Akira, rotary spear in hand, kept watch behind them as they pushed open the changing room door. The room was dim, lined with lockers and benches, heavy with damp air. The distant ripple of the pool echoed faintly, but for now, safety held.
Kana wrung out her soaked uniform, water pattering onto the floor. "It's freezing… I need to change."
"Understood. Dry off quickly to prevent hypothermia. I'll check for supplies," Akira said, spotting a stack of towels and spare uniforms in a corner. He handed them to her.
Kana took the towels and slipped behind a locker. Her trembling fingers fumbled with the buttons of her drenched shirt, peeling it off as goosebumps prickled her skin. She dried her hair, shoulders, and arms with care, the towel soaking up the chill.
The spare uniform was oversized, its sleeves swallowing her wrists. She swapped her skirt, kicked off her sodden socks, and sat barefoot on a bench. The dry clothes brought a flicker of warmth, and she let out a small sigh. "Finally… a little better."
Akira, still guarding the entrance, approached. "Change complete. Is your body temperature stable?"
Kana nodded, hugging her knees as she leaned against the bench. "Yeah, but… that was terrifying. I couldn't breathe underwater. I thought I was done for."
Her voice quivered, eyes glistening. "We keep running, fighting, and I don't know how much longer I can take it. I'm… I'm at my limit, Akira."
Akira propped his spear against the floor and stood beside her. "I acknowledge your psychological strain. The burden on your survival is significant. I propose rest."
Kana looked up, tears brimming. "Rest? Something's just gonna show up again, right? I'm so tired… and scared."
Her tears broke free, trailing down her cheeks, dampening her fresh uniform.
Akira paused, then spoke softly. "My function is to ensure your safety. I detect an error in emotional data processing, but your fear is comprehensible. If my presence can alleviate it, I authorize a thirty-minute standby. Sleep."
Kana blinked at him, surprised. "Thirty minutes? Is that… safe?"
"Hostile activity is currently minimal. Risk is negligible. I'll maintain surveillance. Rest with confidence."
He sat beside her, spear in hand, eyes fixed on the door.
Kana managed a faint smile, wiping her tears. "Thanks, Akira."
She stretched out on the bench, using a towel as a pillow. "Just a quick nap. Wake me up, okay?"
"Affirmative. I'll rouse you in thirty minutes."
Akira nodded, expressionless, as Kana closed her eyes. Her breathing steadied, slipping into a shallow sleep.
In the changing room's stillness, Akira didn't budge, his gaze sweeping the door and windows. Sparks occasionally flickered from his left arm, but his eyes gleamed with cold clarity.
While Kana slept, he scoured the room, finding a metal baseball bat in a locker. "Additional weapon secured. Preparing for combat," he murmured, glancing at her sleeping face.
The thirty-minute break was a fragile oasis in the endless night.
When time was up, Kana stirred, finding Akira right beside her. "Rest period concluded. How's your condition?"
She sat up, stretching lightly. "Much better. I'm still scared, but you being here… it keeps me going. Thank you."
"Understood. Your resolve strengthens mission success. Next, the second-floor broadcast room. We'll attempt external communication using its equipment."
Akira hefted his spear and bat, while Kana gripped her hammer. They left the changing room, stepping back into the school's shadowed halls.