(The door opens slowly, and Honoka's mother appears, expressions of astonishment written on her face. As soon as her eyes fall on the principal, then Ahmed, Misaki, Honoka, and Yoshika, she freezes in her place. Moments later, Honoka's father appears behind her, looking equally surprised.)
A heavy silence prevails.
The principal steps forward, maintaining his calmness and dignity.
Principal (in Japanese): "Good evening. I apologize for coming unannounced, but this is regarding your two daughters."
The parents exchange a quick look, then the father answers coldly:
Honoka's Father: "I think you have the wrong house. We don't have any daughters."
Honoka trembles upon hearing those words, while Yoshika lowers her head in silence.
Ahmed senses what they are feeling, but he remains calm, while Misaki gently places her hand on Honoka's shoulder to give her some reassurance.
The principal raises his eyes toward the father, then says in a more serious tone:
Principal: "I am the principal of the school where Honoka and Yoshika study. And I have come to hear the truth from you myself."
The father crosses his arms over his chest.
Honoka's Father: "I don't know who you are talking about."
The mother quickly intervenes, as if she wants to end the conversation.
Honoka's Mother: "We told you... you are mistaken. These two girls are not our daughters."
The principal looks at the two girls, then turns his gaze back to the parents.
Principal: "So... do you confirm before me, officially, that you have no relation to these two girls?"
The father falls silent for a brief moment, then answers with feigned firmness:
Honoka's Father: "Yes. That is what I am saying."
Misaki sighs mournfully, while Honoka closes her eyes, trying to suppress her pain.
As for Ahmed, he kept observing the parents in silence, as if waiting for the right moment to speak.
The principal noticed this, realizing that Ahmed held the response that might reveal the whole truth. He stepped back, leaving the floor to him.
Ahmed slowly raised his head and looked directly into the eyes of Honoka's parents with steady eyes, features of resolve drawn on his face.
A heavy silence fell over the place... as if everyone was waiting for the words that would change the course of this confrontation.