The tournament ended in a blur of applause and exhaustion. Ivan led Hina through the departing crowd, his eyes lighting up when he spotted Asim and Aiko ahead.
"Heyyy, Aiko—" Ivan began.
"It's Tenshi," she cut in coldly, without looking at him.
Ivan froze, then raised his hands in defeat. "…Alright, Tenshi."
Her gaze softened slightly as it landed on Hina. "Finally found yourself a student?"
Ivan chuckled. "Yeah. Took me long enough."
Asim remained silent, his glare never leaving Ivan.
"Relax," Ivan muttered. "I'm not trying anything this time."
"Mhm," Asim replied.
Ivan rolled his eyes. "Anyway—would you mind training her tomorrow? I've got business."
Asim scoffed. "Why should I waste time on your dead wei—"
A firm smack cut him off. Aiko's hand lowered calmly as Asim rubbed his head, grimacing.
"he will," Aiko said firmly, eyes sharp on Asim before turning gentle toward Hina. "You can call me Aiko. And this"—she shot a side-glance at the sulking boy—"is Asim."
Ivan smirked, ready to comment, but Aiko's glare stopped him instantly. "…Never mind," he muttered.
The group parted, and Ivan leaned close to Hina. "Tomorrow, Asim will train you. Try not to get him riled up."
Hina exhaled, eyes narrowing. "Why won't you train me yourself?"
"I've got business," Ivan said, flashing a grin.
She thought about his smugness and shook her head. "Definitely a womanizer."
They entered a small tailor shop tucked between towering walls. A man in his thirties lifted his head with mild surprise. "Finally brought in a student, Ivan?"
"Yeah," Ivan grinned. "Need something good for her."
The tailor circled Hina, taking measurements before handing her a catalog. "Pick what feels comfortable."
Hina paused on a sleek, flexible outfit. "Something like this… practical."
The tailor nodded. "Ready in ten days."
"Ten days?" Ivan groaned, slapping a fat stack of cash on the counter. "Make it tomorrow."
The tailor eyed the money, sighed, and pocketed it.
Back in the apartment, Ivan summoned another door. "Get some rest. Big day tomorrow. Asim will whip you into shape. I've got places to be."
Hina hugged her arms, staring at the floor. "…Thank you."
Ivan blinked, caught off guard.
She let herself feel the warmth. "I haven't felt cared for in ages."
For once, Ivan had no clever reply. He sighed, scratching the back of his neck. "No need to thank me. Just get strong. That's all the thanks I want."
Hina collapsed onto the bed, staring at the ceiling. A fragile warmth stirred in her chest.
"Maybe… living isn't so bad after all."
Her eyes fluttered shut, sleep coming for the first time in years without tears.