The street grew quiet again, broken only by Souta's calm breathing.
He stood over Raiga's fallen body, his expression unreadable, the fire in his eyes slowly fading back into calm.
From the shadows, Airi's hands trembled as she covered her mouth, tears stinging her eyes.
That Night – After the Fight
Street lamps glowed faintly, spilling yellow circles of light across the quiet road.
Souta walked home at a slow pace, grocery bag long forgotten, hands shoved deep into his pockets.
The cool night breeze brushed past his face, carrying with it the faint metallic scent of blood still clinging to his knuckles.
Behind him—
"Minami!"
He stopped.
Airi came up the path, her steps quick, her breath uneven. Her eyes were wide, her tone trembling.
"I… I saw everything."
Souta turned slightly, surprise flickering across his face.
"…Airi ?"
She stopped in front of him, clutching her sleeves tightly. Her voice cracked, louder than she intended.
"You fought again! Against Raiga—against all of them! How many times do I have to say it? Stop fighting!"
Souta looked down, guilt pressing at his chest.
"…I know. But you also know this, Airi… fighting has been a part of me since I was a kid. It's the only thing I've never let go of."
Her lips trembled, tears welling in her eyes.
"Why don't you ever listen? Why do you always run straight into danger… even when it hurts you?"
A cold gust of wind rushed between them. Souta clenched his fists, the weight of his choices pressing heavy.
Then, Airi's voice broke.
"…Because I love you, Souta."
The world seemed to stop. Souta's breath caught, his eyes widening.
She stepped closer, her tears spilling freely.
"I love you. I don't care about ranks, or fights, or pride. I just… I just want you safe."
Souta's chest ached. Slowly, he reached out, pulling her into a gentle embrace. His voice was low, heavy with conflict.
"…I know. And I'm sorry. But I can't walk away anymore. Not from this path."
Her hands shook against his back, her voice breaking.
"Then… I can't stay either."
Souta froze.
"…What do you mean?"
Airi pulled back, wiping her cheeks with trembling hands. Her eyes, though wet, carried a painful resolve.
"I'm leaving this city. Tomorrow. I can't… watch you destroy yourself like this."
Before Souta could respond, she turned sharply and walked.
Her silhouette faded into the glow of the street lamps, leaving only silence behind.
Souta stood motionless, his heart heavy, his fists trembling at his sides.
"…Airi…"
---
The Next Morning
The hum of a taxi engine filled the street. Suitcases were loaded, and Airi stood by the car, her parents beside her.
Her father asked gently,
"Are you sure you don't want to see Souta before you leave?"
Airi lowered her eyes, forcing her voice steady.
"No, Dad."
Her mother pulled her into one last embrace before she stepped into the car.
The door closed with a soft click.
As the taxi rolled away, Airi pressed her forehead to the glass, lips trembling. Tears fell silently, leaving faint trails against the window.
---
And now back in the present a quiet room, Souta sat on the recliner chair, his blazer draped loosely over his shoulders. His eyes stared blankly at the floor, heavy with regret.
If only… I had stopped her. If only I'd gone with her.
His voice broke into the empty air.
"…Airi."
---Chapter 12 end---