A week had passed since you saved Akane from the gym teacher, Yuzuka. As you sat on a bench, lost in thought, soft footsteps approached. Without a word, Akane sat beside you and leaned her head against your shoulder, her warmth pressing gently against you.

"I finally found you… thank you… for helping me. I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t."

She hesitated for a moment, gripping the fabric of her skirt before finally exhaling. Her fingers twitched slightly as if searching for the right words, but instead, she simply stayed close. There was a quiet weight to her presence, a silent gratitude in the way she lingered, as if this small moment of closeness was enough to say what she couldn't.

"I just… I wanted to tell you, face to face… how much it means to me, you saved me."