The harsh glare of the afternoon sun filtered through the hospital window, forcing Asuka's eyes to squint as they adjusted. Amid the sterile white of the room, the trembling voice of a crying woman echoed—soft, yet raw with emotion.
In a heartbeat, Asuka sat up, disoriented. Her heart pounded as she scanned the room.
Keisuke and their oka-san were at her bedside, tears streaming down their faces, their hands trembling as they clutched each other.
"What... happened? Where am I?" Asuka whispered, panic lacing her voice. Fragments of memory—fire, screaming, Inupi's voice—flashed through her mind like lightning.
Her oka-san immediately pulled her into a fierce embrace, her voice choked with relief.
"I'm so happy… you're awake, Asuka. You were unconscious for three whole days. I was so scared."
Three days?
Asuka's gaze darted between her mother and brother. "Is everyone alright? How did I get here?" she asked, her voice fragile but laced with urgency.
"We got a call from the hospital," Keisuke explained gently. "Your friend's sister called—Inupi's sister. She told us everything."
Asuka's breath hitched. "Inupi... and Akane? Are they okay?"
Keisuke offered a small, reassuring smile. "Inupi woke up a day before you. His family's moving to a new apartment because of the fire. But they're safe."
A soft gasp left her lips. Her eyes widened as she processed the news.
"I… I saved them," she murmured, almost to herself. "I really saved them. I made a difference."
Slowly, she slid out of bed, her feet touching the cold floor. She walked toward the window, her steps weak but determined. Her gaze fell upon the autumn landscape outside. Trees once clothed in green now burned with hues of crimson, amber, and gold. Leaves danced in the breeze like fire-kissed poetry. For a moment, she stood frozen, heart swelling with quiet awe.
The world is still so beautiful, she thought.
Keisuke's voice pulled her back. "What's on your mind? Realizing how many study sessions you missed?"
Asuka gave him a sideways glance and rolled her eyes. "Seriously? That's what you're thinking right now?"
Then something clicked in her mind. "Oh wait! Oka-san—my teacher called. I didn't get the chance to tell you. She wanted to speak with you…"
Oka-san nodded. "Yes, she did call. She said your marks were excellent and asked if you'd like to move up to middle school early."
Asuka tilted her head thoughtfully. "Hmm... I think I'll take things slowly. No rush. I'd rather enjoy the pace for once."
"Alright," Oka-san smiled, "I'll let your teacher know."
Later, the doctor confirmed she was well enough to go home. The family began packing her things, warmth and relief thick in the air.
---
At the Baji Household
Keisuke perched at the edge of her bed, watching her like a hawk.
"I can take care of myself, you know," Asuka huffed.
"Yeah, but Oka-san said she'd get me more cup noodles if I kept an eye on you. So nope—not giving up that deal," he said, crossing his arms smugly.
She chuckled. "Fine then. Make yourself useful—get me a glass of water."
As he stood up, the doorbell rang. Oka-san opened the door to find Emma and Manjiro standing there.
"Oh! Come in, come in," she said, stepping aside with a warm smile.
They made their way straight to Asuka's room, and as they entered, their jaws dropped.
The room was pure chaos—manga stacked like towers, game cases strewn across the floor, and music thumping from a speaker tangled in cords. Posters clung to every inch of the wall, overlapping in layers of rebellion and fantasy. Snacks, clothes, and controllers were scattered like confetti after a storm.
Her oka-san's voice rang out in disbelief. "Is this the room I cleaned this morning?!"
She started picking up books. "Why are your books lying around like dead bodies?"
"Because you buried my favorite one underneath them," Asuka muttered. "I had to dig it out somehow."
With a sharp glare, her mother left the room, muttering about teenagers and disasters.
Emma walked over, her eyes welling up with tears. She clasped Asuka's hand tightly.
"I'm just… so happy you're okay. Keisuke called us, and I—" she broke off, wiping her tears.
Asuka stared at her, stunned. "Emma-chan… I'm alright now. Please don't cry."
Manjiro stood silently for a moment, fists clenched. Then his face twisted into a scowl.
"You're such an idiot," he muttered.
"Huh?! What is that supposed to mean?" Asuka snapped.
"I mean exactly what I said. You're a plain idiot."
She stuck out her tongue and covered her ears. "I'm not listening to you."
He looked like he wanted to say something more, something deeper, but stopped himself.
They spent the next hour laughing, talking, and sharing the little moments they'd missed. Eventually, Emma and Manjiro left.
---
Two Days Later
Fully healed, Asuka decided it was time to visit Inupi. Her heart thumped as she walked past the street where the fire had happened. Cold fear curled around her spine, but she didn't stop. Not this time.
As she neared the apartment complex, she spotted a familiar figure ahead.
"Kokonoi!" she called.
He turned and broke into a grin. "Yo, Asuka! You look good."
"Thanks! I feel pretty good too," she smiled.
"Let me guess—you're here to see Inupi?"
"You got it. And to say something important."
They chatted casually on the way to Inupi's door. He greeted them with a small smile and invited them in.
After a while, Asuka asked him to step outside with her. He followed without question.
Facing him, she bowed slightly. "I just… wanted to apologize. For how I acted that day. I was scared, I didn't know what to do. I was harsh. I'm sorry."
Inupi's eyes softened. "You don't need to apologize. I get it, Asuka. We were all scared. You did more than enough."
"But I still feel bad—"
"I'm not mad. Not even a little," he said, his voice warm with reassurance.
After a brief silence, she smiled. "If you ever need anything, I'm just a call away. I'll always be there."
Inupi nodded. "Same to you. I'm gonna become stronger too. For real this time."
They stood there for a beat, two souls bound by a fire they survived—and a quiet promise of strength they'd carry forward.
Asuka turned to leave, heart finally light.
This time, she thought, everything really is going to be alright.