The tension in the room was palpable. We had found temporary safety in the ruined building, but we all knew that the hour we had been given was ticking down. The walls around us felt like they were closing in, and though we were hidden for the moment, I couldn't shake the feeling that danger was still lurking nearby.
Aoi sat in my lap, her small body trembling slightly, though she tried to hide it behind a brave face. Aiko sat beside me, her arms wrapped around Arakan, who was still shaken from everything that had happened. The silence hung heavily in the air as we waited, each of us processing the chaos in our own way.
"We should try again," I said, breaking the silence. My voice was soft, but I could feel the urgency behind it. I looked down at Aoi, who met my gaze with wide, uncertain eyes.
"Try again?" Aoi asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Her face flushed, and she shyly looked away before looking back at me. "What do you mean, Onii-chan?"
