As the day passed in peace, the next day arrived, and Asuka remained on high alert. She spent the entire day ensuring nothing bad would happen. When afternoon came, she wasted no time and headed straight for Manjiro's house.
Inside, Senju was already there, her eyes fixated on the small aeroplane displayed on the shelf. The room was quiet—Manjiro and the others weren't around.
"Hey there," Asuka greeted.
Senju turned her head lazily, flashing a carefree grin. "Yo, Asuka."
"Yo," Asuka replied, before narrowing her eyes. "If you're thinking of playing with that plane, forget it, Senju."
Senju pouted. "But why? It looks so cool! I want to play with it too. Takeomi never buys me stuff like this." Her eyes sparkled with longing. "I promise I won't break it! And Mikey isn't even around, so he won't know if I borrow it for just a moment."
Asuka hesitated, crossing her arms. "You don't get it, Senju. If something happens to that plane, he's going to be furious."
Senju pressed her hands together. "Please, Asuka! I promise nothing will happen. Just for an hour!"
Asuka sighed. Senju was just a kid, after all. She knew how it felt to want something so badly.
"Fine," she relented. "But be careful. And only for an hour. You promise?"
Senju's face lit up, and she nodded eagerly. "Promise!"
With that, she grabbed the plane and dashed around the room, her laughter filling the space. Asuka kept a close eye on her, prepared to intervene if anything went wrong.
After an hour, Senju carefully handed the plane back.
"I'll put it away," Asuka said, gently taking it from her hands. She placed it back on the shelf and let out a sigh of relief.
"Do you want to do something else?" she asked.
Senju grinned. "Yeah, I'm going back to my manga!"
"Alright, go ahead," Asuka said, watching her settle in with her book.
A Small Mistake with Big Consequences
"Asuka!"
She turned toward the voice—her mother was calling from outside.
"What is it, Oka-san?"
"Snacks are ready. Come and have them."
Asuka glanced back at Senju, who was completely immersed in her manga. She debated staying but eventually nodded.
"Okay, I'll be back soon," she said before leaving.
At her house, Keisuke was already waiting, tapping his fingers impatiently against the table. His scowl deepened the moment Asuka walked in.
"You're late!" he barked.
"Sorry," she replied, sitting down.
"Whatever," he grumbled. "Just eat already. I'm starving."
Their mother joined them, and soon the house was filled with warm, cheerful chatter. Asuka finally felt at ease.
Keisuke, however, couldn't resist messing with her, pulling light pranks to pass the time. Asuka groaned but eventually gave in, playfully hitting him back.
Back at the Sano residence, Senju realized Asuka wasn't around.
She stood up, glanced around, then turned her attention back to the plane on the shelf.
Her fingers twitched.
"Asuka's not here," she murmured to herself.
The temptation was too strong. She tiptoed towards the shelf, carefully took the plane, and smiled.
"Just for a little while," she whispered excitedly.
She ran around with the plane in her hands, pretending it was soaring through the skies.
Then—her foot twisted.
She stumbled.
The plane slipped from her grasp.
Crack.
Senju froze.
Her heartbeat pounded in her ears. She stared in horror at the broken pieces scattered on the floor.
"No," she gasped, covering her mouth. "No, no, no! I didn't mean to!"
Tears welled in her eyes. What had she done?
Panic overtook her, and she quickly returned to her manga, her hands trembling.
The Storm Arrives
Evening fell. Everyone was gathered, laughing and playing. But something was off.
Senju sat alone, clutching her manga too tightly. Her face was pale.
Asuka noticed first. She walked toward her, but before she could speak—
"Asuka."
A cold voice cut through the air.
She turned. Manjiro stood there, holding his broken plane.
Her stomach dropped.
His usual carefree expression was gone. His dark black eyes bore into her, sharp as a blade.
"Do you know who did this?" he asked, his voice unnervingly calm.
Asuka's breath hitched. She turned slightly, catching a glimpse of Senju, who was trembling, eyes darting between them.
Manjiro's gaze hardened.
"Asuka. I asked you a question."
A lump formed in her throat. She knew the truth. But she also knew what would happen if she told him.
Senju took a breath to speak.
"It was—"
"Me."
The words left Asuka's mouth before she could stop them.
Silence.
Manjiro's expression darkened. His fingers curled around the broken plane, knuckles white.
"Why?" he asked, voice void of any warmth.
Asuka swallowed hard. She didn't have an answer.
Senju's hands clenched into fists. Why did she take the blame?
Keisuke, noticing the tension, stepped forward.
"What's going on?" he asked, then saw the plane. His eyes widened.
"Who did this?"
"Asuka," Manjiro said coldly.
Keisuke's body stiffened.
Manjiro took a step forward. In a flash, his hand grabbed Asuka's face.
Her breath hitched as his grip tightened.
"Why did you do it?" His voice was dangerously low.
Pain shot through her cheek. Her vision blurred with tears.
Keisuke's heart slammed against his chest. He clenched his fists.
"Let. Her. Go."
Manjiro didn't budge.
"I said LET HER GO, YOU DUMBASS!" Keisuke roared.
With all his strength, he shoved Manjiro away.
Manjiro staggered back, eyes wide with shock.
Before he could react—
Keisuke's fist connected with his jaw.
Gasps echoed around them.
"Asuka," Keisuke said, gripping her wrist. "We're leaving."
She nodded, her vision still blurry.
Keisuke turned to Manjiro, voice cold.
"We'll pay you back for your stupid plane. If that's more important to you than your friends."
Manjiro didn't respond. He simply stood there, silent.
Keisuke turned, pulling Asuka away.
As they left, Keisuke threw one final warning over his shoulder.
"Don't you ever touch my sister again."
---
A Quiet Apology
Later that night, a soft knock echoed in Asuka's home.
Their mother opened the door to find Senju standing there, fidgeting.
"Can I see Asuka?" she asked hesitantly.
Mrs. Baji nodded, letting her in.
Senju climbed the stairs and knocked on Asuka's door.
Asuka opened it—her face was still puffy from crying.
Senju hesitated, then threw her arms around her.
"Thank you, Asuka-chan," she whispered.
Asuka blinked. "For what?"
"For taking the blame. I was scared. I almost blamed Sanju, but then I saw Keisuke protecting you, and… I felt horrible."
Asuka wiped her eyes. "Promise me you'll never make Sanju sad."
Senju nodded, eyes filled with determination. "I'll be like Keisuke."
With that, she left.
Keisuke leaned against the doorframe. "What was she doing here?"
"Nothing." Asuka smiled softly. "And… Keisuke, thank you."
Before he could react, she hugged him.
"Oi! Don't get so close, you idiot!" Keisuke grumbled, but his ears turned red.
The night ended in quiet laughter.