(After the principal's words, a comfortable quiet settled over the house, one no one had felt in a long time. Smiles appeared on faces after the cloud of fear and denial cleared away, replaced by a sense of hope.)
Honoka looks at Ahmed with eyes gleaming with gratitude, then shyly steps toward him. She stops in front of him for a moment, as if searching for the right words. Then she gives a small smile and says in a calm voice overcome with emotion:
Honoka (in Japanese): "Ahmed... thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Everyone falls silent while she continues speaking.
Honoka: "Ever since I met you... you stood by my side whenever I felt like I was alone."
Her eyes drop slightly, then she raises her head again.
Honoka: "You gave me hope when I thought I had lost it... and that's why..."
She smiles a genuine smile.
Honoka: "I love you... as an older brother I never had the chance to have in my life."
Misaki is moved by her words, and Ahmed smiles with relief. And at that moment, little Yoshika jumps beside her sister. She looks at Ahmed with her usual innocence, then says enthusiastically:
Yoshika: "I love you too, Ahmed-niisan!"
She laughs softly, then continues:
Yoshika: "Do you promise me... that you will remain my big brother, even when I grow up?"
Ahmed's smile widens, and he kneels down until he is at eye level with her.
Ahmed: "I promise you."
He gently pats her head.
Ahmed: "And I will be happy whenever I see the two of you smiling."
Then he looks at Honoka and smiles at her too.
Ahmed: "And you too... I will stay by your side as an older brother whenever you need advice or help."
Honoka's eyes fill with tears once again, but this time they are tears of joy. Misaki smiles while watching the scene, then says playfully:
Misaki: "It seems Ahmed now has two extra little sisters."
Everyone laughs, and the last traces of tension disappear from the place. Ahmed looks at the smiling faces around him, then softly claps his hands together, trying to lighten the atmosphere.
Ahmed (smiling): "After all these tears... I think everyone deserves a delicious meal."
Everyone exchanges looks, and then smiles break out on their faces in agreement with the idea.