The Heart of Zero

Riyugi pushed open the door to her home. As she stepped into the living room, a wave of warmth greeted her. Her mother's gentle smile was like a spring breeze, her voice soft and comforting, carrying that unique maternal warmth.

"Riyugi, you're back! How was school today?" her mother asked. Her fingers tapped lightly against her hand, her eyes revealing a subtle trace of nervousness as though awaiting Riyugi's answer.

At the same time, her father put down his newspaper, his brows furrowed deeply with quiet concern. He leaned forward slightly, his gaze fixed on her, as if trying to read every nuance of her expression.

"We heard about some incidents at school recently. You're alright, aren't you?" His deep, steady voice carried an unusual urgency and unease today.

Riyugi smiled faintly, shaking her head lightly in an attempt to appear relaxed. "I'm fine. Just some minor things," she said in an even tone, though inside her heart was in turmoil. The events of the day lingered vividly in her mind—those sudden dangers, Shingin's figure, and the complicated emotions he brought with him.

But Riyugi knew that telling her parents the truth would only bring them sleepless nights. "If they knew everything, how much more worried would they be?" she thought to herself, feeling a pang of guilt.

Her mother reached out, gently stroking Riyugi's hair, her fingers warm like the sunlight of a spring morning. Her father sighed softly, the tension in his brow easing slightly, though concern still lingered in his eyes. Riyugi felt a rush of warmth but also a twinge of guilt. The complexity of the truth was something her parents couldn't fully grasp.

After a brief silence, Riyugi smiled and wished her parents goodnight before heading upstairs. Each step felt heavier than the last under the weight of their watchful eyes. Back in her room, she leaned against the door, closed her eyes, and drew a deep breath, willing herself to calm down.

She prepared for a bath, changing into a robe and stepping into the familiar sanctuary of her bathroom. As she undressed, the fabric slipped over her skin, soft and soothing, offering a small moment of relief from the day's tension. Her pale, delicate complexion seemed to glow under the warm bathroom light, her graceful shoulders and slender frame exuding youthful beauty.

In the mirror, her reflection caught her eye—her gentle features framed by silky hair, her bright, clear skin, and her slender yet strong silhouette. But her gaze quickly fell to the necklace around her neck.

It was a piece of blue sapphire, ancient and intricate, that shimmered softly with a light that seemed almost alive. The necklace had been her grandmother's, a cherished heirloom left to her. Since the day she began wearing it, the pendant had brought her comfort during times of unease, like a silent guardian watching over her.

Riyugi touched the cool gemstone lightly, a small smile curving her lips. The sapphire seemed to glow faintly in response, as if it understood her thoughts and offered its silent reassurance.

Letting her hair down, she stepped into the bathtub. The warmth of the water embraced her, relaxing her tense muscles as she closed her eyes. The day's chaos—Shingin's face, his actions, his resolute decisions—played back in her mind like scenes from a vivid dream.

Her thoughts swirled with confusion and curiosity. Who was Shingin? His presence seemed to mark a turning point in her life, drawing her into a storm she hadn't anticipated.

The warm water wrapped around her, easing her thoughts. She tilted her head back, letting the droplets trail down her face. Slowly, the fears and uncertainties of the day began to wash away.

Reaching for the necklace, she cradled it in her hand. The cool sapphire rested in her palm, radiating a subtle warmth. She gently stroked it with her fingers, feeling an inexplicable sense of comfort flow into her heart. The faint smile on her face grew softer, and her thoughts turned to her grandmother.

"Grandma," Riyugi whispered silently in her heart, seeking a connection she couldn't put into words. The gemstone in her hand seemed to respond with a gentle glow, as if imparting a quiet strength.

She took a deep breath and slipped the necklace back around her neck. The cool touch against her skin brought her a strange but welcome calm. Placing her hand over the pendant, she closed her eyes and let the warmth envelop her.

A soft smile spread across her lips, full of quiet determination. Despite the trials of the day, Riyugi felt a newfound resolve building within her. No matter how challenging the road ahead might be, she would face it with the warmth and courage drawn from this small, glowing star at her chest.

That night, she fell asleep with a peaceful smile. The sapphire necklace, resting lightly against her skin, emitted a faint, star-like glow in the darkness. It pulsed gently as though alive, a quiet sentinel under the veil of night.