Ahmed stood firmly in the entrance of the house,
With Misaki beside him, who had regained some of her calm
But her hands were still trembling slightly behind her back.
The entrance lights fell on their silent features,
While her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Tanaka,
Stood facing them, examining the situation with worry and apprehension.
Ahmed cleared his throat gently,
Then spoke in clear Japanese,
But his voice carried a rare tone of quiet masculinity and responsibility:
Ahmed:
"Good evening...
My name is Ahmed Muhammad Al-Amari.
I am Misaki's classmate.
Today, during the break,
I saw some students bullying her severely behind the gym building.
She tried to stop them, but she fainted from fear and pressure."
(He paused for a moment, as if choosing his words carefully, then continued:)
Ahmed:
"I couldn't leave her in that state...
So, I brought her to my house until she regained consciousness.
I took care of her, and offered her some simple Yemeni food.
I know this seems sudden...
And I didn't want to worry you, but time passed by quickly,
And I had to put her safety first."
He was silent for a moment, then bowed with a respect befitting the culture of those standing before him.
Mr. Tanaka looked at Ahmed with sharp eyes,
As if searching for a truth that words could not convey.
Then he turned his gaze to Misaki,
Who slowly nodded her head,
And said in a soft, hoarse voice:
Misaki:
"He... He told the truth, Dad."
Her mother, Mrs. Tanaka, looked at her,
Then sighed, and stepped forward.
Mrs. Tanaka (in a low voice):
"Thank you for being with her...
And for not leaving her alone."
(Ahmed gave a faint smile,
Then said in a shy tone:)
Ahmed:
"It was my duty."
In that moment,
The "stranger" was no longer a stranger in their eyes,
But seemed like a protective shadow that appeared at the very moment Misaki needed him.