For days, the sky remained buried under a heavy blanket of grey clouds, rain falling endlessly like a sorrow that refused to fade. The world felt isolated—quiet streets, locked doors, and distant hearts. But now, it was 13th October. Just five more days, and her long wait would end. Inupi was going to turn twelve.
"Yo, Inupi," Asuka called out softly, sitting on the swing, gently swaying back and forth.
"Yo," he replied with a light smile, walking over with his hands tucked into his pockets, his steps splashing slightly against the damp ground.
He sat beside her, his expression warm and relaxed as he began talking about his family—how they'd laughed together, eaten together, and how for once, everything felt happy. Asuka listened carefully, eyes never leaving his face. Her usual lively expression softened, replaced by quiet attentiveness, nodding at the right times, offering small smiles.
And just like that, another day slipped away—in tension for her, in excitement for him.
She had started visiting him more often these past days. Spending time at his house, laughing, helping out, keeping close. All part of her unspoken mission: to prevent anything horrible from happening.
---
Finally, the long-awaited day arrived—Inupi's birthday.
His smile lit up his entire face. "Hey hey, Asuka! Will you come to my place for my birthday celebration?" he asked, eyes shimmering with excitement.
"Of course," she replied with a warm, genuine smile.
---
Evening fell gently, and the celebration began. Kokonoi, Akane, Inupi, his parents, and Asuka all gathered in the cozy, glowing room.
The birthday party room sparkled with strings of fairy lights and colorful balloons floating near the ceiling. A vibrant "Happy Birthday" banner hung above the table, stacked with lovingly wrapped gifts. The centerpiece was a beautiful cake glowing with candles. Laughter echoed through the air, mingling with the sound of popping confetti and cheerful music. The room pulsed with warmth, joy, and the kind of closeness that filled the heart.
Asuka smiled faintly. Today wasn't the day. Nothing matched the memory she had—the setup, the people, the feeling. For now, she could breathe. She could celebrate.
Her gaze fell on Kokonoi. His eyes never strayed far from Akane. Every glance he stole was filled with silent adoration, and his lips curled into soft, unguarded smiles. Anyone could tell he loved her.
Asuka felt a twinge in her chest—not sadness, but hope. A burning will to protect what mattered. No matter what, I'll save her, she thought, tightening her fingers around her cup of juice.
---
As the party drew to a close and people started to leave, Asuka stood, brushing off her skirt. She walked up to Inupi.
"Bye, and happy birthday again," she said gently.
He looked at her with slight concern. "Are you sure you can go back alone? I mean… I can walk you home if you want."
Asuka waved him off with a light chuckle. "I'm fine, really. You stay and enjoy time with your family. It's your day."
With that, she stepped outside.
---
The road stretched endlessly, wrapped in silence and shadows. The air was cold against her skin. Trees stood still like sentinels, their branches motionless under the grey, restless sky. Her footsteps echoed faintly as she walked.
The moon glowed behind the clouds, silver and watchful.
"I think even you are restless… just like me," she murmured, staring up. "You're more beautiful here than in my world."
She was lost in thought when she felt a light touch on her shoulder.
"Oh, it's you," she said, smiling slightly before turning around.
Manjiro stood behind her, hands in his hoodie, looking at her with a calm expression.
"You've made a habit of tapping my shoulder like that, haven't you?"
"Heh, can't help it." He grinned. "But hey, what are you doing walking around alone this late?"
"Nothing much… just came back from Inupi's birthday party. What about you?" she asked.
"Just taking in some fresh air, I guess." His tone was casual, but his eyes watched her carefully. "But you… you look tense. Everything okay?"
She hesitated, then gave a small shrug. "Mostly, yeah. But… hey, if I say something stupid… will you believe me?"
"When are you not saying something stupid?" he teased, nudging her playfully.
"Shut up," she said, laughing weakly—but her eyes filled with tears before she could hide them. She looked down, wiping them away quickly.
Manjiro's expression turned serious. "Hey… Asuka… you okay? What happened? Did someone say something to you? Inupi? Anyone? Just say the word and I'll beat them up."
She shook her head. "No… nothing like that…"
Her voice trembled. "Maybe just… mood swings? Or maybe… I'm scared. I don't know why. I just feel so… stupid."
He saw her hands shaking. Without a word, he reached out and gently took one in his own. His hands were warm and comforting, far more grown-up than his boyish frame suggested. She looked at him, startled by the calm and strength in his touch.
And then, without warning, she hugged him—tight. Her body trembled as she cried harder into his shoulder.
He gently rubbed her back. "I don't know why you're feeling this way… but one thing's for sure—you're not alone, stupid. I'm here. Always."
She whispered, barely audible, "Will you forget me in the future…?"
He pulled back slightly, looking into her eyes.
"Never. Even if you tried to make me forget, I couldn't. I promise."
She smiled through her tears and nodded. They started walking together, quietly.
When they reached her apartment, Manjiro paused before leaving.
"Anytime you want to talk, just come to me, okay? And stop thinking about stuff that's never gonna happen."
She nodded.
But just as he turned to go, she stepped forward, hugged him again, and placed a quick kiss on his cheek, then bolted towards her door, cheeks flushed.
He froze. Completely stunned.
His hand slowly went to his cheek.
He didn't move for a full minute before walking off in a daze.
---
"Oh, you're back, Mikey," Emma said, raising a brow.
Shinichiro and Ji-chan looked at him too. "What, did you see a ghost or something?" Shinichiro joked.
Without a word, Mikey walked straight to his room and shut the door quietly.
He leaned against it, heartbeat racing.
"What… was that? What just happened? What did she do…?"
His thoughts spiraled into chaos, and his heart wouldn't calm down.
That night, sleep never came.