Between Past and Future

Later Aihana sat back down at the balcony, alone now, the quiet of the evening pressing in. The strange, altered sense of time lingered around her—the world subtly different, reshaped by Hinako’s reset. She pulled out sheet of paper and pencil, drawing once again Akihiro in his angelic form. When she finished, she held the sketch against her chest, a small ritual for herself, a memory kept alive.

Outside, the city breathed quietly beneath the early evening sky. Akihiro’s wings carried him with silent precision through the streets, past shadowed corners where remnants of demons lingered, and toward the mall. His destination: the places that held fragments of Aihana’s past, pieces that had shaped her heart.

First, the jewelry store. The butterfly necklace rested in the display, unclaimed but waiting. The jeweler, unaware of resets or cosmic shifts, handed it over without question. Perfect. Ordinary. Untouched by the weight of history.

Next, Tama Hills amusement park, where the plush bear with wings awaited. Akihiro’s focus was absolute. He lifted the pistol, breath steady, and struck every target in the carnival-style shooting gallery with precise accuracy.

With both treasures secured, Akihiro returned to Aihana’s home, wings folding neatly behind him. City lights twinkled faintly as he stepped onto her balcony, calm and composed.

In his hands, he held the plush bear and a small velvet box containing the butterfly necklace. “These belong to you,” he said softly. “I know what they mean… the memories they carry, the moments they’ve shared with you. They’re part of who you are.”

Aihana’s eyes widened. She reached for the bear first, brushing her fingers over its tiny wings, feeling echoes of past moments wrapped in soft fur. Then her gaze shifted to the velvet box in his hands.

“May I?” he asked quietly, lifting the necklace.

Her breath caught. “Yes,” she whispered.

Gently, Akihiro fastened the chain around her neck, the butterfly pendant settling perfectly against her collarbone. The touch was deliberate, careful—an unspoken respect for the importance of the gift.

“You remembered…” she murmured, awe and emotion entwined in her voice.

Akihiro’s lips curved faintly. “How could I forget? These… they’re part of your story, your heart. Moments you’ve carried with you—they matter.”

She hugged the bear to her chest, feeling the soft weight of past and present entwined. The necklace glimmered softly against her skin, a quiet reminder that even in a reset world, some things endure.

“Thank you,” she breathed, voice trembling with gratitude.

Akihiro nodded. “This moment is yours.”

Aihana’s cheeks flushed. “Ours,” she corrected softly.

Aihana walked over to the table, picked up a sheet of paper, and returned to Akihiro. “For you.”

Akihiro’s eyes widened as he unfolded it. “You… you drew this again?” His gaze scanned the lines. “It’s… exactly the same. You remembered every detail.”

Aihana grinned, teasing. “Photographic memory, remember?”

He laughed softly, warmth in his eyes. “Truly remarkable. You are incredibly talented… and thoughtful.”

Touched, Aihana felt a rush of courage. Before she could think too much, he leaned in, and their lips met in a brief, tender kiss—full of shared understanding and quiet joy.

When they pulled back, Akihiro’s eyes sparkled with a mixture of amusement and admiration. “I’m genuinely impressed. This… it’s beautiful. Just like you.”

Aihana laughed softly, her heart light. “Careful, or I’ll start charging for commissions.”

He smiled, shaking his head. “I wouldn’t trade this for anything.” He gave a small, amused smile. “And your parents… still processing everything?”

Aihana chuckled. “Oh, yes. Angels, Guardians, powers, Academy, lost memories… they’re still figuring out if I’m human, angel, or some kind of hybrid superhero.”

“I can imagine,” he said, lips curving. “But you handled it beautifully.”

“Someone has to keep them from panicking completely,” she teased, nudging him lightly.

He laughed softly. “We’ll see each other at the Academy tomorrow. Your parents will bring you for the transfer paperwork in the morning, and then straight to the Academy.”

Aihana nodded. “Right.”

Akihiro’s wings unfurled faintly in the evening light. “Sleep well, Aihana. Dream a little of today—it’s ours.”

Before rising into the night, he leaned close, brushing his lips gently against hers in a soft, fleeting kiss.

She closed her eyes, warmth spreading through her chest. “I will,” she whispered.

He gave one final glance, a faint smile tugging at his lips, before gliding into the night. City lights shimmered below, and a sense of certainty settled in her heart. The moment was theirs—but tomorrow, the real adventure would begin.

The next morning, the car glided through quiet streets. Aihana sat behind her parents, clutching the plush bear, the butterfly necklace warm against her chest. Her energy hummed faintly beneath the surface—a subtle reminder of who she had become, though hidden from view.

Her father drove steadily, eyes on the road, while her mother glanced at Aihana, concern and awe mingling in her expression.

When the gates of the Academy appeared, the ordinary world they had known moments before seemed impossibly small. Angels moved with serene grace across the courtyard, their presence undeniable.

“This… this is…” her mother whispered, trembling with awe. Her father’s eyes widened, struggling to reconcile the life he’d led with this extraordinary scene.

Aihana took a deep breath. “This is my world,” she said softly. “My life beyond what you’ve known.”

She gestured toward the courtyard. “And these are the Guardians I train with—my sisters, my real family.”

Her parents stared, awe and disbelief warring on their faces. Each Guardian radiated strength and distinct energy, poised and graceful yet approachable—a living testament to the extraordinary world Aihana inhabited.

Akihiro stepped forward, calm and composed, green eyes luminous with quiet energy. “And these are my parents,” he said. “They have guided me and taught me to protect the world.”

Her mother whispered, almost to herself, “It’s… impossible… yet I can feel it.”

Her father exhaled slowly. “All of this… it’s real.”

Aihana smiled gently, warmth spreading in her chest. “It is real. And I wanted you to see it, to understand that I belong here—and that I always carry your love with me.”

The angels and Guardians acknowledged them quietly, energy pulsing faintly. Even the Academy itself seemed to lean closer, welcoming Aihana and her parents.

Akihiro placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “You’ve done well,” he said quietly.

His parents stepped forward, bowing slightly to Aihana’s parents, expressions calm but intense, faint protective energy lingering.

Her mother’s voice cracked, a mixture of fear and wonder. “All of this is real?”

“Yes,” Aihana said softly. “It’s all real. My life, the people I fight beside, the world I belong to—and I wanted you to see it for yourselves.”

Her father swallowed, eyes wide as he scanned the courtyard, taking in the Guardians, Angels, and subtle pulses of power flowing like light. “You… you belong here. And we… we see it now.”

The courtyard seemed to hum in agreement. Guardians nodded, Angels tilted their wings slightly, the Academy itself appearing to breathe in acknowledgment.

Aihana’s parents exchanged a long, final look at each other, awe and love intertwined. Then they turned back to their daughter.

“You’ve grown into someone… incredible,” her mother said softly.

“I carry your love with me, always,” Aihana said. “And now you can see where I’ve been, and who I’ve become.”

Her father nodded slowly. “We’re proud of you. Truly proud.”

As the morning sun cast a golden glow over the Academy, the courtyard alive with angels and Guardians, Aihana finally felt the world open to her completely—and for the first time, entirely safe to call her own.

Later, in Control Hall, Akihiro monitored the city. Demon attacks flared occasionally, but Angels dispatched them effortlessly. A hologram shimmered to life—Sovereign Hinako’s serene yet commanding presence.

“Prince Akihiro. I wish to speak with you.”

He stepped through the portal, appearing in Hinako’s throne room, bowing respectfully. Her gaze was warm but firm, like sunlight filtered through stained glass.

“I would like to organize a celebration,” she said, voice smooth and deliberate. “For my daughters. They will all share their eighteenth birthday on the same day. It is fitting, for princesses of the realm, to celebrate together in proper fashion. You understand the significance.”

“Of course, Your Majesty. Such a gathering would honor them properly,” Akihiro replied.

Hinako’s eyes softened slightly, a rare smile tugging at her lips. “And one more matter. I expect all formalities to be… in order. Including your intentions toward Aihana.”

Akihiro’s pulse quickened, but he nodded. “Your Majesty… I intend to ask for her hand. I will ensure the ring, wrought by angels, and my pledge are presented properly during the celebration.”

Hinako’s gaze lingered on him, appraising yet approving. “Then prepare yourself. The day will come soon. Your care and respect for her honor both the family—and the A-Academy.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Akihiro replied, bowing once more.

As he left the palace, celestial lights reflected in his determined eyes. The pieces were falling into place: Aihana’s family finally understanding her world, Guardians embracing their true selves, and the celebration approaching—a proper, royal occasion for him to engage with Aihana.