Between Two Worlds

A-Academy – Drive Home

The afternoon sun washed the Academy in gold, reflecting off glass walkways and the soft shimmer of lingering angelic wards. After the morning’s chaos, the girls scattered across the courtyard, savoring their rare free hours — laughing, stretching, letting the tension finally bleed out of their shoulders.

Aihana stayed at the edge of the steps, drawn by a quiet certainty she couldn’t name. Akihiro stood near the stone railing like he’d always belonged there — relaxed, but with that unmistakable alertness that never really left him. The breeze tugged gently at his coat.

She approached him, fingers brushing her sleeve in a nervous habit.

“Akihiro… I’d like to visit my parents. Is that allowed?”

His eyes met hers — green, steady, unreadable. After a breath, he nodded once.

“Yes. But you’re not going alone. I’ll take you.”

Aihana blinked. “Take me? You mean… walking, flying?”

A faint smirk curved his mouth.

“No. We’re driving.”

“You have a car?” she blurted, louder than intended.

“Yes,” he said simply, that glint of amusement still flickering in his gaze. “And I drive well.”

Aihana laughed under her breath. “I guess angels can have driver’s licenses. Sure. Why not.”

She stepped aside to call her parents, then Miyu — who nearly ruptured her eardrum with excitement the moment she heard Aihana was visiting.

Back in the suite, she changed quickly. When she returned, Mizuki’s eyes immediately brightened.

“Where are you going?”

“Akihiro is taking me to see my parents,” Aihana said, trying not to look as flustered as she felt.

The girls exchanged warm glances.

“She’s lucky,” Sora whispered.

Hikari nodded softly. “She’s the only one who has parents to visit.”

There was no envy in their voices — just quiet happiness for her.

Outside the Academy gate, a sleek black car waited, gleaming under the sun like liquid shadow. Akihiro stood beside it, posture flawless, presence steady.

He opened the passenger door for her with smooth precision.

Aihana slid into the seat. “You… drive this?”

“Of course.” He closed the door with a soft click.

He walked around to the driver’s side and settled behind the wheel — the kind of ease that said he could’ve done this blindfolded. The engine purred to life, low and controlled.

Aihana shook her head, smiling despite herself. “Still surreal. An angel driving.”

“Then relax,” he said lightly. “Enjoy the ride.”

The car glided through the city — past neon signs, glass towers, and quiet side streets. Aihana folded her hands tightly in her lap, nerves coiling in her stomach.

“I just… need to be careful,” she murmured. “I can’t let my parents or Miyu see anything strange. I don’t want to slip up.”

Akihiro glanced at her, voice soft but anchored.

“You won’t. I’ll be there the entire time. If anything happens, I’ll handle it.”

The knot in her chest loosened.

By the time they pulled up to her house, anticipation fluttered through her like wings.

Akihiro stopped the car. “We’re here.”

He stepped out and came around to open her door again. The small courtesy warmed her cheeks more than the afternoon sun.

“Ready?” he asked quietly.

She nodded — even if her heart wasn’t sure.

At Home

The front door opened to warm light, the smell of fresh bread, and the subtle hum of home.

Her mother appeared almost instantly — and froze mid-step when she saw who stood beside Aihana.

“Akihiro?” she said, startled, a faint pink rising to her cheeks. “Aihana… you didn’t mention you were bringing someone.”

“I drove her,” Akihiro said, voice smooth, posture subtly protective without being obvious.

Her mother smiled and stepped aside. “Please, come in.”

Her father emerged from the kitchen, a towel over his shoulder.

“Good to see you, Akihiro.” There was approval in his tone — measured, but genuine.

Aihana hugged them tightly. “I’ve missed you so much.”

Her mother cupped her face, studying her. “How’s school? You look… brighter, somehow.”

Aihana hesitated — just long enough for her eyes to flick to Akihiro.

He gave a tiny nod. A silent you’ve got this.

“It’s good,” she said. “Busy. But good.”

Her father nodded approvingly.

Then the doorbell rang, and Miyu burst in like a whirlwind of sunshine.

“Aihana!” she beamed — then spotted Akihiro and smirked slightly. “Oh. He came too.”

“Miyu…” Aihana muttered, half embarrassed.

Miyu dropped onto the couch. “What? I’m just glad you didn’t come alone.”

Akihiro inclined his head politely. “I offered transportation. And company.”

Her mother laughed softly. “You always make everything look effortless, Akihiro.”

Aihana’s chest warmed as she glanced at him. “I’m glad you’re here,” she whispered.

His eyes softened — just for her.

“I’ll always be here.”

The afternoon drifted by in gentle conversation — questions about school, Miyu’s familiar teasing, her parents’ concern and warmth. Aihana answered carefully, keeping every supernatural truth locked behind her ribs.

But with Akihiro there beside her, the burden didn’t feel heavy.

For the first time in days, she felt like she could breathe.

A-Academy – Return at Dusk

Twilight painted the Academy in shades of violet. Lanterns flickered to life, and angels patrolled the roofs like silver silhouettes.

Akihiro’s car rolled to a stop.

“You did well today,” he said quietly. “Your parents trust you. Be proud of that.”

“…Thank you,” she whispered.

He got out and opened her door again. She stepped into the cool air, cheeks warm.

At the entrance, the girls waited.

“Aihana!” Mizuki called, practically bouncing.

“You’re back early,” Sora said, grinning.

Hikari stepped closer. “Your parents okay?”

Aihana nodded. “Yeah. It was… really nice.”

Kaori smiled, gentle and soft. “Good.”

The difference in Aihana — the calm, the subtle glow — did not go unnoticed.

“And everything went smoothly?” Mizuki asked, eyes flicking briefly toward Akihiro.

Aihana nodded, face heating. “Yes. Everything was fine.”

Akihiro stood a step behind her now, aura professional, voice neutral. “I ensured her safe return. That is all.”

The girls exchanged a long, silent look.

Sure. Just responsibility.

He turned slightly. “Rest well. Training resumes tomorrow.”

He walked away, steps precise—

paused just once—

and glanced back at Aihana.

The look was brief. Soft. Real.

Then he vanished down the hall.

Mizuki immediately turned to Aihana. “Okay. Talk.”

Kaori elbowed her. “Let her breathe.”

Aihana laughed softly. “It was just a visit.”

“Right,” Sora scoffed. “And I’m the Queen of Tokyo.”

Hikari softened. “Did you feel safe?”

Aihana hesitated, then nodded slowly. “…Yes. With him… yes.”

It eased all of them.

They guided her back toward their suite, chatter floating in the night air, lanterns glowing above them. Aihana walked with warmth in her chest — family behind her, friends beside her, and somewhere in between…

Akihiro’s words echoing.

I’ll always be here.

For the first time since arriving at the Academy —

she believed him.