The quiet night settled over the orphanage as Josuke and Noelle shared a peaceful moment on the rooftop. Josuke lay back, resting his head on Noelle's lap, feeling her fingers gently running through his hair. They watched the city lights twinkle in the distance, their peaceful glow a stark contrast to the turbulent changes in Josuke's life.
But the moment didn't last long. Shiro came up the stairs, calling softly. Noelle tried to compose herself, quickly tapping Josuke's shoulder to get him to sit up. Both of them hurriedly got themselves together before Shiro reached them. Noelle stood up and excused herself, smiling at Josuke one last time before disappearing down the stairs.
Shiro sat down beside Josuke, his presence calm and comforting. He leaned back, looking up at the stars.
"Josuke, my boy," Shiro began with a smile. "Not long ago, you were running up and down these halls, causing a ruckus. Oh, how time has flown. And now, that same little Josuke is about to become a ranger." He chuckled warmly, as if remembering every chaotic moment.
Josuke reached into his pocket and pulled out the old, broken locket, holding it in his palm as he extended it toward Shiro. But before he could say anything, Shiro waved his hand dismissively.
"If it's the locket you're about to show me, just keep it," Shiro said with a smirk. "I've been looking at that thing since you were six years old. It's not exactly a new sight for me."
Josuke grinned slyly. "You didn't think to stop me once, huh? That means you knew exactly where I was going all these years, didn't you?"
Shiro gave a knowing smile. "Of course, boy. I've known everything. And remember, I told you that when you were older, I'd tell you about your parents."
Josuke's expression shifted slightly. He listened carefully, sensing the weight in Shiro's voice.
"Both your parents were in an accident," Shiro continued, his voice quieter now. "Fifteen years ago, they were attacked and killed. Your mother… she was a very dear friend of mine. She entrusted you to me and this orphanage."
Josuke sat there, absorbing the information. He sighed deeply but nodded, accepting the explanation. "Well, that solves one question," Josuke said after a moment, surprising Shiro.
"You're… not angry?" Shiro asked, confused by Josuke's calm reaction.
Josuke shook his head. "Angry? A little, sure. But I understand you lied to protect me, and besides, for that lie, you've paid more than enough. Growing up, I saw you praying every night, always looking out for me. Now I understand why."
Josuke chuckled softly. "Honestly, I should be thanking you. You took on a lot, all for me."
Shiro was taken aback by Josuke's maturity. He placed a hand on Josuke's head and ruffled his hair affectionately. "I'm proud of you, Josuke. More than you'll ever know."
Josuke smiled, feeling warmth in the old man's words. "Thanks, Gramps. Wait… that clinic in town, was that…"
Shiro nodded. "Yes, it was your mother's. Her name was Aiko Akari. She was one of the strongest and kindest people I've ever known."
Josuke sighed, looking up at the night sky. "Aiko, huh? I'm sure she would've been a wonderful mother."
Shiro chuckled. "Someone with your personality? She would've had her hands full." They both laughed, the moment easing some of the tension.
Shiro didn't mention Ragnar. He kept Kyle's words in mind and decided it wasn't the time to burden Josuke with the truth about his father. There was still time for that, and for now, Josuke had enough to carry.
The two of them sat together in silence for a while, before Shiro tapped Josuke on the shoulder. "Boy, it's getting late. Go and get some rest. You've got a big day ahead of you tomorrow."
Josuke nodded, standing up. Together, they climbed down from the rooftop and back into the orphanage, the quiet night closing in around them once more.
This chapter added depth to the relationships between Josuke, Shiro, and Noelle, further grounding the emotional stakes before Josuke embarks on his new life as a ranger. There's a sense of bittersweetness as Josuke prepares to leave the orphanage, but also a quiet strength in his acceptance of his past, hinting at the greater challenges that lie ahead.