She changed into a casual dress and went to bed, but that dinner moment with Saito kept replaying in her mind like a looped scene in a dream.

“It was just a normal exchange between neighbors… nothing weird,” she muttered to herself, pressing her cheek into the pillow as if it could muffle the stirrings in her chest.

Yet, no matter how hard she tried, her thoughts spiraled—his voice, the way he smiled, the warmth in his eyes. She sighed, turning over to face the ceiling.

Finally, after wrestling with her subconscious for what felt like forever, her breathing slowed, and she drifted into sleep.

—

The city bathed in cool moonlight. It wasn’t a full moon yet, but the gentle silver glow mingled beautifully with the golden haze of street lamps, painting the skyline in a soft, dreamlike contrast. The night was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of trees in the breeze and the distant hum of a car passing by.

Inside her apartment, Hikari lay motionless on her bed, her chest rising and falling steadily. The moonlight spilled through the half-open window, casting a delicate line of pale light across her face and blanket—like a silent spotlight from the heavens.

—

Somewhere high in the sky, a grand, castle-like structure floated among the endless expanse of white clouds. But this was no ordinary castle—it was the sacred court of angels.

Hikari stood rigid in the center of the celestial courtroom, her wings folded tightly against her back. The air was thick with divine authority, humming with judgment. Yet she refused to bow her head.

"Since Hikari has broken the sacred law," the judge’s voice rang through the grand hall, cold and absolute, "she must face punishment. According to the holy laws of the angels, she shall be cast from the celestial realm and sent to live among humans on Earth."

Her fists clenched at her sides. A flicker of defiance burned in her brown eyes as she stepped forward.

"But my lord, I only saved that human!" Her voice was firm, but a slight tremor betrayed the storm within. "He had barely begun to live—it was unfair to take his life so soon!"

The courtroom fell into an icy silence.

The judge’s gaze remained unmoved. "Silence." His voice cut through the air like a blade. "You have broken the law. The sentence is final."

Hikari bit the inside of her cheek, swallowing the bitter swell of frustration rising in her throat. Pleading was pointless. The decision had already been made.

And so, without another word, she turned away—back straight, expression unreadable—refusing to let them see her break.

She walked through the long, solemn corridor of the court. On either side, other angels sat in silence or murmured among themselves, their stares heavy and unspoken words lingering in the air. Hikari kept her eyes low.

The walk felt endless. Every footstep echoed. Every glance stung.

She finally exited the sentence room, stepping into the vast hall beyond where her closest friend, Miyu, stood waiting—her face laced with hope, unaware of what had just transpired.

“So… you’re freed, right?” Miyu asked, attempting a smile.

Hikari said nothing.

“Hey… tell me what happened,” Miyu pressed, concern rising in her voice.

Hikari finally looked at her, eyes tired. “I’m punished. I’ll be sent to the human world… for the rest of my life.”

Miyu’s eyes widened, disbelief washing over her. “What?” She grabbed Hikari’s shoulders. “You know I’ll be lonely in this vast angel realm without you…”

A tear slipped down Hikari’s cheek. She tried to hide her sadness behind a weak smile. “You can always come to the human world, you know…”

Suddenly, a whirlpool of radiant light tore through the space. A glowing figure emerged—the Spirit of Judgment. Its form resembled a human, but its body glowed with divine light. Where its head should’ve been, a pure white flame flickered in place. Wide, celestial wings spread behind it like curtains of light.

“So, Hikari…” the spirit’s voice echoed, calm yet absolute. “It’s time to take your punishment.”

By then, the angels from the sentence room had gathered in the hall. Murmurs of sympathy rippled through them. Some were weeping.

The spirit raised a hand and summoned a glowing portal. Its swirling energy painted the floor with pale light.

“Stand there,” it commanded.

Hikari stepped forward without hesitation, though her hands trembled slightly. Miyu reached out to stop her, but other angels gently held her back.

“It’s alright… let her go,” one whispered, their voice tight with sorrow.

Hikari stood tall at the center of the portal. The Spirit’s voice rang out again. “From this moment… you are no longer immortal and except your angel physique you’ll lose all of your abilities”

A flash of light burst from the portal.

—

Hikari shot up in bed, breath ragged, tears clinging to her lashes.

For a moment, she sat frozen, heart pounding. Her eyes scanned the dark room, moonlight still gently pouring through the window. Slowly, reality settled in.

“That dream, huh…” she whispered.

She picked up her phone—4:32 AM.

She laid back down, letting her head sink into the pillow, but the dream clung to her like a shadow.

“Miyu… I wonder how she’s doing now.”