Noble Height — Route 9
It was already dark outside when they left. Kite was carrying his suitcase; Audrey was grinning, and Harley was still playing with Chu-Chu, squishing the rodent's cheeks.
"Trust me, you're going to love it once we're there. Just having a house in Noble Height is a boast in itself," Audrey said confidently.
"Why don't you live in the employee housing provided by STF?" Kite asked.
"Well, it's not compulsory. And I'm building assets here. Did you know Noble Height is where retired army generals and the wealthiest folks settle down? All because of Carynthos's beauty and the Crimson Bazaar."
"Wow… that means you must be quite rich?"
"Of course I am," she smirked.
Harley, still busy squishing Chu-Chu's cheeks, looked up, eyes wide.
"Will big bro Kite live with us from now on?"
"Yes, of course!"
"Yay!"
Kite smiled faintly.
Geez… I got a house and a little sister in one day. Should I be happy or worried?
---
Finally, they arrived in front of a beautiful house with a tidy garden along the side. An old oak tree stood like a quiet sentinel near the gate.
Audrey and Harley rushed ahead, stepping inside and blocking the door. Chu-Chu climbed onto Kite's shoulder, both tilting their heads in confusion.
"You didn't think you'd get in just like that, did you?" Audrey asked, grinning.
"Yeah, you have to say the magic words!" Harley added, eyes sparkling.
"Magic words? Like—'Thank you for having me'?"
"No!"
"Then… 'I'll be on my best behavior'?"
"Nope!"
"Okay… then, 'I'll make my stay short'?"
"Of course not, you dummy!"
"Then what is it?"
Audrey and Harley looked at each other and giggled.
"What do you usually say when you're a child returning home?" Audrey asked.
Kite faltered. Just for a second, his mind was flooded by a memory.
Kite! Don't enter the house without announcing yourself!
He couldn't remember her face anymore, but her voice—kind, immature, always trying her best—lingered.
"I… I… am home…"
"Chu… chu…" Even Chu-Chu seemed to feel the weight in that moment.
Both Audrey and Harley beamed.
"Welcome to your home!" they said in unison.
Kite lifted his foot and stepped through the doorway into his new home.
Fate can be really cruel sometimes…
---
Kite turned the dial, and the gas lamps flickered to life, casting a warm glow across the room. It was spacious, with a soft-looking bed, a neat study table, and a radio resting on top. A window stood slightly open, letting in a breeze.
Harley jumped onto the bed, bouncing excitedly.
"How's the room, Kite?" she asked.
"Wonderful, I'd say," Kite replied with a small smile.
Chu-Chu, now perched atop his head, looked around with wide eyes.
"I'll take that as a yes from you too, buddy," Kite said.
Chu-Chu nodded enthusiastically.
"Kids, dinner's ready!" Audrey's voice called from downstairs.
Harley immediately hopped off the bed. "Let's go! Mama ordered food from Baburchi Uncle's restaurant!"
---
It wasn't even two full bites in, and Kite was already reaching for water—not because the food was bad or he wasn't hungry, but because it was unimaginably spicy.
Audrey laughed heartily. "Haha! You should see your face—it's all red!"
Still hungry and now slightly suffering, Kite glared at her.
"Oh gosh…"
"Hehe!" Even Harley joined the laughter, clearly enjoying the moment.
Chu-Chu, ever loyal, remained on Kite's shoulder, munching almonds from one paw and patting Kite's head with the other.
"I heard you're vegetarian," Audrey said, still grinning. "So I got food for you from the best veggie restaurant. But look at you now! Hehe… don't worry, you'll get used to it."
"Oh man…"
"Make sure to wake up early tomorrow, alright?"
"And why, may I ask?"
"Yes, you may," she teased. "Because we're going to show you around town."
With that, she picked up a yawning Harley and headed off to her room.
Kite stared back at the food.
"…Now what do I do with this?"