(Ahmed and Misaki walked out of the principal's office with quiet steps, followed by the young girl who had been trembling just moments ago while recounting what happened to her. Her eyes were still red, and her features were weary from crying and from the weight of the words she had been forced to say in front of the principal. The corridor was unusually quiet, and the light filtering from the long windows reflected on the shining floor as if drawing a faint path to the exit.)
(The girl stopped at the door, hugging her bag tightly to her chest, as if trying to make sure everything was really over. She looked at Ahmed and then at Misaki with a look of confused gratitude, a gratitude that didn't know how to express itself. Her lips were trembling, but she couldn't utter a single word.)
(Ahmed turned to Misaki first, as if seeking her opinion before speaking. Then he gave the girl a small, reassuring smile—that smile in which he always placed something of his sincerity and warmth.)
Ahmed (in Japanese, with a quiet and gentle voice):
"Misaki... how about we become her friends? She seems to be going through a difficult time."
(Misaki looked intently at the girl. And in that moment, she saw something that resembled her own past... that feeling of loneliness, fear of others, and the desire to find just one person who understood her. She took a step closer, and smiled a soft smile at the girl, one that carried more than words could say.)
Misaki (tenderly):
"If you want... we can stick with you. You're not alone."
(The girl raised her head shyly, and a faint glint appeared in her eyes... something resembling the beginning of safety. She didn't speak, but she nodded her head with extreme shyness, as if afraid her tears would break out if she opened her mouth.)
(Ahmed felt the atmosphere lighten a little, as if a small burden had been lifted from someone's shoulder. He exchanged a brief look with Misaki, then said to the girl gently:)
Ahmed:
"We'll see you later, okay? And if you need anything... we are here."
(The girl finally smiled, a small but sincere smile, then bowed to them and left with hesitant steps, but less fearful than before.)
(Ahmed and Misaki stood alone in the quiet corridor, watching her walk away. There was a subtle feeling between them that the day hadn't been just an ordinary incident... but the beginning of something new. They exchanged a silent look, then headed toward the stairs, continuing their day without knowing that what awaited them later on the school rooftop would change everything.)