(After the principal's words, a moment of serenity fell over the house. Tears were still glistening in everyone's eyes, but they were no longer tears of pain, but tears of relief after everything that had been hidden for years was finally brought to light.)
Honoka looks at Ahmed for a long moment. She was remembering everything he had done for her; when he saved her, stood by her side, defended her, and never left her to face her suffering alone.
Then she looks at Misaki, who never hesitated for a single day to comfort her and stand by her side.
Her gaze connects with Yoshika's, and the two sisters share a small smile. Without uttering a word, they step forward together toward them.
Honoka stops in front of Ahmed, while Yoshika stands before Misaki. And suddenly... Honoka embraces Ahmed with both hands, weeping silently. At the exact same moment, Yoshika throws herself into Misaki's arms, burying her face into her small shoulder.
Ahmed and Misaki are taken by surprise for a moment, then return the two girls' embrace with gentleness and warmth.
Honoka (in Japanese, her voice broken): "Thank you... for not leaving me alone."
Ahmed gently pats her shoulder, then says with a calm smile:
Ahmed: "You were never alone."
Yoshika raises her head from Misaki's shoulder, her eyes still wet with tears.
Yoshika: "Thank you, Misaki-nee... You were always so kind to me."
Misaki smiles tenderly, gently wiping her tears.
Misaki: "Because we became friends... or rather, family."
Honoka smiles through her tears, while Yoshika nods her head in agreement.
Honoka's parents watch the scene in silence, their hearts filled with gratitude. The father whispers in a faint voice:
Honoka's Father: "We will never be able to repay this favor as long as we live."
The mother nods her head, a smile blending sadness with hope drawn on her face. As for the principal, he simply looked at everyone with a calm smile, feeling that the wounds that once seemed impossible to heal had truly begun to mend.
The embrace continued for a few moments, until Honoka and Yoshika pulled back slightly, a genuine smile showing on their faces for the first time in a long time.
However, their parents didn't just watch. They exchanged a silent look, then slowly stepped toward Ahmed and Misaki, seeming as though they wanted to express their gratitude in a way that required no words.