Sora and the Little Gray Visitor

Sora paused for a moment, then knelt down and gently extended her hand. "Hey there... are you all alone here?" she murmured softly. The kitten nuzzled against her hand, as if to answer her words.

"You're adorable, aren't you? How about the name Ten?" Sora smiled, and the kitten purred even more, pressing its face against her palm. Sora found herself reflected in the kitten's small figure, a faint ache stirring in her chest.

"Even I... though I'm always surrounded by everyone now, I used to feel lonely like you," she whispered softly.

"Sora?" A voice called out, and she looked up to find Yuta standing there.

Sora gave a slightly embarrassed smile and said, "Oh, Yuta. I was just talking with this little one." Yuta noticed the kitten and crouched down beside Sora, taking a small cookie from his pocket and carefully offering it to Ten.

Sora looked up at Yuta in surprise. "Is it okay? I thought that was your favorite snack..."

Yuta smiled gently while breaking the cookie into smaller pieces for Ten. "It's alright. I can eat these anytime, but for this little one..." Ten cautiously but eagerly ate the offered treats. Sora felt a warmth in her chest seeing Yuta's kindness.

"Hey, Yuta. I've been thinking... I'd like to spend more time with Ten. Something about this little one feels similar to me..." she said softly.

Yuta gazed at Sora thoughtfully before responding with a gentle smile, "If that's what you want, I think that's just fine."

Sora looked at Yuta with slight surprise before nodding softly. "Thank you."

---

The next day, Sora told her classmates about Ten, the small gray kitten that appeared in the schoolyard whom she had named. Upon hearing about the kitten, the girls immediately exclaimed "We want to meet Ten!" while the boys also showed keen interest.

After school, when Sora and Yuta returned to the schoolyard, Ten appeared as if waiting for them. As Sora gently stroked Ten saying "There, there, Ten," the kitten happily rubbed against her, and Ume exclaimed "Wow, it's really cute!"

"Ten seems like... your other self, Sora," Ume smiled, to which Sora responded with a slightly shy expression, "Maybe I am projecting myself onto Ten a bit..."

Just then, Ren happened to pass by and, noticing everyone gathered, frowned. "Giving names to stray cats... how foolish."

Sora, while holding Ten, smiled at Ren and asked, "Would you like to say hello to Ten too?" However, Ren took a step back, replying coldly, "You must be joking. Someone of my stature doesn't associate with such filthy creatures."

"Oh my, is Ren actually afraid?" Ume teased while suppressing a laugh. Ren's face reddened as he protested, "I-I'm not afraid! I'm just not used to them!"

---

Sora giggled and said, "Ten, I'm sure Ren will be nice to you someday," while hugging the kitten gently.

only one who can understand what Ten truly wants. But whatever you decide, I'll always be here to help. Even when you don't need it, I'll stay by your side."

Sora looked at Yuta with surprise, feeling his words sink deeply into her heart. "Thank you, Yuta. Somehow, having you here makes me feel stronger."

At that moment, Ten let out a soft "meow" and snuggled into Sora's chest, pressing its tiny warmth against her as if to say, "It will be alright." She found herself enveloped in a strange sensation, as if Ten's warmth was intertwining with the bond between her and Yuta.

From a short distance away, Ume watched them and called out softly, "Hey, Sora. I think Ten's been waiting for this too. For someone as kind as you."

Sora nodded slightly, declaring, "After the sports festival is over, I'll talk with Ten again. If I can truly become this little one's sanctuary, I'll protect them with everything I have."

"That's the way to go, Sora," Yuta responded gently. In that moment, Sora felt certain that her time with Ten and Yuta was more precious than anything else.

Under the autumn sunset in the schoolyard, their warm bond deepened, quietly stepping forward into the future.

As they prepared to leave, Sora held Ten close and called out, "Everyone, good work today!"

She ran over to join Yuta and Ume, with Ten safely cradled in her arms. It was a moment brimming with the quiet joy of embracing a new member of their small family.

The next day, the "Sports Festival Photo Collection" taken by Takashi and the others became a secret hit among the Guard Corps members, becoming the talk of the whole school.