The park lay bathed in the dim glow of sunset, the sky a deep orange, smudged with streaks of crimson and gold. Shadows of trees stretched long across the cracked pavement, and the playground behind him stood eerily still, its slides and tunnels glowing faintly under the dying light. A chill breeze rustled the leaves, carrying the faint laughter of children long gone.
He set his device to the moment just after he had warned Ichigo Saitou.
His thumb hovered over Ichigo's contact name.
He reached for the call icon — but his hand froze.
He couldn't move.
Not yet.
Not when Ai's laughter still echoed in his ears. Not when her warmth still clung to his skin.
His heart split between two worlds — two lives.
And then…
"Aqua!"
A familiar voice.
He turned.
From the edge of the playground, a figure stepped out from the fading light.
Ai stood before him.
Wearing a hoodie and a cap — disguised, careful not to be seen by the public. A retired idol protecting her peaceful life.
"I've been looking everywhere for you," she said, catching her breath. "I asked President Saitou to track your phone. Kana-chan and the staff told me you left the studio in a rush."
Her eyes softened.
"What's going on, Aqua? Why are you hiding things from me? It hurts."
He stepped forward — and hugged her tightly.
"Ai… No… Mom."
His voice cracked. The tears spilled freely.
"I still haven't learned to call you that."
She gasped softly. "Aqua? You're crying? What's wrong?"
"I love you, Mom. I've always loved you. I don't want to lose you again."
The cicadas shrilled in the distance, loud and unrelenting, as if the world itself wanted to drown out his confession.
"I'm right here," she said gently, hugging him tighter. "You're not going to lose me."
"But what if," he whispered, "there's a world where you died… way too soon? What if you left me and Ruby when we were just kids? What if… we never got to smile again?"
She didn't understand — not fully — but tears welled in her eyes anyway.
She held him tighter.
"No matter if that world exists or not… I will always live inside you and Ruby. Always. I will shine through your eyes. My love for you both… it's timeless. It transcends every world. Wherever you are… I'll reach you."
Aqua trembled in her arms.
And smiled.
"I understand now… You were always there — even if not physically. Me and Ruby… we'll share that love. With real smiles this time."
Still hugging her, he tapped the call icon.
The line connected.
"Hello?" came Ichigo Saitou's voice.
In a choked voice, Aqua said, "Whatever I said earlier… was a lie. Please forgive me."
"…You again? Why are you crying?" Ichigo said, surprised. "Looks like you deeply regret your actions."
"I regret what I did… But I'm glad, too. It helped me see things I never would have otherwise."
"…What are you talking about?"
Suddenly, the world began to shake.
Ai's body turned to mist.
Her last falling tear disappeared into the air.
Everything twisted — distorted — and collapsed.
Aqua opened his eyes.
He notices his outfit is changed back to the one which he was wearing before the world changed.
He was back.
Same spot.
Same street.
His cheeks were still wet.
He wiped them and turned.
Akane's house.
He walked to the door and pressed the bell.
The door opened slowly.
Akane stood there — eyes wide.
"Aqua?" she said softly.
To Be Continued...
Next Chapter: "The Call That Changed Everything"