Maybe even proud. That thought alone… it's enough for me."
Aiko wiped her tears with trembling hands. "Thank you, Raito. I… I'll think about it."
"You better," Raito said gently, smiling at her.
Then he walked toward his bed, sitting down near the southern side. He lay back, staring quietly at the ceiling as a faint smile lingered on his face.
Aiko's voice lingered softly in the air.
"I still can't believe this. It's like I'm dreaming… Thank you, Raito. I really appreciate it."
Raito lay on the bed, one hand behind his head, eyes fixed on the ceiling.
He gave a small shrug, his tone calm. "Use it well. You've earned it."
Aiko smiled faintly. "You've really changed."
Raito exhaled quietly. "No. I've just started becoming who I was meant to be."
The room went still. The ceiling fan hummed softly above them.
The next morning.
A faint chime echoed.
Raito blinked as a soft blue light flickered before his eyes — not from his phone, but from the system.
