surprise showed clearly on their faces: their eyes widened, then softened as realization bloomed. Warm smiles followed, their expressions brightening with genuine joy.

Happiness filled the small gathering. Neighbors greeted him with cheerful voices. A few of them clapped him on the shoulder, their touch full of familiarity and warmth. Others patted him on the back, laughing softly. After all, they had known him since he was a baby. That was why his return was something to celebrate.

Laughter, nostalgic greetings, and words of welcome filled the air that afternoon, carried by the soft breeze. For Aoki, it was a moment of gratitude. To be welcomed back so kindly, even after so many years, filled his chest with warmth. His eyes glimmered softly, though he only managed to answer their kindness with a shy, awkward smile.

After chatting with the neighbors for a short while, Aoki and Kurisu returned to their cleaning. They worked until the sun slowly sank toward the horizon. The sky shifted from gold to orange, then deepened into violet and dark blue as night arrived. Lamps flickered to life in the surrounding homes, scattering warm light across the quiet streets.

By the time dusk gave way to evening, Aoki turned to Kurisu and gently told her to bathe first. Kurisu agreed with a nod, taking the folded clothes they had kept stored inside their sealing scroll.

When she returned, her skin was fresh, her damp hair flowing down gracefully, some strands clinging lightly to her cheeks. She looked refreshed, her presence calm yet quietly radiant.

Then it was Aoki’s turn. The cool water washed away the sweat and grime of the day, making him shiver at first, but the freshness quickly settled over him like a blessing. His body felt lighter, his mind clearer.

Afterward, he changed into clean clothes, also taken from the storage scroll. They were simple garments, yet the neatness made him look refreshed and more put-together.

Finally, the two of them sat together in front of the open doorway, side by side, gazing out at the night sky. Stars scattered across the darkness, twinkling faintly, as if the heavens themselves had welcomed them home.

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