(The principal remains standing in his place, while silence hangs over the office. The words he heard moments ago were too heavy to absorb quickly.)
He looks at Honoka. Then at Misaki. Then he fixes his gaze on Ahmed.
He saw before him a student who was the same age as the other students... but what he had heard made him feel as if he was speaking to someone who bore responsibilities far exceeding his age.
The principal slowly takes off his glasses, places them on his desk, then rubs his hand over his face, trying to process everything that happened.
Principal (in a low voice): "All this time..."
He pauses for a moment.
Principal: "You were studying... working... and at the same time taking care of these two girls?"
Ahmed nods his head calmly.
Ahmed: "I couldn't leave them alone."
The principal's features change even more, and he feels the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. Then he turns toward Honoka.
Principal: "Honoka..."
She raises her head slowly.
Principal: "Is everything Ahmed said true?"
Honoka hesitates for a moment, then presses the drawing to her chest, and answers in a trembling voice.
Honoka: "...Yes."
A tear falls from her eye.
Honoka: "Everything... happened just as he said."
Misaki looks at the principal, then speaks calmly.
Misaki: "I was a witness to all of that."
The principal falls silent once again. Then he taps his fist lightly on the desk—not out of anger at them, but out of anger at what he had heard.
Principal (firmly): "This... is unbelievable."
He rises from behind his desk and walks toward the window.
(He remains standing for a few seconds, look...)