SAI SHINU
I stared at the glowing screen, my heart racing. Something caught my eye. "Do you… see this?" I asked.
Yuri's eyes were fixed on the panel. "Yes. It's that same thing I saw back at my house."
"No!" I shook my head, pointing sharply at the skills section. "Look closely."
She tilted her head. "It says healing. Same as before."
"Yes—but back then, the system marked it as not awakened. That means here, in this world… you've finally awakened your powers."
Her lips parted slightly. "You're right…" Her voice trembled with both awe and fear. "But I don't even know how to use them. And… how do I tell my father?"
"That's something only you can decide," I said gently. "You'll figure it out. But… why are you so afraid to tell him?"
She lowered her gaze, her voice quieter now. "Because if he knows I have this ability… I'll feel like I have to fight. And my father will do anything to keep me away from battle."
I couldn't argue with her. She was right—Taro was protective, and for good reason. He had seen more blood than most people could endure.
I stood, brushing the dust off my clothes. "Anyway… I'll head to my room. You should rest."
She quickly rose to her feet and caught me by the shirt. "Rest? I've been sleeping all day. How much more can I possibly rest?"
I chuckled softly. "Fair point."
But then—knock knock.
"Sai, are you here?" It was Yosuke's voice, deep and steady.
I moved toward the door, but Yuri grabbed my hand.
"Yuri—" I started, but she didn't let me finish.
Her hands cupped my face, and before I knew it, her lips pressed against mine.
The kiss was long and desperate, stealing the air from my lungs. My mind went blank. My chest tightened with a strange, burning warmth I'd never felt before. I couldn't move—I was frozen in the storm of her touch.
When she finally pulled away, she whispered with a small, trembling smile, "I've been waiting a long time to do that."
I stood there, stunned. "…I enjoyed it," I admitted with a smirk, "but your timing is terrible."
I opened the door. Yosuke stood there, his golden eyes sharp. "We need to talk."
"Give me a minute," I told him. I closed the door again and turned back to Yuri. "Now… you really have done something that'll let you rest. So do me a favor—and actually rest."
I hugged her tightly, then stepped out to join Yosuke.
We headed down to the center of the motel. "What's going on?" I asked. His tone had a weight I hadn't heard before.
"We need to leave. Now."
A chill ran down my spine. "Wait—why? Why so suddenly?"
"We interrogated the invader," Yosuke said flatly. "He was after you. And we're certain he wasn't lying. Which means the longer we stay, the more danger everyone here is in."
The words sank into me like knives. My breath grew heavy. Because of me… everyone's life is at risk.
"Then I'll go," I said quickly. "I'll separate from the group—draw them away before anyone else gets hurt."
"You're right," Yosuke said, his tone calm but resolute. "But you're not going alone."
I stared at him. "What? If they're after me, how does it make sense to bring you with me?"
His hand clamped down on my shoulder, firm as stone. "Because in this world… I doubt there's anyone alive stronger than me. You'll survive, because I'll make sure of it."
I clenched my fists. "…Can I at least speak to Taro one last time?"
He shook his head. "No need. We already planned this with him. He agreed. Now—move. Every second we waste puts them in more danger."
"…Fine," I muttered. "Let's go."
We broke into a sprint, leaving the motel behind. My legs burned, barely able to keep pace with Yosuke's inhuman speed. But I pushed harder—I had to. To survive, to protect everyone, I had to break my limits.
I turned my head one last time, catching a final glimpse of the motel. Of Yuri. Of the family I had only just begun to feel part of.
Then the hill dropped steeply ahead, and I ran into the unknown, the weight of destiny pressing on my shoulders.