The sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over Hoshizuro.
Sam's residence bustled with laughter and music.
The party, a celebration of Akira's leadership, drew everyone.
But amidst the joy, Akimitsu's absence was noticeable.
"Akimitsu-kun isn't here?" Kazumi asked.
"Maybe he's busy?" Takashi replied.
Unbeknownst to them, Akimitsu stood outside.
Watching from afar, he thought:
"They won't let me in. I'm just a poor orphan."
Just then, the door creaked open.
Akira and Zoren stood before him.
"Akimitsu! We've been looking for you!" Akira exclaimed.
Zoren nodded.
"Sam's party is boring without you."
Akimitsu's eyes widened.
"You came for me?"
Akira smiled.
"Of course! You're our friend."
Zoren chuckled.
"Besides, Sam would never turn you away."
Akimitsu's expression softened.
"Arigatou...thank you."
Together, the trio entered the party.
The crowd welcomed Akimitsu with open arms.
Sam beamed.
"Glad you could make it, Akimitsu-kun!"
Kaito and Yumi, Akira's parents, approached.
"Akimitsu-san, join us!" Kaito said.
Yumi smiled.
"We're honored to have you."
Akimitsu's heart swelled.
For the first time, he felt like he belonged.
_The Party Continues_
The music grew louder, and laughter filled the air.
Akimitsu, surrounded by friends, felt a sense of belonging.
Sam's residence was filled with delicious food and drinks.
Takashi and Kazumi engaged in a heated dance-off.
Ryūji and Kaito shared stories of Hoshizuro's history.
Yumi and the other mothers enjoyed a lively cooking competition.
Akira, Zoren, and Akimitsu sat together, smiling.
"Akimitsu, we're glad you're here," Akira said.
"You're part of us," Zoren added.
Akimitsu's eyes sparkled.
"Arigatou...thank you. I feel like I finally belong."
The three friends clinked glasses.
"To new beginnings!" Akira exclaimed.
"To friendship!" Zoren echoed.
"To Hoshizuro's bright future!" Akimitsu added.
As they drank, the party continued.
Games, jokes, and laughter filled the night.
Suddenly, Sam stood on a chair.
"Everyone! Gather 'round!"
The room quieted.
"Time for a special announcement!"
Sam grinned mischievously.
"Akira, come here!"
Akira's eyes widened.
"What's going on, Sam?"
Sam chuckled.
"Just come here!"
Akira went quitely .
It's nothing, Akira Just wanna see your expression.Sam laughed
Akira just came back to Akimitsu.
Akimitsu leaned in, curiosity sparkling.
"Hey, Akira, what about Rina?"
Akira's expression faltered.
"I...I don't know," Akira admitted.
Just then, the door swung open.
A stunning young woman entered.
Rina.
Her raven hair cascaded down her back.
Her piercing emerald eyes shone like stars.
Her elegant smile captivated the room.
Akira's eyes locked onto Rina.
Transfixed.
Unable to look away.
Rina's gaze met Akira's.
A faint blush spread across her cheeks.
"Akira," Rina whispered.
Akira's heart skipped a beat.
"A-Akira, breathe," Zoren teased.
Akimitsu chuckled.
"Seems someone's smitten."
Rina approached, her steps fluid.
"Akira, congratulations on your leadership," Rina said.
Akira struggled to find words.
"Th-thank you, Rina."
Rina's smile widened.
"I'm proud of you."
The room fell silent.
Witnessing the undeniable connection.
Akimitsu leaned in, intrigued.
"Rina, Akira, what's between you two?"
Rina's eyes darted to Akira, then back to Akimitsu.
"Akimitsu-kun, it's...complicated," Rina said.
Akira's face flushed.
"Nothing's going on, Akimitsu," Akira muttered.
Akimitsu raised an eyebrow.
"Save it, Akira. I've seen the way you look at her."
Rina's cheeks colored.
"Akimitsu-kun, please."
Zoren chimed in.
"Ooh, secrets! Spill the beans!"
Akira shot Zoren a warning glance.
"Not now, Zoren."
Rina took a deep breath.
"Akira and I...grew up together."
Akimitsu's eyes widened.
"Childhood friends?"
Rina nodded.
"More than that...we were inseparable."
Akira's eyes locked onto Rina's.
"Until..." Rina paused.
Akira's expression darkened.
"Until what?" Akimitsu pressed.
Rina's voice dropped to a whisper.
"Until the incident."
The room fell silent.
Rina's eyes clouded.
"Five years ago...I was walking home from the market."
Akira's jaw clenched.
"A group of men...over 25...ambushed me."
Zoren's eyes widened.
"Kidnappers?"
Rina nodded.
"They wanted to hurt me."
Akimitsu's face darkened.
"But someone stopped them."
Akira's eyes flashed.
"I did."
The room fell silent.
Rina's gaze locked onto Akira's.
"Akira-kun appeared out of nowhere."
Zoren exclaimed.
"Akira, you were the unknown hero!"
Akimitsu's eyes narrowed.
"You fought off over 25 men?"
Akira's expression softened.
"I couldn't let them harm Rina."
Rina's voice trembled.
"Akira-kun...you saved me."
The room erupted into murmurs.
Kaito approached.
"Akira, my son...you're a true hero."
Yumi beamed.
"We're proud of you."
Sam patted Akira's back.
"Hoshizuro's leader has a noble heart."
Rina's eyes shone.
"Arigatou, Akira-kun."
Akira's face flushed.
"No need to thank me, Rina."
Their gazes met.
Unspoken emotions hung in the air.
The music resumed, and laughter filled the air.
Akira and Rina's moment was replaced with joy.
Takashi and Kazumi danced, spinning to the rhythm.
Zoren and Akimitsu shared jokes, chuckling.
Sam's residence was filled with warmth.
Kaito and Yumi swayed to the music.
Rina joined, her smile radiant.
Akira watched, captivated.
"Akira, dance with Rina!" Zoren shouted.
Akira's face flushed.
"Zoren, stop!"
Rina approached, extending her hand.
"Akira-kun, dance with me?"
Akira's heart skipped a beat.
He took her hand.
Together, they glided across the dance floor.
Their eyes locked.
Smiles entwined.
The partygoers cheered.
As the night wore on, the celebration intensified.
Friendship and laughter filled the air.
Hoshizuro's future looked bright.
Sam stood on a chair, a microphone in hand.
"Friends, let's make tonight unforgettable!"
The room fell silent.
"I propose a competition: Share Your Dreams!"
Excited murmurs spread.
"Each of you will share your aspirations."
Akira, Akimitsu, Zoren, Ryūji, Akane, Takashi, Kazumi, and Rina exchanged glances.
"Judges will be Kaito-san, Yumi-san, and myself."
Sam smiled mischievously.
"The winner receives a special prize!"
The room erupted into cheers.
Just then, Akimitsu arrived, hesitating at the door.
Sam noticed.
"Akimitsu-kun, come on in!"
Akimitsu looked down at his worn clothes.
"Sam, I don't fit in."
Sam approached him.
"Nonsense! You deserve to shine."
Sam led Akimitsu to a nearby room.
Inside, a tailored outfit waited.
"Sam, this is..."
"Special clothes for a special friend," Sam said.
Akimitsu's eyes sparkled.
"Arigatou, Sam!"
Akimitsu changed, feeling transformed.
The competition began.
"Let's start!" Sam declared.
First up was Akira.
"Akira-kun, share your dream," Sam prompted.
Akira took a deep breath.
"I want to protect Hoshizuro."
Rina's eyes sparkled.
"Beautiful!"
Next was Akimitsu.
"Akimitsu-kun, your turn," Sam said.
Akimitsu's eyes shone.
"I dream of becoming Hoshizuro's savior."
Gasps filled the room.
"To protect our home, unite our people."
Zoren nodded.
"And gain true friends."
Akimitsu's voice trembled.
"I want everyone beside me."
The room fell silent.
Then applause erupted.
Zoren shared his dream of becoming a renowned inventor.
Ryūji aspired to develop sustainable agriculture.
Akane wanted to establish a cultural exchange program.
Takashi dreamed of opening a culinary school.
Kazumi aimed to create an environmental conservation organization.
Rina shared her passion for accessible education.
The judges deliberated.
Kaito nodded.
"Akimitsu's dream touches our hearts."
Yumi smiled.
"Unifying Hoshizuro, beautiful."
Sam grinned.
"Akimitsu-kun, you're the winner!"
Confetti exploded.
Akimitsu beamed.
Tears of joy in his eyes.
His friends surrounded him.
"Akimitsu, you deserve it!" Akira exclaimed.
"Your dream inspires us."Rina said
Zoren patted his back.
"Brother, we're with you!"
Rina's curiosity sparked.
"Akimitsu-kun, tell us about your parents."
Akimitsu's expression turned somber.
"I...I don't know who they are."
Zoren's eyes widened.
"You're an orphan?"
Akimitsu nodded.
"I've been alone since birth."
The room fell silent.
Akira's eyes filled with empathy.
"Akimitsu, that must have been tough."
Akimitsu's gaze drifted.
"But I remember someone...a man."
Rina leaned in.
"Who?"
Akimitsu's voice dropped to a whisper.
"He was always there...saving me."
Zoren's brow furrowed.
"From what?"
Akimitsu's eyes clouded.
"Dangers...shadows."
Sam's interest piqued.
"And then?"
Akimitsu's face fell.
"He vanished."
The room held its breath.
Akimitsu's voice cracked.
"I've been searching...but he's gone."
Tears brimmed in Akimitsu's eyes.
The celebration drew to a close.
Sam approached Akimitsu, a warm smile on his face.
"Akimitsu-kun, one more gift."
Akimitsu's eyes sparkled with curiosity.
Sam led him outside.
Before them stood a beautiful, serene house.
"Akimitsu-kun, this is yours."
Akimitsu's eyes widened.
"For me?"
Sam nodded.
"To aid you in defeating the Devourer."
Akimitsu's eyes filled with tears.
"Arigatou, Sam-san..."
Akira stepped forward.
"Akimitsu, don't cry."
Akimitsu's tears flowed.
"This means...I have a home."
"You deserve it, Akimitsu."Rina said
Zoren patted his back.
"Brother, we're with you."
The group shared warm smiles.
Akimitsu's heart overflowed.
To be
Continued.