*As they were growing Emma started getting busy with the household she rarely came out to play with them*
It was another day, and Emma was busy with household chores as usual. She rarely came out to play anymore, and Asuka didn't like it. Her brows furrowed as she asked Mikey, "Where's Emma?"
Mikey shrugged casually. "She's at home, helping Ji-chan with work."
Asuka's lips pressed into a firm line. She nodded decisively. "Well, I'll be back. Wait for me then."
Keisuke and Mikey exchanged puzzled glances but nodded as Asuka turned on her heel and walked off. Her steps were brisk and determined, her small figure radiating purpose. Intrigued, the two boys silently followed her.
Asuka entered Mikey's house without hesitation, her sharp eyes scanning the space until she found Emma in the kitchen. Emma was busy scrubbing a pot, her hands moving rhythmically, a faint tiredness visible in her posture. She looked up in surprise when Asuka appeared, her face a mix of confusion and curiosity.
Before Emma could say anything, Asuka strode forward, grabbed her hand, and began pulling her outside. "Asuka, what—?" Emma started, her voice filled with surprise.
Asuka didn't answer, her grip firm but gentle. Emma looked at her friend with wide, questioning eyes as they walked into the living room.
Shinichiro was lounging against the wall, his arms crossed and a playful smirk tugging at his lips. His curiosity deepened as he watched the scene unfold. "What's going on?" he asked, his tone light but inquisitive.
Asuka stopped, her small figure standing tall as she looked Shinichiro square in the eyes. "She's not gonna work anymore. You got that?" Her voice was steady, her gaze unwavering.
Shinichiro raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the defiance in her tone. "Why is that?" he asked, his smile widening slightly.
"She's still young and has her youth to live," Asuka replied, her voice growing more impassioned. "If you want Manjiro to enjoy his youth, Emma is no different. And if I don't take a step now, someone I know will not be happy with me—because no one can take the youth away from kids."
Shinichiro's playful expression softened as he listened. For a moment, he didn't say anything, his dark eyes studying the fiery determination in Asuka's gaze. Then, a warm smile spread across his face, and he chuckled softly.
"Are you sure you're seven?" he teased, reaching out to ruffle her hair.
Asuka frowned slightly but didn't pull away. She kept her gaze steady, silently challenging him to take her seriously.
Shinichiro laughed again, shaking his head. "Alright, you win. From now on, I'll help Ji-chan with the work. Emma," he turned to his sister, his voice kind, "go out and play."
Emma's eyes widened, her mouth opening slightly in disbelief. "R-Really?" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
Shinichiro nodded, smiling warmly. "Really. You deserve it."
Emma turned to Asuka, her face glowing with a mix of gratitude and awe. Her eyes sparkled as if she were looking at a hero.
At the doorway, Mikey and Keisuke stood frozen, their jaws nearly dropping in unison. Mikey blinked a few times, his expression a mix of shock and admiration. "Did Asuka just…" he murmured.
Keisuke scratched his head, a small grin forming on his lips. "Yeah… she just did."
Mikey let out a small laugh, shaking his head in amazement. "She's something else."
Asuka turned back to them, her usual playful smirk returning. "What are you staring at? Let's go play!"
Emma smiled brightly, her heart lighter than it had been in weeks. She followed Asuka out the door, the two boys trailing behind, still marveling at the boldness of their small but mighty friend.