Tetsu grinned at the last sentence, his lips revealing a row of uneven, white teeth.
A small wrinkle crease formed at the corner of his eye. The remaining sunlight shining through the window reflected off his eager pupils, making the mischievous expression on his face even more pronounced.
The tip of his tongue peeked out briefly, wetting his dry lips as if he were anticipating the upcoming coldness of the iced tea.
Tetsu's elbows rested on the worn wooden table, his fingers tapping impatiently against the surface.
Mei simply breathed, her chest rising and falling slowly, banishing the aroma of spices that seemed to constantly tempt her empty stomach.
Mei's hair was loose, a few strands clinging to her slightly sweaty neck.
Mei's slender fingers moved slowly to smooth out a stray hair on her forehead.
Mei's eyes narrowed slightly, not because of the glare, but because Tetsu had once again made the atmosphere half-silly.
A small hiss escaped Mei's nose, a sign that she was holding back a harsh comment she didn't want to say.
Ajisai remained silent, but her eyes were fixed on the empty glass on the corner of the table—as if hoping a glass of iced milk was waiting for her there.
Ajisai's pupils trembled, and her right finger gently tapped the edge of the nearby table.
Ajisai's breathing was slow but rhythmic, indicating she was trying to suppress a hunger that demanded immediate satisfaction.
Ajisai lifted one shoulder slightly, shifting closer to Aoki, perhaps seeking warmth in the somewhat stuffy air of the inn.
Aoki stared out the small window on the side of the first floor.
Dust swirled in the air, dancing in the path of sunlight that filtered through the gaps in the wood, as if dancing on a secret stage.
There was a faint sound of roosters crowing outside, echoing with the breeze that carried the scent of the sea from the harbor.
Aoki imagined the coolness of the iced milk on his throat—how sweet it would feel on his tongue, passing through a throat parched by the conversation of the morning's journey.
"I choose the iced milk." Aoki's voice was flat, but the corners of his lips lifted slightly, suppressing a small smile that only Tetsu could read.
Tetsu, who had already sat down in the chair beside Aoki, immediately leaned back relaxedly.
The back of the wooden chair creaked softly under Tetsu's weight.
Tetsu scratched the back of his neck with one hand, while his right leg swung back and forth under the table.
"I'll have iced tea. Lots of ice, Uncle!" Tetsu said, turning to the old man standing at the head of the table.
Tetsu's eyes glanced mischievously at Ajisai, who was still staring at the empty glass, making the corners of Tetsu's lips twitch with laughter.
Mei played with the ends of her hair that fell over her shoulders.
The tip of her index finger twirled a strand of black hair that clung to her skin, then she let go again.
Mei's breathing was shallow, and her cheeks puffed slightly as she held back the words that threatened to come out.
"I'll have iced apple juice." Mei's voice was flat, but her eyes rolled lazily, glancing at Tetsu briefly, as if assessing his childish behavior.
Ajisai gently tapped the table twice.
Ajisai's fingers gripped the edge of the shabby tablecloth, which was slightly torn at the edges.
Ajisai's lips curled, suppressing a chuckle, her chin lifting slightly.
"I'll have iced milk too," Ajisai said, her voice lighter this time, as if her thirst had been partially quenched by the mere sound of her words.
The old man nodded in satisfaction, his chin lifting momentarily.
The smile on his lips widened, his teeth peeking through the thin beard that covered his jaw.
The wrinkles at the corners of his eyes deepened as he glanced at Tetsu, as if he understood the young man's antics.
The old man slapped the back of his own chair, the sound echoing with the sound of the other wooden chair shifting.
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