As time passed, all four of them became inseparable—Mikey, Keisuke, Asuka, and little Emma, who was just a year younger. Though Emma didn't continue her dojo practice because she found it dull and "not her type of thing," she always chased after the trio, eager to join their adventures. Whether it was the park or the jungle gym, Emma made sure she was always part of the fun.
One sunny afternoon at the park, Emma trailed behind the trio as they climbed the jungle gym. She was determined to catch up, her small hands gripping the bars tightly. "Wait for me!" she called out, her voice filled with excitement.
The trio turned around just in time to see her foot slip. Everything seemed to happen in slow motion as Emma lost her grip and fell to the ground with a loud thud. A sharp cry of pain escaped her lips as she clutched her leg, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Asuka... are you alright, Emma?" Asuka asked, her voice trembling with worry as she crouched beside Emma.
Emma could only sob in response, her small frame shaking as she whimpered, "It hurts... my leg hurts!"
Mikey's eyes widened in panic, but he quickly shook it off. "Keisuke, Asuka, help me!" he ordered, his tone firm yet full of concern. He knelt down beside Emma, gently brushing her tears away. "It's okay, Emma. I'll take you to the hospital. I promise you'll be fine."
Keisuke and Asuka nodded, carefully helping Emma onto Mikey's back. She wrapped her tiny arms around his neck, her face buried in his shoulder as she continued to cry softly. Mikey adjusted her weight, his jaw set with determination.
"Hold on tight, Emma," he said softly, his voice filled with both guilt and reassurance.
The walk to the hospital felt like an eternity. Mikey's heart pounded with worry, his mind racing with thoughts of Emma's pain. Asuka and Keisuke followed closely, their expressions solemn.
At the hospital, the doctors quickly examined Emma's leg. Mikey used the hospital phone to call Shinichiro and their grandpa, his voice shaky as he explained what had happened. The two arrived within 30 minutes, their faces etched with worry as they rushed inside.
Emma cried out as the doctor set her broken leg and applied the plaster. Mikey winced at each of her sobs, wishing he could take the pain away. Asuka held Emma's hand tightly, whispering soothing words, while Keisuke stood nearby, his fists clenched in frustration at himself.
When the ordeal was over, they took Emma home. The trio sat around her, their faces filled with remorse.
"We're so sorry, Emma," Mikey said, his voice breaking. "We shouldn't have left you behind. We'll never do that again, we promise."
Keisuke and Asuka nodded fervently. "Never again," Asuka whispered, tears glistening in her eyes.
Emma managed a small smile despite the pain. "It's okay... just don't leave me alone, okay?"
"Never," Mikey said firmly, ruffling her hair.
From that day on, they stayed by Emma's side, playing cards, board games, and anything else she wanted. They laughed, joked, and made her forget the pain. For the trio, Emma's smile was worth everything, and they vowed to always protect her, no matter what.