A quiet countryside home – sunset]

**Saien**

(looks up at the small house in front of him)

So… this is my new home.

**Saien**

(soft chuckle)

Or maybe… our home.

Me and the baby.

**Saien**

(takes a step toward the door, but pauses)

Huh?

(a small wooden sign hangs on the door)

"Welcome"…?

**Saien**

(smiles faintly)

That's… kind of sweet.

I didn’t expect that.

**Saien**

(reaches for the doorknob slowly)

Okay… here goes.

**\[Door creaks open]**

**Saien**

(steps inside, looks around)

It's small… but cozy.

Smells like wood and herbs.

**Saien**

(sets down his bag)

Where should I put my clothes?

And food—right, I need a pantry…

**Saien**

(glances around)

I guess this will be the bedroom…

And over there… maybe a crib someday?

(blushes faintly)

**Saien**

(opens the window, fresh breeze comes in)

I’ll be okay here.

Even if I’m alone.

No…

I’m not alone anymore.

**Saien**

(gently places a hand on his stomach)

We have each other now.

Me and you.

**Saien**

(whispers with a tired smile)

Welcome home, little one.

**Saien**

(sits on the bed and gently whispers)

Welcome home, little one.

**\[Suddenly, his stomach grumbles loudly]**

**Saien**

(blinks, then chuckles softly)

Ah… I guess you're hungry, huh?

**Saien**

(rubs his stomach)

You really have your father’s timing…

Always demanding attention when I’m trying to have a moment.

**Saien**

(smiles faintly, stands up)

Alright, alright. Let’s see what we’ve got.

No fancy chef here, but I’ll try my best.

**\[He walks to the small kitchen area, opens a basket of supplies]**

**Saien**

Hmm… bread, dried fruits, some fresh veggies.

Not bad for day one.

**Saien**

(slicing vegetables)

I hope you’ll like warm soup…

Well, not yet… but someday.

**\[He stirs a small pot, the smell of broth rising in the air]**

**Saien**

This place really is peaceful.

No noise, no pressure…

Just you and me now.

**Saien**

(sits down to eat, quietly)

We’ll start over here.

I’ll keep you safe.

Even if he never comes…

**\[He glances at the door, then back down]**

**Saien**

(stubborn smile)

…we don’t need him.

We’ll be just fine.

-

– the room lit by soft lantern light]**

**Saien**

(takes another bite, then pauses)

**\[A sudden wave of memories crash in—]**

**\[FLASHBACK – Renju’s warm smile… his voice calling "Saien"... the way he used to hold his hand under the stars…]**

**\[FLASHBACK – That moment when Renju turned away with cold eyes and said, "I don’t love you anymore."]**

**Saien**

(freezes, chopsticks mid-air)

…

**Saien**

(closes his eyes tightly)

Stop.

**Saien**

(puts the bowl down and grips his shirt over his chest)

Don’t think about it.

Don’t think about *him*.

**Saien**

(swallows hard)

I made it here.

I’m safe.

You’re safe.

**\[He gently touches his stomach again]**

**Saien**

(softly, voice shaking)

He doesn’t matter now.

You do.

**Saien**

(takes a deep breath, calming himself)

I have to be strong.

For both of us.

**Saien**

(wipes his tears and forces a small smile)

Let’s finish eating.

The baby needs food… not sadness.

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