Morning came with a pale layer of light settling over the town, slipping through thin curtains and waking the three who shared the same routine by now. Renji rose first, stretching his arms once before checking his equipment. Aya was next, quiet and efficient as always, tightening straps and adjusting the small pouch where she kept her things. Kaede walked out last, still tying her hair back as she joined them at the table for a quick breakfast.
Nothing about the morning felt unusual until Rei approached them.
She stepped into the room wearing a determined look, her hands clasped tightly together. "I want to come with you today," she said.
Renji paused mid-bite. Kaede blinked once, slow and visibly skeptical. Aya looked up from her food with a soft movement of her eyes.
All three of them took a second to process it.
"You want to… come hunting?" Renji asked.
Rei nodded. "Yes. I want to go too."
