Meeting Asuka

Twilight in the classroom. The setting sun cast long shadows across the desks.

"Yuta, are you heading home already?"

In the after-school classroom, Sora tilted her head curiously. Usually, Yuta would help with club activities or walk home with everyone else.

"Sorry, I have something to take care of today."

Yuta smiled apologetically. Something about his expression seemed tired, which made Sora unconsciously move closer.

"You've been leaving early a lot lately, Yuta."

"Ah, yeah... I suppose so."

As Yuta averted his gaze, Ume cut in with interest.

"Suspicious! There's definitely something going on, right?"

"Not really..."

"Could it be... a girlfriend?" Ume peered into Yuta's face teasingly.

"No," Yuta answered with a tired expression. "My sister hasn't been feeling well, so I've been taking care of her."

A moment of silence fell over the classroom.

"Your sister..." Sora gazed at Yuta's profile. It was the first time she had seen such a worried expression on his face—he who was always cheerful and looking after others.

"Can I come with you?"

Yuta's eyes widened in surprise at Sora's words.

"Eh? But..."

"I'm worried too. Besides, visits are more fun with everyone!"

"I can't come today because I have shrine maiden duties to help with. We're busy preparing for the festival," Ume explained apologetically. "But give my regards to Asuka-chan!"

Sora responded with an innocent smile. Touched by her genuine thoughtfulness, Yuta hesitated before giving a small nod.

---

When they arrived at the Minami house, the sweet aroma of bread welcomed them.

"Oh, Yuta. We have an unusual visitor today," Haruka looked up from her work in the store, wearing an apron.

"Hello! I'm Sora!"

When Sora greeted her energetically, Haruka returned a warm smile.

"Ah, you're the Sora-chan that Yuta's always talking about. Would you like to try our freshly baked croissants?"

"Wow! Thank you!" Sora rejoiced innocently. "Yuta's mom seems so kind!"

"Well, apparently she used to be scary..." Yuta added in a whisper.

"Did you say something?"

As Haruka's tone changed for just a moment, Yuta instinctively straightened his back. Sora tilted her head in confusion at this exchange.

"How's Asuka?" Yuta changed the subject.

"Her fever's gone up a bit... She's resting upstairs now."

Yuta's expression clouded over. Sora quietly looked up at the stairs.

"Can I meet her?"

Haruka paused thoughtfully for a moment before nodding gently.

"Yes, I'm sure she'd be happy. Asuka's been seeming lonely lately."

---

Entering the second-floor room, they found a young girl lying in the sunlight.

"Big brother..."

Asuka called out in a weak voice, and Yuta smiled at her gently.

"I'm home. I brought a friend today."

When Sora entered the room, Asuka's eyes lit up slightly.

"Hello! I'm Sora!"

Sora sat down by Asuka's bedside, as if it were the most natural thing to do, and gently took her hand. Strangely, no one found this gesture out of place.

"Sora... san? Big brother talks about you a lot..."

Sora held Asuka's hand gently and showed an innocent smile. "Yes! Yuta's always worried about you, Asuka-chan."

Asuka returned a soft smile at Sora's innocent expression.

"It's warm..." Asuka gazed at Sora's hand. "Sora-san's hand is so warm."

At that moment, Yuta watched with wonder as color gradually returned to Asuka's cheeks.

"Huh? Somehow my body feels better..."

Asuka tried to sit up slightly. Though Yuta would usually stop her, this time he quietly watched over her.

Sora adjusted her position by Asuka's pillow and began speaking with an innocent smile. "Hey, did you know? They say sunlight has magic that can make everyone feel better."

"Magic?" Asuka's eyes sparkled slightly.

"Yes! So today, maybe the sun cast its magic on you!" Sora giggled. "Maybe I helped a little too!"

"Are you a magician too, Sora-san?" Asuka's voice lifted for the first time.

"Hehe, that's a secret!" Sora winked, holding up her index finger. "But since we got to see Asuka-chan's smile, the magic was definitely a success!"

Asuka couldn't help but smile. It was her brightest expression in recent memory. Yuta etched his sister's smile deeply into his heart.

---

In the evening after Sora had left, Haruka called out to her son as he watered flowers in the backyard.

"Yuta... I'm truly grateful. But," Haruka looked straight at her son. "The medical bills keep piling up, and at this rate, we're reaching our limit."

Haruka's voice was strong, conveying an unwavering will. The core strength she had maintained since her delinquent days still resided in her gaze. However, definite anxiety lurked behind it.

"I'll figure something out," Yuta answered, though his voice carried uncertainty.

"How?" Haruka questioned, both gently and firmly. "Even your father's insurance is almost depleted. I understand how you feel, but what can you do right now as a high school student..."

Yes, what could he do as a high school student? Yuta gripped the soil, clenching his fists in frustration at his powerlessness. Even if he took on more part-time jobs, the numbers on the hospital bills served as a stark reminder of reality. He might even have to give up on university. But was that really enough? Was giving up the only option?

The soil crumbled through the gaps between his fingers. The reality before him was cold and heavy, despite his determination.

"I know. There's only so much I can do," Yuta continued with a trembling voice. "But when I think about doing something for Asuka... my chest hurts."

Haruka's expression softened. "Yuta..."

"When I think about the future, about university, it scares me," Yuta revealed his true feelings for the first time. "But if it means Asuka can go to school with a smile... I..."

His words trailed off. What could he do as a high school student? The sense of powerlessness and anxiety about the future constricted his chest. Still, his desire to save his sister wouldn't disappear.

Haruka placed her hand on her son's shoulder. "That's just like you," her voice carried the strength reminiscent of her yankee days. "But you're not alone. You know I've always hated giving up too, right? Let's find a way together."

At these words, Yuta gave a small nod. The answer wasn't yet visible. Still, his mother's strength—which had never given up no matter the circumstances—became a small support for his heart.

By the window of the Minami house, a gray kitten watched quietly, its gaze thoughtful.