“Hurry! People are still trapped!” someone shouted as firefighters blasted water into the blaze. The crowd pressed forward; their fear written in every glance.

“Daiki… Hikari…” The mother sobbed; her hands clutched desperately to her chest. Beside her, Misora bit her lip hard, fists trembling as she kept her eyes on the inferno. Come on, Aoi… don’t you dare give up now.

“Aoi…” Ayane whispered, her voice shaking as another explosion ripped through the building, sending sparks and fire roaring higher.

“No! My children!!” the woman screamed, struggling against the firefighter holding her back.

“Ma’am, it’s too dangerous!” he pleaded, but her cries pierced through the chaos. Then, with a deafening crash, glass and wood burst outward from a rusted window on the second floor. Aoi leapt through, landing in a crouch, shielding the children against her chest.

“There she is!” someone shouted.

“And look—she’s got the kids!” 

The woman’s eyes filled with tears as her children stumbled toward her.

“Mommy!” they cried, racing into her arms. She dropped to her knees, pulling them close as sobs shook her body, relief and joy mingling with smoke and ash.

“Oh, my sweet babies! Thank heavens you’re safe!” the woman cried, showering their faces with frantic kisses.

“They were trapped in a room on the second floor,” Aoi explained, straightening as the reunited family turned to her. “I got there just in time.”

“Thank you… Thank you so much! You saved them!” the woman said, bowing over and over, her arms still wrapped tightly around her children.

Both kids glanced up at Aoi with shining eyes. “Thank you, Miss,” they said together, making her stiffen slightly before she gave them a small nod.

“She’s the one who rescued us,” Daiki added excitedly.

“And Yui, too!” Hikari held up the puppy, who barked happily, earning a watery laugh from their mother as she hugged them closer.

“Yes… I’m so glad you’re all safe,” she whispered, clutching them tighter. Aoi’s gaze lingered on the family—until sharp footsteps cut through the noise. She turned just in time to see Misora storming toward her.

“Hey—” she barely got out before Misora’s fist came down hard on her head.

“Ouch! What was that for?!” she yelped, clutching the sore spot.

“You reckless idiot! Do you have any idea what you just pulled? Running straight into a burning building without thinking?!” Misora barked, hands planted firmly on her hips, her voice trembling despite the edge in it.

Aoi blinked, brow arched, surprised at the crack of emotion beneath her words. She let out a soft sigh, her gaze shifting back to the family, still clinging to each other as if they’d never let go.

“Aoi! Thank goodness you’re safe!” Ayane’s relieved cry pulled Aoi’s eyes toward her and the others. She barely had time to react before Ayane stumbled up, her face pale with panic.

“Aoi… your hand!” she gasped, catching her bruised hand in both of hers. She hurriedly dug out a bottle of water, uncapping it with trembling fingers as she poured it gently over the burn. 

“Man, that looks rough,” Mei remarked with a weak chuckle.

“It’s just a small burn. Don’t worry about it.” Aoi shrugged, but Ayane’s head snapped up, a flash of anger tightening her features. 

“Don’t you dare tell me not to worry!” she shot back, her voice cracking as she returned her focus to Aoi’s injury. Her hands worked quickly, but her breaths were uneven. “Charging into a fire like that—what if you hadn’t come back? Do you even realize what that would’ve done to me… to all of us?”

Aoi froze, her chest tightening at the sight. Ayane’s lips trembled as she tried to steady her hands, her eyes glistening with fear she couldn’t hide. Aoi looked away, her eyes on the ground as Reina’s words echoed faintly 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 lifted her eyes to the smoldering building, now almost clear of flames. “I just… couldn’t stand by and do nothing.” Her voice was low but firm, drawing the others’ attention, especially Ayane’s. “We’re supposed to protect this town and the people in it. That’s our duty. That’s… what it means to be a Nightingale.” Her gaze shifted toward Misora. “…Isn’t it?”

Misora’s glare faltered for a second, betraying the fear behind her anger, before she turned her face aside with a huff. “Honestly… you’re impossible,” she muttered, but when she looked back at Aoi, her tone softened just a fraction. “Still… you did well.” Aoi blinked, her cheeks warming as she quickly looked away.

“That was amazing, Aoi!” Rikuya beamed.

“I’ll second that,” Mitsuru added with a nod.

Raito, however, gave a dismissive snort, crossing his arms. “Tch. It was just a rescue. Anyone could’ve pulled that off.”

Aoi’s lips curved into a sly smirk. “Funny… I didn’t see you doing it.”

Raito stiffened, his expression snapping into wide-eyed outrage. “Huh?! Say that again, Bluehead!”

“Oh no, not on my watch!” Misora barked, fists clenching, cutting between Aoi and Raito before things could spark again. Her sternness only made Mei, Ayane, Rikuya, and Mitsuru chuckle under their breath.

………..

The rest of the day passed with the Nightingales lending hands wherever they could—guiding residents, clearing debris, calming nerves. Laughter and light banter carried through their work, though Aoi and Raito still found ways to butt heads, earning Misora’s sharp scoldings each time. By evening, the streets were calmer. The setting sun washed the sky in streaks of crimson, orange, and violet, a warm glow settling over the town.

“Alright, that’s enough for today. Good work, everyone,” Misora announced, her voice both firm and proud.

“Right!” the group chorused.

Her gaze softened as she looked at Ayane. “I’ll stop by later tonight. But first, I’ve got to give Reina my report.”

“R-Right! I’ll be waiting, sis.” Ayane nodded eagerly.

Misora gave her a faint nod before turning away, hands sliding into her pockets. “Make sure you all get home safe,” she said over her shoulder, lifting one hand in a lazy wave without looking back.

“You got it!” Mitsuru grinned 

“Will do,” Rikuya added.

“Man, today was amazing~!” Ayane stretched with a happy sigh. 

“Mm-hmm,” Mei agreed, her calm smile never fading. “Helping people always leaves a good feeling behind.”

“Heh. Still doesn’t beat what happened this morning,” Mitsuru said, punching the air with excitement. “Aoi’s rescue was legendary!” 

Raito clicked his tongue, averting his gaze. “Tch. Big deal.”

“Face it, dude—Aoi’s rescue was impressive, whether you like it or not.” Rikuya sighed, adjusting his glasses with a sweat-dropped look.

“Totally,” Mitsuru added, smirking as he leaned in. “You’re just too embarrassed to admit it. Complimenting girls isn’t really your thing, huh?” 

Raito’s shoulders tensed, his bangs shadowing his eyes. Suddenly—whack! He clobbered the two boys on the head at once, leaving visible lumps.

“I’m not embarrassed, got it?! Just shut up already!” he barked, cheeks burning red.

“Yeah, yeah… that’s exactly what an embarrassed guy would say,” Mitsuru muttered, rubbing his head with a grin.

“Predictable as always,” Rikuya sighed, though his lips quirked slightly. Growling, Raito hooked both their collars and dragged them off like luggage while they exchanged snickers.

“See you tomorrow, girls!” Mitsuru and Rikuya waved with sheepish smiles as Ayane waved back.

“We should get going too,” she said, turning to Aoi and Mei with her hands on her hips. “How about we reward ourselves with dinner at my dad’s shop? Anyone up for some Gyudon?”

“Sure,” Aoi nodded without hesitation.

“That does sound nice,” Mei agreed softly, her smile calm as ever. 

“Perfect! Let’s go!” Ayane cheered, skipping a step as the two followed by her side. “Mei, Dad’s gonna be so happy to meet you. And wait till you try his cooking—it’s the best!”

“I’m looking forward to it,” Mei replied with a serene smile. 

The three girls slipped into the bustling crowd, Ayane’s soft laughter fading into the hum of the street. Not far away, a figure lingered in the shadow of an alley. His cap brim hid his eyes, but his gaze followed Aoi’s profile. A soft chuckle slipped from his lips as he tucked his hands into his pockets and turned away.

“Aoi Sakuraba, huh…” he smirked, recalling the fire incident. The sound of his fading footsteps was joined by another quiet laugh as he disappeared into the evening.