Throne & DxD

Fellow masters in arms. Greetings!

I'm thrilled to announce that the latest chapter is now complete. I'd love for you to give it a read and share your thoughts—feedback is always welcome!

I do not own any property of the Fate series or High School DxD, except my OC's

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Looking forward to hearing from you!

2nd Chance

The soft light of the morning sun woke me gently, warming my face as I opened my eyes. For a moment, I just lay there, smiling. It still felt like a dream sometimes—waking up in such a safe, warm place, surrounded by kind people who took me into their home.

Asia Argento here and this is another recording of my new life in Japan. 

"Thank you, Lord," I whispered, clasping my hands together. "For blessing me with another day."

I got up and stretched, feeling refreshed and happy. My school uniform hung neatly on the chair near the window. Every time I saw it, I felt a little flutter of excitement. I still couldn't believe I was going to Kuoh Academy, just like any other girl.

I got ready quickly, brushing my hair before slipping on the uniform. When I looked in the mirror, I couldn't help but smile. "I'll do my best today!"

Once I was ready, I headed to Kio's room to wake him up. He wasn't exactly a morning person, but it was nice to see his softer side when he is asleep.

(Kio Han-Bin is a mysterious boy I met a few days ago. He's a little shorter than me by a couple of inches, but you really can't let his appearance fool you. Beneath that unassuming frame is someone strong. I've seen him move during his training, and it's clear that he's no ordinary boy.

But what stands out even more is... something about him. It's hard to describe. There's a warmth to him—a kind of energy that draws you in, even if he doesn't mean to. Still, there's something else. It's faint, but I can feel it. An unsettling presence, like something evil crawling underneath. It's not overwhelming, but it's there, lingering around him.

Who exactly is Kio Han-Bin? What is he hiding behind that calm, quiet demeanor? And why call him Nanashi while in public? )

When I peeked inside, I couldn't help but giggle. Kio was sprawled across the bed, sound asleep. Ane was coiling herself around him, cuddling him like a stuff bear, her white hair a mess, and Kuroka—oh, she was curled up right next to him, purring so sweetly. It was such a peaceful, funny sight.

"They look so comfortable," I murmured, almost feeling bad for waking them up. But morning wasn't going to wait, and they needed to start the day!

"Kio, Ane, Kuroka," I called softly, stepping closer. "It's time to wake up."

None of them budged. I leaned over Kio and gently shook his shoulder. "Kio, come on. Leonardo's already prepared breakfast."

Kio groaned, mumbling something I couldn't understand. Ane let out a sleepy grumble and buried her face in his grey hair. Kuroka let out the tiniest mew but didn't move at all.

"Please, everyone," I said, crying softly. "You'll miss breakfast!"

Finally, Kio sat up, slipping out of Ane's grip. "Morning already?" he muttered, looking groggy.

"Yes!" I said cheerfully. "It is a new day! Let's welcome it with a smile."

Kuroka stretched lazily, shifting back into her human form with a grin. "It's too early in the morning to be this cheerful, Asia," she teased, her ears and tail twitch as she stretches like a cat.

(Kuroka is... interesting. She's playful and a bit mischievous, always teasing everyone around her, but there's a genuine kindness underneath it all. I think her carefree attitude and constant jokes are her way of keeping people at a distance, like she's built a wall around herself to keep others from getting too close. She's the kind of person who pretends not to notice when someone needs help but always ends up doing the right thing in the end.

I was surprised to know the Koneko was her younger sister, but she made me promised not to tell Koneko that she is here. Did something happen between them?

There's more to Kuroka than meets the eye, and I hope one day she feels safe enough to show it.)

Ane just yawned, patting my shoulder. "You're a saint for dealing with us in the morning," she said with a chuckle.

(Ane is like the big sister I never knew I needed. She's calm, caring, and always seems to have this gentle, reassuring presence about her. Even when Leonardo and Kuroka are being their usual selves, she never loses her patience—or at least she doesn't show it.

She's a bit mysterious, though. Sometimes, I'll catch her staring off into the distance, lost in thought, like she's carrying a weight she doesn't want to share. But no matter what's on her mind, she always makes time for others, whether it's giving advice, sharing a quiet moment, or simply being there when you need her.

What I admire most about Ane is her strength—not just physically, though she's definitely not someone to mess with—but the strength in her kindness. It feels like she's been through so much, yet she still chooses to protect and care for the people around her. She's someone you can rely on, no matter what.)

When we got to the kitchen, the smell of pancakes, eggs, and bacon filled the air. Leonardo was humming as she worked, flipping pancakes with a cheerful rhythm.

"Good morning, everyone!" she said, glancing over her shoulder with a smile. "Asia, you're always the first one up."

(Leonardo is like a bright spark in the Han-Bin residence. She's always cheerful and full of energy, humming while she works or tinkering with some new invention. She has this incredible ability to make even the dullest moment feel lively, and her smile is so warm it's almost contagious.

Beneath all that energy, I can tell she's brilliant. The things she builds and repairs are nothing short of amazing. I don't always understand how her mind works, but it's clear she sees the world differently—like everything's a puzzle she's eager to solve.

She teases Kio endlessly but always makes sure he's taken care of. She's the one who helped me adjust to my new life, never making me feel like a burden. To me, Leonardo is the heart of this home, always keeping things running smoothly with a smile on her face and gears turning in her head.)

"I just love mornings," I said, taking my seat. "Everything feels so fresh and new!"

Kio slumped into his chair, looking as if he might fall asleep again. "Mornings are overrated," he muttered.

Kuroka laughed. "That's just Kio-speak for 'coffee.'"

Breakfast was so lively—filled with laughter and teasing—and I couldn't stop smiling. It was these little moments that made me feel so lucky to be here.

Just as we were finishing, there was a knock at the door. When I opened it, I saw Issei waiting for me.

"Morning, Asia!" Issei said, grinning. "Ready for school?"

(Issei is... different from anyone I've met. He's loud, impulsive, and not exactly subtle about his carnal interests, but there's something strangely endearing about him. He has this boyish charm, like he's always trying his best even when he doesn't know what he's doing. He's always trying to cheer me up or make me laugh, and even though his jokes don't always land, it's hard not to appreciate the effort. Issei has a way of making you feel like you belong, like you're part of something bigger. And for someone like me, who's only just started to experience what it means to have friends, it means everything.)

"Yes, thank you for coming to walk with me!" I said, grabbing my bag and waving goodbye to everyone inside.

School was wonderful, as always. The classes were interesting, and I loved being able to wear the uniform and sit in a classroom like a normal girl. As I walked into Kuoh Academy, the sounds of students chatting and laughing filled the air. I clutched my bag tightly, still not quite used to being surrounded by so many people. It was overwhelming in a way, but also exciting. I had never imagined I'd have the chance to experience something so normal, so... wonderful.

The first class of the day was mathematics. Numbers had never been my strongest suit, but I paid close attention, determined to do well. The teacher was kind and patient, explaining the formulas in a way that made sense, and by the end of the lesson, I felt a small sense of accomplishment.

During the break between classes, some of my classmates came over to talk to me. "Hey, Asia," one of the girls said, smiling brightly. "Are you settling in okay?"

"Yes! Everyone has been so kind," I replied, bowing slightly out of habit.

"You don't have to bow all the time, you know," another girl said with a laugh. "Just relax. We're all friends here."

The word "friends" made my heart swell. I smiled and nodded, feeling warmth spread through me.

As I am walking in the halls, a strange feeling washed over me. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a girl with short brown hair standing, surrounded by two other girls. She wasn't doing anything out of the ordinary, just leaning casually against the wall, but the way she looked at me made my stomach twist.

Her eyes were sharp, almost cold, and her expression carried a slight hint of disdain. It wasn't enough to be outright hostile, but it was enough to unsettle me.

I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I should approach her or ask if something was wrong. But the longer I thought about it, the more I convinced myself I was overthinking things.

"It's probably nothing," I told myself, forcing a small smile as I turned back.

Shaking off the uneasy feeling, I continued with my day, focusing on my classes and the warmth of the people around me. But every now and then, the memory of that girl's gaze lingered at the back of my mind, like a tiny shadow I couldn't quite ignore.

Lunch was one of my favorite parts of the day. The cafeteria was bustling with activity, students chatting and sharing food. I sat with a small group of girls who had invited me over the day before. They were so lively, talking about everything from upcoming exams to their favorite movies.

"What about you, Asia?" one of them asked, leaning forward eagerly. "What kind of hobbies do you have?"

"Hobbies?" I hesitated, unsure what to say. My life before coming to Kuoh hadn't left much room for hobbies. "I like helping people," I said after a moment.

The girls exchanged looks before one of them smiled warmly. "That's such an Asia answer," she said, and everyone laughed.

I laughed too, even though I wasn't entirely sure what they meant. It felt good to be included, to be part of the conversation.

In the afternoon, we had a group activity in history class. Our task was to create a timeline of significant events, and I was paired with Issei and a girl from our class. The girl in our group seemed a bit nervous around Issei—probably because of his reputation—but I noticed her occasionally glancing at me with what I could only describe as a hint of warmth.

I also heard some rumors that Issei was a mix martial arts junior champion when he was younger, but he just stopped and have not made an appearance at any other tournaments. I didn't ask him about it, but the rumor lingered in my mind. It didn't seem like the kind of thing Issei would bring up easily, and I didn't feel right asking him about it. Still, I couldn't help but wonder if there was more to him than the easygoing, playful boy I'd come to know.

As the last bell rang, I packed up my things and made my way to the main lobby, excited to meet Issei so we could walk home together. The day had been so wonderful, and I couldn't wait to tell him about my classes and new friends.

But just as I turned the corner, I felt a sharp tug on my arm. Before I could react, I was pulled into the girls' bathroom by the brown-haired girl I had noticed earlier and two of her friends.

"W-what's going on?" I stammered, panic rising in my chest.

They didn't answer. Instead, the two girls grabbed my arms, holding me in place as the brown-haired girl stepped in front of me with a cruel smirk.

"You think you're so perfect, don't you?" she sneered, her voice dripping with malice. "Walking around like you're better than everyone else. It's disgusting."

Before I could respond, a splash of cold water hit me. I gasped, shivering as the icy liquid soaked through my uniform and clung to my skin. Tears welled in my eyes as they all laughed, their mocking voices echoing in the small bathroom.

"Look at her," the girl said, her tone mocking. "So helpless. Pathetic, just like that loser, Hyoudou."

At the mention of Issei's name, my heart sank further. I tried to pull away, but the girls tightened their grip, forcing me to stay in place.

"Hyoudou Issei," the brown-haired girl continued, her face twisting in disgust. "What a joke. You two are perfect for each other—both bottom of the barrel."

Her words cut deep, but the fear truly set in when she pulled out a pair of scissors. The sharp blades gleamed under the fluorescent lights, and she twirled them in her hand like a toy.

"You've got such pretty blonde hair," she said, her smirk widening. "Let's see how it looks short."

"No! Please, don't!" I cried, struggling against the girls holding me. My tears spilled over as I pleaded for them to stop. "Why are you doing this?"

They didn't answer, but their cold, hateful gazes reminded me of the stares I had endured back at the church. The same contempt, the same malice. My heart pounded in my chest, and my voice cracked as I screamed for help.

The brown-haired girl leaned in closer, the scissors opening and closing with an ominous snip, snip.

Just as she raised the scissors to my hair, the bathroom door burst open.

"Asia!" Issei's voice rang out, filled with urgency and anger. He stepped inside, his fists clenched and his eyes blazing.

The brown-haired girl froze for a moment, then sneered. "What do you think you're doing, Hyoudou? This is the girls' bathroom."

"Let her go," Issei said, his voice low and dangerous.

One of the girls holding me scoffed. "If you lay a finger on us, we'll make sure you're expelled—or worse. You'll end up in jail."

Issei's jaw tightened, but he didn't back down. Ignoring their threats, he walked straight toward me.

"What are you doing?!" the brown-haired girl shrieked, stepping back in disbelief.

Issei gently pried me free from their grip and scooped me into his arms, shielding me from their glares. My tears soaked into his shirt, but he didn't care—I was just relieved he was there.

"DON'T IGNORE ME!" the brown-haired girl yelled, her voice growing frantic. She lunged at us with the scissors, the sharp blades aimed directly at Issei's back.

Without hesitation, Issei swatted her hand away, his eyes narrowed as he glared at her. "Back off," he said, his voice calm but firm.

The brown-haired girl froze, her confidence faltering for the first time.

Suddenly, the air in the room shifted, growing heavy with an unfamiliar pressure. Rias, Akeno, and Koneko appeared in the doorway, their expressions unreadable but their presence overwhelming.

"What's going on here?" Rias asked, her tone cold and commanding.

The three girls tried to stammer out excuses, but Akeno silenced them with a sharp look. Koneko moved like lightning, knocking all three of them unconscious with precise, controlled strikes.

Rias turned to Issei, her expression softening slightly. "Issei, take Asia out of here. We'll handle this."

Issei nodded and carried me out of the bathroom without another word. As Issei carried me out of the bathroom, I started to feel a little calmer. His steady presence and reassuring words made the terror of what had just happened fade, even if only a little.

But as we walked, Koneko suddenly tugged on Issei's sleeve, her small hand gripping him tightly. "Wait," she said, her tone as quiet as ever, but her golden eyes sharp.

"Huh? What is it, Koneko?" Issei asked, his voice calm but slightly tired.

Koneko pointed to his hand. "There," she said simply.

I gasped as I noticed what she was pointing at. The scissors—the same pair the brown-haired girl had wielded earlier—were sticking out of Issei's hand. The sharp blades had pierced through his palm, the metal gleaming with his blood.

"Ah~ so it is," Issei said, his voice unnervingly calm. He stared at his hand, almost as if he hadn't registered the pain until now.

"Issei!" I cried, my hands flying to my mouth. "Why didn't you say anything?!"

Issei tilted his head slightly, blinking. "Guess I didn't notice... or maybe I was just too focused on getting you out of there." His voice wavered, and I could see the exhaustion and pain beginning to catch up to him.

Koneko stepped forward, her face as stoic as ever but her movements brisk. "I'll take care of it," she said firmly. Without giving Issei a chance to protest, she grabbed the scissors by the handle and yanked them out in one swift motion.

Blood gushed from the wound, dripping onto the floor. Issei's calm demeanor cracked as his face contorted in pain. "Ahhh! K-Koneko! A little warning would've been nice!" he yelped, stumbling slightly.

"You'll be fine," Koneko said flatly, though there was a faint edge of concern in her voice.

Akeno was already by his side, her hands glowing with a soft light. "Hold still, Issei," she said, her tone soothing.

As she applied her healing magic, the wound began to close, the flow of blood slowing until it stopped completely. Issei let out a shaky breath, flexing his hand once the pain subsided.

"Thanks, Akeno," he muttered, his usual grin returning, though it was weaker than usual.

"Honestly, Issei," Rias said, her voice carrying a mix of exasperation and amusement as she stepped forward. "You really need to take better care of yourself."

Issei scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "I'll be more careful next time, President"

I couldn't stop the tears that welled up in my eyes. "Issei, I'm so sorry," I said, my voice trembling. "You got hurt because of me."

"Hey, don't cry," Issei said quickly, his tone softening. "It's not your fault, Asia. Besides, I've been through worse." He gave me a lopsided grin, and despite everything, I couldn't help but smile back a little.

After taking a warm bath and drying myself off, I felt a little better, though the lingering memories of what had happened still made my hands tremble. The soft, clean clothes Rias had lent me were comforting, and the warmth of the ORC room as I returned felt like stepping into a sanctuary.

Everyone was waiting for me. Rias gestured for me to sit down, and as I did, they each comforted me in their own way.

Koneko handed me a small cup of tea, her quiet presence steady and grounding. "Drink," she said simply. Her bluntness felt oddly reassuring, and I took a sip, the warmth spreading through me like a soothing balm.

Akeno sat beside me, gently running her fingers through my hair. "You were very brave today, Asia," she said softly. "No one deserves what you went through, but you handled it well. You're stronger than you think."

Issei, sitting across from me, gave me a grin, though I could see the guilt lingering behind his eyes. "You're safe now, Asia. And you don't have to worry about those girls anymore—we've got your back."

Yuuto stepped forward, kneeling slightly to meet my gaze. His calm demeanor and kind smile helped ease the tension in my chest. "If you ever feel unsafe or uneasy, you can always come to us," he said gently. "We are your friends, never forget that."

His words warmed my heart, and I nodded, feeling a little steadier with each passing moment.

Finally, Rias stepped forward, her crimson hair glowing in the afternoon light. She knelt slightly, meeting my gaze with her steady, confident eyes. "Asia," she said gently, "there's something you should know about what happened."

I tilted my head, unsure of what she meant. "What do you mean?"

"That girl," Rias explained, her tone calm but serious. "There was something attached to her—a curse. It manifested because of her own negative emotions, amplifying her anger and hatred until it consumed her. That's why she acted the way she did."

I gasped, suprised. "A curse?"

Rias nodded. "It wasn't directed at you specifically. It latched onto her because she was already harboring so much pain and resentment. That doesn't excuse her actions, but it helps explain them."

I looked down at my hands, feeling a mix of emotions—relief that it wasn't entirely personal, sadness for the girl who had been consumed by her own negativity, and lingering fear from the encounter.

"Will she be okay?" I asked softly.

"She'll recover," Rias assured me. "We've already removed the curse, and she'll have to face the consequences of her actions. But she'll have a chance to heal."

I nodded, feeling a little more at peace.

Later that afternoon, as Issei and I walked toward the school's front gate, the warm sun casting a golden glow over the campus, I noticed two familiar figures standing by the gate.

Kio and Ane.

I blinked in surprise, wondering why they were there. Kio stood with his silver cane in hand, his usual stoic expression firmly in place, while Ane waved at me with a gentle smile.

"What are you two doing here?" I asked as we approached.

Ane stepped forward. "We got a call from Issei about what happened," she said. "We came to pick you up."

I turned to Issei, who scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "I thought you'd want to be with them after everything," he said.

"Thank You" I whispered to him.

Kio nodded slightly, his voice calm but firm. "Let's go home, Asia."

Ane took my bag while Kio turned to lead the way. Issei waved as we parted, his reassuring presence lingering even as he stayed behind with the others. I followed Kio and Ane, feeling a warmth in my chest that I hadn't felt in a long time.

As we walked back to the house, the cool afternoon breeze brushed against my skin, soothing in its own way. But a little bit of pain still lingered—not just from the day's events but from the memories it stirred.

Lost in my thoughts, I was startled when I felt a warm hand gently slip into mine. I glanced up to see Ane walking beside me, her expression soft and full of quiet reassurance.

Then, to my surprise, I felt another hand take hold of mine—this time on my other side. I looked up to see Kio walking silently, his gaze fixed ahead, his expression as stoic as ever.

His grip was firm but not uncomfortable, and though he didn't say anything, the gesture spoke volumes. Despite his reserved nature, this was his way of showing he cared.

I couldn't help but smile again, the warmth of their presence wrapping around me like a blanket.

The three of us walked the rest of the way in peaceful silence. No words were needed. The steady rhythm of our footsteps, the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze, and the comfort of their hands in mine said everything.

As we stepped into the house, a warm, savory aroma greeted us immediately. The smell of food wafted through the air, rich and inviting. I could hear Leonardo humming happily in the kitchen, and as we walked in, I saw her finishing the last touches on a beautifully set table.

"Perfect timing!" Leonardo called out, beaming at us. "Dinner's ready, so sit down and dig in!"

The table was covered with a feast, the variety of dishes making my mouth water. I noticed a few familiar foods from Italy—fresh bruschetta, creamy pasta dishes, and even a rich tiramisu for dessert. Seeing them made my heart ache a little with nostalgia, but it also filled me with warmth.

We all sat down to eat, and the food was every bit as delicious as it smelled. The lively chatter and laughter at the table made me feel at ease, as if all the heaviness of the day was slowly being lifted away.

…

Later that evening, after the dishes had been cleared, we all sat together in the living room. The atmosphere was quiet but comforting, everyone's attention focused on me.

"Asia," Ane said gently, her soft eyes meeting mine. "We just want to make sure you're okay. It's fine to let it all out if you need to. We're here for you."

The kindness in her voice, the safety of their presence—it was too much to hold back any longer.

I started crying, the kind of crying where you don't even try to stop yourself. The tears came in waves, and I clutched my hands to my chest as sob after sob escaped me. It was the most I'd ever cried in my life.

Between sobs, I started to talk, the words spilling out like a flood I couldn't contain. "I was an orphan... left at the church when I was just a baby," I began, my voice trembling.

Everyone listened in silence, their expressions full of concern and understanding.

"They thought I was miracle," I continued. "The priests and nuns treated me like a saint because of my healing powers. They said I was blessed, chosen by God to help others."

For a moment, I paused, the memory of their praise and adoration conflicting with the pain that followed.

"But everything changed when I healed a devil," I said, my voice breaking. "They turned on me—called me a witch, accused me of consorting with evil. They cast me out, and I lost everything I thought I had."

The weight of those emotions, buried for so long, crashed over me, and I cried even harder. I felt a hand on my shoulder—Ane's—and another hand gently holding mine, Kuroka and Leonardo embraced me. Kio had moved closer, his presence steady and grounding.

When I finally calmed down enough to breathe, Kio spoke, his voice quiet but firm. "Asia," he said, looking directly at me. "I know what it's like to be lost, to feel like you don't have a place in the world."

His words resonated with me, my eyes still brimming with tears.

"My masters gave me something when I was at my lowest," he continued. "They gave me a home, a family. They told me that I am loved and appreciated. Now, I want to give you the same thing."

I stared at him, the weight of his words sinking in.

He cupped his hands on my face, "You are Loved and Appreciated"

"Will you be part of our family?" Kio asked, his voice steady but warm. "It's your choice."

For a moment, the room was completely silent, the air heavy with emotion. Then, slowly, I nodded, fresh tears streaming down my face—but this time, they weren't tears of sadness.

I whisper, my voice trembling. "That sounds wonderful, but is it alright if I can think about it."

Kio gave a small nod, his expression softening ever so slightly. Ane and Leonardo wrapped their arms around me, pulling me into a warm embrace. For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt truly loved, truly wanted.

I wasn't alone anymore.

…

It was late at night, the house quiet except for the faint hum of the night breeze brushing against the windows. I stood in front of Kio's door, nervously clutching the hem of my pajamas. My heart was pounding, and I couldn't quite shake the butterflies in my stomach.

After a deep breath, I mustered the courage to knock.

"Come in," Kio's calm voice called from the other side.

I opened the door slowly and peeked inside. Kio was sitting on his bed in a meditative pose, his hands resting lightly on his knees.

"Um, Kio," I started, hesitating. He breaks his pose, giving me a curious but neutral expression.

"What is it, Asia?" he asked, his voice steady and quiet.

I felt my cheeks grow warm as I tried to find the right words. "I... I was wondering if... if I could sleep in your bed with you tonight?" I stammered. "Just for the night?"

For a moment, there was silence, and I worried I might have crossed a line. But then, with a small nod, Kio shifted slightly, making room on the bed.

"If it'll help you sleep," he said simply.

Relief washed over me, and I climbed into the bed, settling on the far edge. The warmth of his presence made me feel safe, and I began to relax.

But just as I was starting to drift off, the door flung open with a loud bang.

"Oh, Asia! Kio!" Leonardo's playful voice rang out, followed by Ane and Kuroka stepping into the room. Each of them had a smirk plastered across their faces.

"Wow, Asia, how bold!" Kuroka teased, her black tail swishing with amusement. "Sneaking into Kio's room at night? I didn't think you had it in you."

"It's not like that!" I protested, sitting up as my cheeks burned with embarrassment.

"Oh, don't worry," Ane said, her voice smooth and teasing. "We're not here to judge. Actually..." She paused dramatically, crossing her arms. "We were planning to sleep here too."

Leonardo grinned, pulling a pillow from behind her back. "Yup! Slumber party!"

Kio sighed, rubbing his temples. "The bed isn't big enough for all of you."

"Hmm, true," Ane said, tapping her chin thoughtfully.

Leonardo's grin widened as a mischievous glint sparkled in her eyes. "Oh, I've got just the thing!"

Before anyone could react, she reached over to the wall and flipped a hidden switch.

"Leonardo, what are you—" Kio started, but his words were cut off as the floor beneath us gave way.

With a surprised yelp, we all tumbled through the opening, landing on something soft and cushioned. When I looked around, I realized we were in a massive, beautifully designed room. The walls were lined with shelves of books and glowing crystals, and in the center was an enormous, luxurious bed that looked big enough for ten people.

Leonardo stood proudly, hands on her hips. "Welcome to the slumber room! I built this when everyone decides to invade Kio's bed."

Ane looked impressed, while Kuroka let out a delighted laugh. "This is perfect! Finally, a bed big enough for all of us."

Kio sighed again, "Fine. Let's just get some sleep."

We all climbed onto the enormous bed, settling in comfortably. Ane was on one side of me, Kuroka on the other, with Leonardo stretching out near the edge and Kio sitting calmly in the center. Despite the chaos, the warmth and companionship made everything feel... right. We drifted off to sleep,

With this experience, my resolve was reforged and reinforced. I can't continue to be scared; I need to walk on my own and I think I know how.

The next morning, I couldn't shake the lingering thoughts of what had happened the day before. The fear, the anger, and the sadness swirled inside me, but there was something else, too—a sense of determination.

I didn't want this cycle of hatred to continue.

After classes ended, I began searching for the brown-haired girl. It didn't take long to find her; she was sitting alone on a bench in the courtyard, her head bowed and her shoulders slumped.

She looked... worse for wear. Her hair was disheveled, and there were dark circles under her eyes, as if she hadn't slept at all. Her usual sharp, confident aura was gone, replaced by something almost hollow.

I took a deep breath and approached her. My heart pounded with nervousness, but I knew this was something I had to do.

When she noticed me, her eyes narrowed, but there was no fire behind them—just exhaustion. "What do you want?" she muttered, her voice hoarse.

"I want to talk," I said firmly, though my voice trembled slightly.

She scoffed, turning away. "I don't have anything to say to you."

I stepped closer, refusing to back down. "Maybe not, but I have something to say to you."

She didn't respond, but she didn't leave either, so I continued.

"What you did to me yesterday—it hurt," I said, my voice steady despite the knot in my chest. "It scared me, and it made me angry. But more than that, it made me sad."

She glanced at me, her eyes briefly flickering with confusion.

"I don't know what's happened in your life to make you feel this way," I said softly, "but carrying all that anger and hate—it doesn't help. It only hurts you, and it hurts the people around you."

Her hands clenched into fists, and for a moment, I thought she might lash out. But then, she slumped forward, her head in her hands.

"You don't understand," she whispered, her voice breaking. "You don't know what it's like to feel invisible... worthless."

I knelt down in front of her, my heart aching at the vulnerability in her voice. "Maybe I don't know exactly what you've been through," I said gently, "but I know what it's like to feel lost. To feel like you don't belong."

Her eyes met mine, and for the first time, I saw the pain hidden beneath her anger.

"I'm not here to judge you," I said. "I just want to stop the hate. Whatever you're going through... you don't have to face it alone."

Her lip quivered, and she wiped at her eyes angrily, as if trying to hide the tears that were starting to fall. "Why would you care?" she muttered. "After what I did to you?"

"Because I believe everyone deserves a second chance," I said simply.

She stared at me, her expression unreadable. For a moment, I thought she might yell at me again or push me away. But instead, she let out a shaky breath and nodded.

"I... I'm sorry," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

A small smile formed on my lips. "It's okay," I said. "I forgive you."

As I stood up, I offered her my hand. She hesitated, then slowly reached out and took it.

Maybe this wouldn't fix everything—not for her, and not for me. But it was a start.