[Afternoon - A cozy ramen shop in the city outskirts.]
[The five sat around a circular table, the atmosphere warm with the scent of miso, shoyu, and spicy tonkotsu. The world outside was still chaotic, but for now—they had a break.]
Kei:raises a glass filled of water Welp. Cheers, for Shirou's full recovery!
Everyone: Cheers! raises glasses
Mio: dramatically slurping noodles This... is divine. If I die tomorrow, bury me in a ramen bowl.
Ryokou:teasing Didn't you say that last week when we had sushi?
Mio: Yeah, and I meant it then too!
Kei: chuckles softly Honestly, it's nice seeing you like this. Makes me forget you nearly flattened me with a flying kick during your self-defence training.
Mio: Hey, that was a reflex! You moved like a suspicious shadow!
Shirou: chuckles quietly Flying kicks, huh... Sounds like one of those TV dramas.
Shizuka:gently smiles Speaking of shadows... Shirou, your sleep talk last night? You were fighting a "noodle demon."
Shirou: blinking I was what now?
Kei: nodding seriously "Give back the ramen or face my wrath," you said. It was oddly poetic.
Ryokou: chimes in And you did like a "transformation pose" in your sleep. Complete with sound effects.
Mio:mockingly deep voice "Noodle Buckle! Standby!"
Shirou: What am I? A Kamen Rider?! I knew I shouldn't slept early at our sleepover last night.
Everyone:bursts out laughing.
[Their laughter filled the tiny shop, a welcome reprieve from wounds, threats, and looming battles. For a moment—they were just teenagers again.]
Shizuka:softly This... is nice. Just being here. With all of you.
Shirou: smiles Yeah. Moments like this... they keep us going.
[As they finished their bowls, the clouds slowly darkened outside—but inside, the light of companionship held strong.]
[Evening - Walking home from the ramen shop.]
[The sun had long set, but the streets were still buzzing with activity. Shirou and Shizuka walked side by side, their footsteps echoing in the quiet night. Shizuka's cheerful hum blended with the soft sounds of the city, a welcome contrast to the chaos they'd been dealing with.]
[Shirou glanced around, taking in the familiar sights of their neighborhood. The air was crisp, with a hint of the coming winter. The city lights flickered, casting warm pools of light over the cobbled streets.]
[As they passed by a small bookstore, Shirou's eyes caught something in the shop's glass mirror—something that made his heart skip a beat. His reflection flickered for just a moment, but then, at the edge of the reflection, a shadow lingered.]
[He blinked. There, standing against the backdrop of the bookstore's warm light, was a figure in a long coat. Her hair cascaded down, framing her face in the dim glow. It was unmistakably Yggdrasil—the same long black hair, the same cold, calculating aura. But something didn't sit right with him.]
Shirou: Is it... really her? he thought, narrowing his eyes
[Shizuka didn't seem to notice his sudden stillness. She was too absorbed in a small talk about something trivial, unaware of the tension that crept up his spine.]
[Shirou instinctively slowed his pace, his gaze locked on the figure in the reflection. Yggdrasil didn't move—she just stood there, as though waiting for something. Her eyes seemed to pierce through the glass, though he couldn't see them directly.]
Shizuka: Shirou? Are you okay? her voice broke through his trance, her hand gently tapping his arm
[Shirou snapped back to the present, his heart racing. He quickly turned to face Shizuka, forcing a smile.]
Shirou: Yeah, I'm fine. Just... thought I saw something.
[Shizuka gave him a questioning look but shrugged it off, clearly not suspecting anything out of the ordinary.]
Shizuka: You sure?
Shirou: I'm fine, really.
[He reassured her, though his mind was still on the reflection. He glanced back at the mirror, but there was no sign of the figure anymore. The glass was clear, showing only his own reflection now, alongside Shizuka's.]
Shirou: Maybe it was just my mind playing tricks on me. he thought
[But deep down, a strange feeling gnawed at him—one he couldn't quite shake.]
[Shizuka smiled up at him, unaware of the unease brewing beneath his calm exterior.]
Shizuka: Let's get home soon. I'm pretty tired after all the excitement today.
Shirou: Yeah, let's.
[He agreed though his eyes lingered on the street behind them for a moment longer, just in case.]
[The streets were quieter now, the once bustling noise of the city fading into the background as the evening settled in. Shirou's thoughts were still tangled from the bizarre reflection he had seen earlier. He glanced forward.]
[At that moment, he saw her again—Yggdrasil.]
[But no, it couldn't be. His heart skipped a beat as his breath caught in his throat. He blinked rapidly, trying to convince himself it wasn't her. He hadn't seen that distinctive figure—her long coat, her commanding presence—in what felt like forever.]
[Shirou's body tensed, his instincts kicking in. His eyes never left the figure in the reflection. It had to be her. But she was different.]
[He could tell it was her, despite the lack of the usual imposing outfit. She had changed into something more feminine—a soft white blouse, paired with a cardigan and a skirt, and her hair, instead of its usual wild form, was neatly tied into a knot. Her aura, which had once been sharp and intimidating, was now almost nonexistent, as if she was trying to hide in plain sight.]
[He couldn't help himself. The name slipped out before he could think it through.]
Shirou: Yggdrasil?
[Shizuka, who had been walking beside him, froze in place as soon as she heard the name.]
Shirou: his eyes widened in recognition Wait... no way. You—
[She started, but before she could finish her sentence, Yggdrasil had already moved toward them with swift, calculated steps.]
[Yggdrasil's hand shot out and pressed gently against Shirou's lips, cutting him off. Her expression was calm, but the gleam in her eyes was sharp and unsettling.]
Yggdrasil: You shouldn't say that name out loud. she whispered, her voice low but clear
[As she quickly glanced around them. She lowered her hand but didn't remove her gaze from Shirou, her smile turning slightly more mysterious.]
Yggdrasil: Not in public.
[Shirou stood frozen, his heart racing. He hadn't meant to blurt out her name like that, but now it was too late.]
[Shizuka was still staring at Yggdrasil, a mix of confusion and shock on her face.]
Shizuka: You... she swallowed hard, her hands trembling slightly You're the one who kidnapped me, aren't you?
[Yggdrasil met Shizuka's gaze without a hint of hesitation. She wasn't surprised that Shizuka recognized her. Instead, she spoke calmly.]
Yggdrasil: Yes, I am. But things aren't as they seem.
[Shirou's mind was still reeling from the shock, but Shizuka wasn't about to let her guard down.]
Shirou: What do you want now? You've already done enough.
[Yggdrasil took a step back, softening her stance.]
Yggdrasil: I'm not here for trouble. I wanted to... make amends.
Shirou:still skeptical Make amends? After everything you've done?
[Yggdrasil gave a small nod, the change in her tone noticeably softer now.]
Yggdrasil: Yes. I've done a lot of things, but right now, I just want to talk. If you'd let me.
[The tension was thick between them, but Yggdrasil remained calm. She looked between Shirou and Shizuka.]
Yggdrasil: Come with me. she said, her voice almost inviting There's a quiet cafe nearby. I'll treat you to something warm. A simple chat won't hurt, will it?
[Shirou glanced at Shizuka, who was still eyeing Yggdrasil with suspicion. After a beat, he gave a reluctant nod.]
Shirou: We don't have to trust her, but I guess there's no harm in hearing her out.
Shizuka: hesitated, but finally, she sighed Fine, I'll agree with you, Shirou. But no funny business, Yggdrasil. Got it?
Yggdrasil:smiled faintly, a small, enigmatic curve of her lips No funny business. Just a quiet conversation.
[As the three of them walked toward the cafe, the air was heavy with unspoken questions. Shirou felt an overwhelming sense of unease about the situation, and he knew Shizuka did too. There was something about Yggdrasil's sudden softness that didn't sit right.]
[A small, cozy café on the corner of a quiet street. The soft murmur of background chatter fills the air, and the warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee surrounds them.]
[The three of them are seated at a corner table. Yggdrasil is in front of Shirou and Shizuka, her change in attire making her look almost ordinary. She is calm, collected, and poised, as though this was a regular meeting. Shirou and Shizuka, however, are on edge, their eyes wary. A quiet tension fills the space.]
Yggdrasil:placing her tea down, voice steady I know you have questions. I won't waste your time with unnecessary explanations, but I want you to understand that I'm here because I want to offer a solution. A peaceful one.
Shizuka: narrowing her eyes, voice sharp A peaceful one? You're the one who kidnapped me, and now you're talking about peace?
Yggdrasil: doesn't flinch, remains calm Yes, I understand why you feel that way. I made a choice back then, and it wasn't the right one. But I'm here to offer a way to undo the damage, to fix things.
Shirou:crosses his arms, voice guarded What do you mean, 'fix things'? You think we'll just trust you after everything?
Yggdrasil:sighing softly, eyes intense I'm not asking for trust, Shirou. I'm asking for cooperation.
[Yggdrasil takes a moment to steady her voice before continuing.]
Yggdrasil: The mafia... they have the antidote. The drug inside Shizuka is dangerous, and it's only a matter of time before it starts taking its toll. I know you're trying to protect her, but the truth is, the mafia can remove the drug harmlessly. They have the resources, the antidote, the means.
[Shizuka stiffens, her gaze turning cold.]
Shizuka:voice low, almost threatening And you expect me to just hand myself over to them? After everything they've done to me?
Yggdrasil:softens, voice sincere I don't expect anything, Shizuka. But I'm telling you that you're running out of time. The longer you wait, the more dangerous it becomes. I'm offering you a way out. A chance to remove the drug before it destroys you from the inside.
Shirou:furrows his brow, voice laced with disbelief And you want me to just trust you? To give Shizuka to the mafia?
[Yggdrasil's smile falters but remains calm.]
Yggdrasil: voice soft but firm I don't want to cause more harm to anyone whose innocent, Shirou. But you must understand... this is the best option. The mafia has the antidote, and they're willing to help if you cooperate.
[Shirou clenches his fists under the table, clearly not convinced.]
Shirou: voice dripping with skepticism And why should we believe you? You've already shown what you're capable of. How do we know you're not using us to get something else?
Yggdrasil:leans back, steady You don't have to believe me. But you should believe the truth of the situation. The drug will kill you, Shizuka. That's not a threat—it's a fact. The mafia has the means to save you. I'm not asking you to like it, but I am asking you to accept it.
[Shirou looks at Shizuka, his hand gently resting on her arm for reassurance. He speaks softly.]
Shirou:speaking low, conflicted And why do you care so much about helping her? You're the one who was working with the mafia. What's in it for you?
[Yggdrasil pauses, her gaze becoming more vulnerable, though her resolve doesn't waver.]
Yggdrasil:small smile, voice quieter You're right to ask. But believe me, I have my own reasons. Helping you, helping Shizuka... it's the only way I can make up for the things I've done. I've been living with the consequences of my actions for too long.
[Shirou remains silent for a moment, his fingers nervously tapping on the table. Shizuka watches him closely, waiting for his response. The weight of the decision is heavy.]
Shizuka: speaking slowly, still defiant I won't just roll over because you say so.
[Shirou glances at her, his voice softening as he tries to reassure her.]
Shirou: quietly, reassuring I know We'll figure this out, Shizuka.
[Shirou's voice hardens as he turns back to Yggdrasil.]
Shirou: But if you're telling the truth... and we do go with this... you have to promise us that there will be no more games. No more manipulation. This has to be it. No strings attached.
Yggdrasil: eyes unwavering, voice calm I can't promise that the road ahead will be easy, but I can promise you this: the mafia only wants to fix this. They won't harm her. The antidote will save her. It's the only way forward.
[Shirou looks at Shizuka once more, his expression torn. He feels the weight of the decision, and the silence hangs thick between them.]
Shizuka:voice quiet but firm We'll agree with this. But please make sure you stay true to your words, Yggdrasil.
Yggdrasil:softly, with a relieved smile I understand. I really do. I'll make sure I can apply most of it.
Yggdrasil:voice soft, yet firm But—there's something you should know. The supplier of the drug... they made it clear that they don't want any innocent bystanders involved. The mafia's dealings are carefully controlled—citizens, the public, they're not meant to be harmed in this. It's why this drug was handled the way it was—strictly for those who can afford it and who need it. If we have info about the person who put you into these state, we should have leads to the root of this problem. Say, do you remember the person who drugged you?
Shizuka: Yeah, it was not long ago—but his appearance, his blonde hair is sleek texture, his height seems a quarter taller than Shirou, and has a big mole near his moustache.
Shirou: You described him like he's a nasty man, kinda like some lecherous perverts ganging up in the dark alleys.
Shizuka:scoffs In what way would I explain that be?
Shirou: Yeah, I figured you would say that.
Yggdrasil: still remains her unexpected demeanour The way you described him—kinda matched onto what I think. He's one of our supplier's sponsor, Glyce Remnants, a foreigner who visited Japan few months ago, he's famous in the art industry because of his artworks, but in the shadows, he's a darker person to encounter with. Rape, molestation, human trafficking, and lots of other physical abuse were done and involved by him these past months until now. He had been arrested multiple times but only to be freed again few weeks later by his family, specifically his father. Royce Remnants, a multibillionaire individual that rises through a new type of E-currency. So he always do what he wants just like that.
Shirou: clenches his fists If he's 'that' immune even to the government, how are we supposed to stop him?
Yggdrasil: Rest assured, some of us, members of the mafia, had taken action to initiate a manhunt. So, that part is no longer worth worrying. Now we know that he's also responsible for this mess, I'm sure the Circle won't probably let this slide.
Yggdrasil: speaking softly Hey, I'm not asking you to trust me completely. I'm asking you to take the opportunity before it slips away. I'll take responsibility for whatever happens. But don't waste time.
[Shirou clenches his fists, his eyes locked on Yggdrasil. He knows she's right in some ways, but there's a bitter taste in his mouth. Yggdrasil may be offering a solution, but her connection to the mafia complicates everything.]
Shirou:
voice low, determined We'll think about it. But I'll make sure no one else gets hurt because of this. I won't let you—or the mafia—get away with using people.
[Yggdrasil's lips curl into a small, almost amused smile.]
Yggdrasil:chuckles lightly That's what I like about you, Shirou-kun. Always ready to fight for what you believe in. But remember... there's more at stake here than you realize.
[The tension in the air is thick. As Yggdrasil takes another sip from her coffee, Shirou and Shizuka are left to wrestle with the weight of their decision. The quiet hum of the café fades into the background as they face a choice that could change everything.]
[Later that evening, after Shirou and Shizuka concluded their truce conversation with Yggdrasil, they returned home. Both looked visibly worn, the weight of the day's events tugging at their expressions. As they stepped inside, they found Kei fast asleep on the couch, just like always—peaceful, unmoved.]
Shirou: sighs lightly
We should call it a night. Today was... a lot.
Shizuka:smiles gently
You're right. Rest well, Shirou.
Shirou: caught off guard
Huh? Oh—yeah, you too. Sleep tight.
[Shirou retreated to his room and began getting ready for bed. Meanwhile, Shizuka quietly headed to hers—only to find Mio and Ryokou already sprawled across the mattress, deep in slumber. With no other option, she hesitated for a moment, then padded softly to Shirou's door and gave it a light knock.]
[The door creaked open.]
Shirou: tilts head in mild surprise Shizuka? I thought you were heading to bed?
Shizuka:slightly awkward I was... but Mio and Ryokou kind of beat me to it. There's no room left.
Shirou: blinks, then chuckles softly Ah, that's rough. Since when did my house became a boarding house? Anyways, you can take my room—I'll crash on the couch.
Shizuka: quickly shakes her head
N-No, wait. I don't want you to sleep uncomfortably. If... if you're okay with it, we can share. Just for tonight.
Shirou:startled, eyes widening slightly Wait-—seriously? I sleep like a helicopter, just a heads-up.
Shizuka:blushing faintly but resolute I can manage. I promise I won't mind.
Shirou: rubs the back of his neck, then steps aside with a smile Alright then. Come on in.
[Shizuka entered his room, quietly taking in the surprisingly tidy space. His books were neatly stacked, his clothes properly folded. The bed looked cozy—big enough for two if they kept to their own side.]
[They lay on opposite ends at first, backs facing one another. But the silence that followed wasn't awkward—it was filled with a quiet comfort. The soft rustle of the sheets, the sound of their breathing, the shared warmth in the room.]
Shizuka: in a quiet voice, almost a whisper
Thank you, Shirou. For today... and for this.
Shirou: smiling faintly, eyes still on the ceiling
Anytime. I'm just glad you're fine.
[Their hands brushed for a fleeting second under the sheets. Neither pulled away.]
[Their hands had brushed only briefly, but it was enough to stir something quiet in the air. Neither of them moved, though both were suddenly more aware of the shared space between them.]
Shirou:softly, after a beat ...You warm enough?
Shizuka:murmurs Yeah. Your blanket's really soft...
[A small chuckle escaped Shirou as he turned his head slightly, still lying on his back.]
Shirou: Well, I kinda hoarded the good ones after Ryokou kept stealing mine last winter.
Shizuka: smiles faintly, eyes drifting toward the ceiling Smart move.
[Another moment of silence followed, not uncomfortable but thoughtful. The kind of silence where you feel safe just being near someone.]
Shirou:speaking again, barely above a whisper ...Hey, Shizuka?
Shizuka:turns slightly toward his voice Hm?
Shirou: I'm glad I met you.
[Shizuka didn't respond right away. Her heart fluttered a little, but not in a way that frightened her. It was quiet, steady, like the kind of warmth that settles around you after a long day.]
Shizuka:smiling, voice soft Me too, Shirou.
[No more words were needed after that. Outside, the wind gently stirred the leaves, and the moonlight crept softly through the curtains. In that calm, quiet night, two friends lay side by side—close but not too close—simply grateful they weren't alone.]
[But after a while, Shirou spoke again, his voice carrying a quiet nostalgia.]
Shirou: Do you remember... the first time we met?
Shizuka:blinks, then smiles faintly
Under the lamppost... yeah. I remember after that day, waking up and seeing a stranger looking down at me.
Shirou: chuckles softly
I was freaking out, you know. You were unconscious, and I didn't know if you were even breathing at first.
Shizuka:laughs lightly I was probably a mess, huh?
Shirou: No... you looked peaceful. Tired, but peaceful. I didn't know your name. I didn't know anything about you. But something told me... I couldn't leave you there.
[A gentle pause settled between them, filled with the sound of their quiet breathing.]
Shirou: turning slightly toward her, voice low and honest I didn't know why I did it back then. I just... felt like I had to protect you.
Shizuka: And now?
Shirou: smiles gently in the dark Now I think I understand why.
[She didn't ask what he meant. She didn't need to. Her heart beat just a little faster, but her smile stayed soft, steady.]
Shizuka:quietly ...Thank you. For not walking away that night.
Shirou: I couldn't. I don't think I ever could.
Shizuka:softly And you still helped me. Even when you had no idea who I was.
Shirou:chuckling lightly I don't know. Something in me just said, 'She needs someone.' And I guess I wanted to be that someone.
[A silence fell between them again, but this time it felt warm-like unspoken gratitude and trust had wrapped around them like a second blanket.]
Shizuka:whispering ...Thank you, Shirou.
[He turned his head slightly, watching her silhouette.]
Shirou: gentle Good night, Shizuka.
Shizuka: Good night.
[And with those quiet words, the room fell into stillness again—gentle, trusting, and unspokenly close. Not lovers. Not yet. Just two people with a bond slowly, tenderly growing stronger.]