Not far from Akg's house, the comforting clatter of dishes and the aroma of freshly baked cookies filled the air in a cozy two-story home.
In the kitchen, a beautiful girl with chestnut-brown hair, wearing a soft pink skirt and a white apron, carefully pulled a tray of cookies from the oven. Her cheeks were slightly flushed from the heat, and her eyes sparkled with quiet satisfaction.
"Perfect," Shizuka murmured, setting the tray down gently. "Akg will like these... I hope."
Behind her, her mother leaned casually against the doorframe, watching with a knowing smile. She wasn't surprised in the least—Shizuka often baked cookies or cakes in her free time, always for one particular person.
Akg.
He was more than just a friend to her—he was someone who had always been there for her. Kind, calm, and reliable, Akg often helped her with her homework, protected her when others teased her, and even though he never talked about his pain, she knew the truth.
He lived alone. His parents had passed away in an accident years ago. That fact had touched Shizuka deeply.
Her mother, watching the silent dedication in her daughter's actions, smiled gently.
"You care about him, don't you?" she said softly.
Shizuka blinked, looking slightly embarrassed but didn't deny it.
"He's... always alone," she said quietly. "And he's been such a good friend. I just... want to make him happy, even if it's something small."
Her mother nodded approvingly.
As Shizuka packed the cookies carefully into a gift box, tying it with a soft pink ribbon, she turned and called out:
"Mom, I'm going to Akg's house to give him these cookies!"
Her mother waved from the doorway, smiling warmly.
"Alright, Shizuka. Be careful on the road—and say hello to Akg for me."
Shizuka nodded and walked to the door, her heart fluttering just a little.
Today, she just wanted to see that smile of his—the one that always made her feel safe.