The wind brushed softly against the open window.
Arthur remained seated, staring at the world outside, his eyes hollow, his thoughts heavy. Nothing had changed — not the pain, not the doubts, not the weight pressing on his chest.
And yet… he was still there.
A faint sound reached his ears.
Footsteps.
Arthur didn't turn around.
"Arthur…"
Her voice.
Gentle. Careful. Real.
Yumi stood a few steps behind him, her hands clenched together as if she was afraid he would vanish if she spoke too loudly.
"You don't have to say anything," she continued. "I just… didn't want you to be alone."
Silence followed.
Arthur felt his throat tighten.
"I don't know why I'm still alive," he finally said, his voice low and uneven. "I don't know what I'm supposed to do… or who I am anymore."
Yumi walked closer, stopping beside him. She didn't force him to look at her. She didn't demand answers.
She simply sat down next to him.
"Then don't figure it out today," she said softly. "You don't have to."
Arthur clenched his fists.
"I push you away," he whispered. "I hurt you. And you're still here."
Yumi lowered her gaze for a moment… then smiled faintly.
"Because you're still here too."
Arthur slowly turned his head.
Their eyes met.
For the first time since waking up, he didn't look away.
"I'm scared," he admitted.
"I know," Yumi replied. "So am I."
She hesitated — then gently took his hand.
Arthur stiffened at first.
Then, little by little, his fingers closed around hers.
The warmth was real.
Grounding.
He exhaled, his shoulders trembling.
"I don't know if I can become someone better," he said.
"You don't have to become anything," Yumi answered. "Just… stay. With me."
Arthur swallowed hard.
"…I'll try."
That single sentence cost him more strength than any battle.
But he said it.
And this time, he meant it.
EPILOGUE
A QUIET STEP FORWARD
Morning arrived quietly.
Light entered the room, illuminating two figures seated side by side near the window. Arthur opened his eyes slowly, feeling an unfamiliar sensation in his chest.
Not peace.
But not emptiness either.
Yumi was still there.
Still holding his hand.
Still breathing.
Arthur stood up, opening the window wider. The world outside moved as it always had — indifferent, alive, relentless.
He didn't smile.
But he didn't feel like disappearing.
Not today.
"Yumi," he said.
She looked at him.
"…Thank you for not giving up on me."
She shook her head gently.
"I didn't save you," she replied. "You chose to stay."
Arthur looked at the sky.
Maybe tomorrow would be harder.
Maybe the answers would never come.
But for now…
He wasn't alone.
And that was enough to keep him here.
End.