ozawa (in a low voice): "I’ll think about it, Nisan... but just give me some time."

  Yuko (smiling gently): "Alright, I’ll give you time. But always remember, I’m here for you. You don’t have to carry all this burden alone."

  The room falls silent for a moment, but the atmosphere becomes warmer and less tense. Yuko stands up.

  Yuko: "Okay, I’ll make us something to eat. You need to regain your strength!"

  ozawa (with a slight smile): "Thank you, Nisan."

  (She exits the scene, heading toward the kitchen, while Aozawa remains sitting, thinking about her words and their impact on him.)

  ozawa (internal voice): "Maybe... maybe there's hope for me to return, but I just... I’m afraid of failing her."

  He lowers his head and closes his eyes, his heart filled with mixed feelings of gratitude and hesitation.

  ---

  ozawa: "Nisan, are you leaving today?"

  Yuko: (looking at him with a slight smile) "Hmm, aren’t you going to school?"

  ozawa: (with a deep sigh) "Hah... I don’t think I can today. I don’t feel strong. I need a rest day... but I’ll come back."

  Yuko: (thinking for a moment) "Hmm, yes, maybe that’s the right decision. Don’t pressure yourself."

  After a moment of silence, Yuko heads toward the kitchen and says, "By the way, food is ready. Come eat before it gets cold."

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  ozawa: "Hah... thanks, Nisan. Itadakimasu."

  They sit together at the table, while Aozawa starts eating silently. He feels warmth in his heart, not just from the food, but because Yuko is beside him.

  After a while of silence: Aozawa: "Nisan... how’s your life now?"

  Yuko: (sighs as she puts her chopsticks aside) "My life, huh?... It’s not easy, Kotaro. Between work and responsibilities, sometimes I feel like I’m losing myself. But..."

  (She smiles and gazes at his face) "You’re the reason I keep going. When I think of you, I find the strength to continue. No matter how hard life gets, as long as I can help you and see you well."

  ozawa: (feeling slightly embarrassed) "I’m sorry, Nisan. I’m always causing you trouble."

  Yuko: (laughs lightly) "Kotaro, don’t be silly. It’s my duty as your older sister. And if I don’t do it, who will?"

  ozawa: "Don’t worry, Nisan... I’ll do everything I can to ease your burden and help you. I promise that."

  Yuko: (gazes at him for a moment, then smiles gently) "Kotaro... your words are enough for me. Just the fact that you think this way makes me feel like everything I do is worth it."

  ozawa: (lowers his eyes slightly, trying to hide his emotions) "I’m serious, Nisan. One day, I’ll be strong enough to take responsibility for myself... and maybe even for you."

  Yuko: (leans toward him and gently pats his head) "And I’m sure you will. But until then, let me be here for you."

  Oozawa: (feeling comfort in her words) "Thank you, Nisan... for everything."

  They both continue eating in comfortable silence, as if those words were enough to create a deeper bond between them.

  After finishing the meal, Yuko sets the dishes aside and looks at the clock.

  Yuko: "It seems like it’s time to leave."

  ozawa: "Hah? Why? Stay with me longer, Nisan."

  Yuko: (smiling gently as she stands up) "I’m sorry, Kotaro, but I can’t. I have work today. But don’t worry, I’ll come back and stay here again."

  Ozawa: "Hmm... okay. But don’t forget."

  Yuko: (smiling while putting on her coat) "Of course, I won’t forget."

  She walks toward the door, then stops and turns to him with a reassuring smile.

  Yuko: "Oh, and don’t forget what I told you earlier?"

  ozawa: "Yes, yes, don’t worry. I got it."

  Yuko: "Good. Well, I’m leaving now. Take care of yourself, Kotaro."

  ozawa: "You too, Nisan."

  Yuko closes the door behind her, and Aozawa stands for a few moments, staring at the closed door.

  Aozawa (to himself): "Going home... huh?"

  He takes a deep breath, then looks around at the place that represents his only world now. He feels the weight of life, but also a sense of hope hanging in every corner.

  ---

  Suddenly, ozawa’s phone rings while he is still standing in front of the door, staring at it in surprise. He slowly walks over to the table where the phone is placed. He picks it up and unlocks the screen to read the message.

  It says: "ozawa... I need you. Please come to the lake." Sender: Miu.

  He feels a tightness in his chest and takes a deep breath. "What does she want now?" he thinks to himself as he reads the message again. His inner voice screams: "Don’t go! You’re not well yet, and you shouldn’t care!" But, as always, he couldn’t ignore the call of someone who needed him.

  He grabs his coat with difficulty, feeling weak in his body. He steps outside, slowly walking under the cloudy sky. The cold wind hits his face, making him feel even more exhausted. He tries to keep moving, but every step is harder than the last.

  ozawa (internal voice): "What am I doing? ... I shouldn’t be here... but she said she needs me."