The soft glow of morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting gentle patterns across Aoi’s room. Her eyes slowly fluttered open—lavender irises meeting the plain ceiling above her. For a few seconds, she lay still, silence wrapped around her like a thin blanket. Then, she sat up, her gaze drifting down to the crumpled bedsheets pooled around her legs. What the hell... she thought, her expression shadowed with disbelief. Her eyes landed on the jacket—Reina’s jacket—draped over the back of the chair. Rising from the futon, she padded across the room and picked it up, holding it loosely in her hands. She stared at it, fingers brushing along the seams as yesterday’s chaos replayed in her mind. Did all of that... actually happen?

After freshening up, she stood in front of the slightly scratched mirror leaning against the wall. The jacket hung from her hands again—Reina’s voice echoing faintly in her memory. Without a word, she clutched it close for a moment, pulling it against her chest like an anchor to reality. Then, slowly and deliberately, she slipped one arm through the sleeve... and then the other. She stared at her reflection. Not just a runaway. Not just a cursed girl.

A Nightingale... huh?

...............

The streets of Sokyoshi were already coming alive—laughter and idle chatter weaving through the air as shopkeepers raised shutters and dusted off counters. Morning energy hummed through the town like a familiar melody. Aoi walked along the pavement, fingers casually tugging at the hem of her new jacket as she gave it another once-over. She had paired it with a fitted black undershirt, short leather shorts, and black high-top sneakers. Knee-high socks completed the look—though for the first time in what felt like forever, there was no hoodie to hide beneath. Her face was uncovered, her steps quiet but steady.

I can’t believe this is actually happening, she thought, lips twitching into a reluctant smirk. I told them I wasn’t interested in joining Sayonaki High… and yet, here I am, wearing its uniform like it’s no big deal. Her mind drifted back to yesterday—Reina’s voice echoing with her usual dramatic flair:

“Our school’s holding an entrance exam tomorrow! Pass it, and boom—you're officially a Sayonaki student!” Reina had laughed proudly, hands on her hips like she’d just delivered the best news of the year. Meanwhile, Misora and the others stood behind her, unimpressed, wearing the same deadpan expressions.

So that was her plan all along… drag me into this with a smile and no warning, Aoi thought, a cartoonish sweat drop practically visible above her head. She sighed as the memory faded, her lips pressing into a thin line.

“Hey, it’s her!” a cheerful voice rang out, snapping Aoi from her thoughts. She blinked, turning just in time to see the little girl from yesterday—her long black pigtails bouncing as she ran toward her, arms wide open in excitement. She was dressed in a cute, casual outfit, her bright smile beaming like the morning sun. Just a few steps behind her, was her older sister, walking briskly to catch up. She wore a peach-colored sweatshirt and a black skirt that fell just below her knees, her mid-back length hair swaying gently with each step.

“Oh… it’s you,” Aoi said, caught off guard as the young girl wrapped herself around her legs in a tight hug. A soft laugh escaped the little girl's lips as she snuggled into Aoi's legs, radiating pure affection.

“It’s so good to see you again!” the older sister said warmly, coming to a stop before them. She turned to Aoi with a grateful smile. “I didn’t get the chance to thank you properly yesterday—for saving my little sister. Truly, thank you. You’re a lifesaver.” She bowed deeply, her sincerity clear in her voice and posture. Aoi’s eyes widened slightly, flustered by the sudden gesture as she waved her hands nervously.

“Hey now, come on. That’s really not necessary,” Aoi said, gently waving her hand, causing the older girl to lift her head and straighten up. A faint blush crept across Aoi’s cheeks as she looked away, scratching her cheek awkwardly with one finger. Her other hand rested lightly on the younger girl’s back.

“She was in danger… so I just did what anyone would’ve done,” she said quietly. Her gaze flickered to the older sister. “I didn’t want you to lose someone that important to you. I was just in the right place at the right time... and I’m glad she’s safe.”

Her sincerity struck a chord. Tears welled in the older sister’s eyes before silently spilling down her cheeks. Without hesitation, she stepped forward and pulled Aoi into a heartfelt embrace. Aoi stiffened, surprised, her ears catching the faint sound of soft sobs against her shoulder.

“Thank you… truly,” the girl whispered between quiet sniffles. “I was terrified last night. My little sister is all I have… and I thought I’d lost her. But then you showed up—without hesitation—and saved her.”

She slowly pulled back, a wide, grateful smile lighting up her tear-streaked face. “You were incredible. Thank you so much.”

Aoi’s lips curved into a small, shy smile. “You’re welcome,” she replied softly, watching as the sisters gave her one last wave before heading off, hand in hand.

“See you later!” the little girl, Kaede, called cheerfully, waving with both hands before running back to her sister’s side. The two of them joined hands and strolled away, their laughter fading gently into the morning bustle. A soft smile tugged at Aoi’s lips as she watched them go. Then, turning back to the road ahead, she resumed her walk, Reina’s words echoing in her mind, “You’ve got a strength people can rely on, Aoi. I see it—and this town? One day, they’ll see it too. So instead of running from everyone... why not use that strength to protect them?”

She halted mid-step, her fingers instinctively reaching for the locket resting near her collarbone—her most treasured keepsake. She hadn’t worn it the night before, and now, she was grateful for that choice. Big sis... the thought whispered in her mind as she held the locket a moment longer before slipping it beneath her shirt. Just then, her stomach growled loudly, pulling her out of her thoughts. She groaned softly, placing a hand over her belly.

“Great... I was so caught up in everything this morning, I completely skipped breakfast,” she muttered. As the rumbling persisted, her gaze lifted thoughtfully, drifting back to the memory of the store from the day before.

..................

The soft jingle of the entrance bell echoed through the diner.

“Huh?” Kota glanced up toward the door, his eyes lighting up the moment he saw who it was. “Aoi! Hey, it’s really great to see you again—morning!” he greeted with a cheerful grin.

Aoi shifted slightly, her gaze flicking to him as she stepped inside. “G-Good morning, Mr. Shirakawa,” she mumbled, her tone shy as she approached the counter.

He gave her a once-over, his smile growing. “Look at you—rocking that uniform. I guess the hoodie’s officially retired, huh?” he teased with a playful chuckle. Aoi let out a small sigh, rolling her eyes as she slid onto one of the barstools.

“Would you stop teasing me?” she sighed softly, closing her eyes as a faint blush dusted her cheeks.

“So, what brings you back so soon?” he asked, curiosity flickering in his tone.

“Well... it’s still kind of early, and I, uh...” Aoi trailed off, glancing down bashfully. The man raised an eyebrow, puzzled—until her stomach growled loudly in the quiet moment.

The sound made his expression shift into a knowing smile. “Ahh,” he chuckled.

“Say no more. I've got you covered.” He nodded and turned to prepare something. As Aoi watched his back, he glanced over his shoulder and held out a glass.

“Want some water first?”

She gave a small nod. “Yeah. Thank you,” she murmured, accepting the glass. The cool water was refreshing, and she took a slow sip as he returned to the stove. He cast a sidelong glance her way, a soft smile tugging at his lips.

She really does enjoy my cooking... even if she won’t admit it. Pretty adorable, he mused, finishing up. A moment later, he turned and set a tray in front of her: a bowl of fluffy white rice, warm miso soup, grilled salmon with perfect char marks, and a neatly folded tamagoyaki roll on the side.

“One hearty breakfast, coming right up. Dig in.” Aoi’s eyes lit up as the aroma hit her. She picked up her spoon, took a bite, and paused as the flavors settled on her tongue.

“It’s really good,” she said quietly.

Kota grinned. “Glad you think so.” As she focused on eating, he leaned on the counter. “Your entrance exam’s today, right? I thought it didn’t start until around eleven. It’s barely past eight.”

He glanced up at the clock— 8:05 a.m., then back down—only to catch her mid-bite, cheeks slightly puffed and tinged red. His brows rose at first... then curled into a playful smirk.

“Ah, I get it now,” he said with a teasing grin. “You were so excited this morning, you skipped the most important meal of the day, huh?”

Aoi’s cheeks flared up. “N-No! I just… felt like walking around a little, that’s all! I wasn’t excited!”

He leaned on the counter, clearly unconvinced. “Uh-huh. Sure. You’re a terrible liar, Aoi.” He smirked, arms folding across his chest. “Come on—how could you not be excited? You were personally invited to join Sayonaki High by the co-leader herself. Talk about VIP treatment.”

Aoi huffed, looking away. “It’s not like I wanted to join… but I realized something.” She paused, Reina’s words echoing in her mind. Her gaze returned to him, more certain now.

“I need to get stronger. If I want to change anything... I have to start somewhere. It won’t be easy, but I’m willing to take the risk.” The man’s expression softened as a quiet smile formed on his face. Then, Aoi’s brows knit, her voice tinged with mild suspicion.

“Still… I wasn’t expecting you to fight like that yesterday.” The brown-haired man let out a sheepish laugh, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Guilty as charged,” he admitted with a sheepish grin, scratching the back of his head. “Can’t help it—growing up around brawls teaches you a thing or two.”

“Mm-hmm, sure it does,” Aoi muttered, one brow raised as she gave him a skeptical look. He sweat dropped, chuckling nervously under her stare.

“You could’ve handled those thugs yesterday, but you let me do all the work,” she added, casually popping another bite of rice into her mouth.

“To be fair,” he started, placing his hands on his hips, “I was going to—but I wanted them far enough from the shop first. Last thing I need is rumors flying around about the local store owner throwing punches.”

Aoi blinked, then gave a slow nod mid-chew. “Okay… that does sound kinda smart.”

“See? I have my moments.” He smiled before softening his tone. “Besides, that’s not really my place. That kind of responsibility belongs to the students of Sayonaki High… and I think you made the right call joining them.”

Aoi glanced to the side, cheeks dusted with pink as she quietly murmured, “I just hope it’s everything people say it is.”

Kota turned away, casually stacking some dishes. “Of course it is,” he replied, a soft chuckle in his voice. “Both my daughters go there. The older one’s in her third year, and the younger’s starting today—just like you.”

Aoi’s eyes widened. “You let your daughters join a school like that? Isn’t it dangerous? Aren’t you… scared they’ll get hurt? Or worse?”

He paused for a second before answering, his tone calm but sincere. “All the time, actually. I’m a single parent—it terrifies me sometimes. But they’re strong, and they chose this path. As their father, the best thing I can do is support them, completely. As long as they’re using their strength to protect this town and its people, I’ll stand behind them. That’s my role.” He smiled—genuine and proud, his eyes softening as he chuckled lightly. Aoi stared at him, admiration flickering across her face, her breath catching.

He really is incredible… He accepts his daughters’ choices, even knowing the risks, and still cheers them on. That kind of support… Her gaze dropped, the warmth draining from her expression. Unlike my father… he’d never say something like that. Instead, he... Her fists slowly clenched in her lap beneath the counter, her chest tightening, tears welling up in her eyes but refusing to fall.

“Hm?” Kota tilted his head slightly, noticing the shift in her expression. Then, without a word, he leaned forward and gently placed his hand on her head, ruffling her hair with a fondness that caught her off guard.

Startled, Aoi looked up at him as his voice cut through the silence, steady and kind. “You don’t have to worry about anything, Aoi. I’ll cheer you on too. No matter what happens, you’ve got my full support.”

Her breath hitched. Her cheeks turned a soft shade of pink, and her eyes shimmered—not from sadness, but from something warmer. Flustered, she gently swatted his hand away. “Y-You don’t have to say stuff like that… I-I didn’t ask you to.”

Kota just laughed, a warm, easy sound. “Yeah, well… I want to.” Aoi blinked, eyes widening just a little before she quickly looked away—her heart unexpectedly lighter.

“Now, hurry up and eat. You don't want your food to grow cold. You won't enjoy it that way.” He reminded, turning back to the sink. Aoi's eyes followed him, her gaze shifting to her food, then back to him.

“T-Thanks for the food.” she muttered, as he glanced at her with a warm smile.

“Hmph, you're welcome.” he replied. Silence filled the store afterwards. Aoi lifted her spoon, slowly eating the last of her miso soup, the steam rising to meet her half-lidded contented eyes. It was peaceful—until...

Ding-a-ling! The bell above the door jingles—violently—as someone rushes in.

“I’m not late, I’m not late, I’m—woah—!” A brown-haired girl bursts into the store, toast clamped between her teeth, wearing a half-buttoned school shirt with one sock sliding down and her bag half-zipped. She makes it two steps in before—

Her foot catches the welcome mat. With a gasp and flailing arms, she stumbles forward, loses her balance—lands knees-first with a yelp, and knocks into a shelf stacked with bread rolls.

THUD-THUMP-CRASH!

Plastic packaging flutters down like snow, sending them toppling like dominos. A soft thud echoed as she landed on her knees, still clutching the now-squished toast.

“Owowowow… seriously?! I can’t even make it five steps without embarrassing myself...”

A beat of silence. Aoi turns slightly on her stool, still chewing, one eyebrow raised, holding her spoon in mid-air.

“You alive?” she asked, her tone flat as the girl rose her head slightly, scratching the back of her head stained with bread crumbs, her eyes still closed.

“Define 'alive'.” she mumbled, the squished toast still in her mouth.

“...Are you okay?” Aoi pressed, as the girl looked up, cheeks puffed and red. “I-I meant to do that!”