7. Yu-Gi-Oh ARC-V A New Story of Pendulum (Standard Arc)

Chapter 9 Bad Business

The final bell of the day echoed through the classroom, and the students began packing their things. Yuzu lingered by Yuya's side, her expression bright. With special permission secured, she was set to have another sleepover at the Sakaki household.

Katrina, however, trailed behind the others, her steps slower, heavier. It had been so long—seven years—since she had last walked that path home. Her nerves prickled at the thought of seeing familiar walls, familiar faces. What if they resented her for leaving? What if things had changed too much?

Sensing her unease, Yuzu gave her a reassuring smile, and Yuya lightly bumped her shoulder with his. "Don't worry," he said gently. "We'll be right here with you." Their confidence helped steady her heart, if only a little.

When they reached the front door, Yuya called out as he slipped off his shoes. "Mom, we're home!"

The scent of home-cooked food drifted faintly through the hallway. Yoko appeared, apron tied neatly around her waist, smiling in her usual warm way. "Welcome back, child—" Her words froze mid-sentence as her gaze landed on Katrina. Her eyes widened, recognition striking instantly. A mother could never forget her daughter's face.

Katrina's throat tightened. She lowered her gaze and whispered softly, "Hi, Mom."

In a heartbeat, Yoko rushed forward, arms wrapping tightly around her lost child. Tears welled at the corners of her eyes as her voice trembled. "Katrina... please tell me it's really you."

Katrina returned the embrace, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "It's me, Mom. I'm back home."

Yoko's relief was quickly joined by a tinge of anger, her voice cracking as she pulled back slightly. "Seven years... Seven long years you've been gone. Do you know how much we've missed you?"

Katrina's smile faltered, guilt weighing heavily on her chest. "I know. I'm sorry... for leaving without telling you."

The anger melted into tears once more as Yoko shook her head. "You're here now. That's all that matters."

Her eyes drifted past Katrina and softened again when she spotted Yuzu. "Ah, Yuzu—you're here for another sleepover?"

Yuzu bowed politely, cheeks flushing. "Yes, Aunt Yoko. I hope it's not too much trouble."

Yoko chuckled warmly, brushing away her tears. "Nonsense. You're always welcome here."

The group headed upstairs, and Katrina pushed open the door to her old room. A wave of nostalgia struck her immediately. The furniture sat just as she had left it, the curtains still the same soft color, even her small trinkets neatly placed on the shelf. Seven years had passed, yet the room looked untouched by time.

She stepped inside slowly, fingers brushing the familiar desk. "It's been so long since I've slept here..."

From behind, Yuni's cheerful voice broke the silence. "We made sure to keep it ready for you! Cleaned it regularly so you'd always have a comfortable place to come back to."

Katrina turned, her eyes stinging with emotion. "You... you really kept everything?"

Yuni nodded eagerly. "Of course. Oh, and—" She pointed toward the closet. "We stocked up on some blood bags. In case you get hungry."

Katrina blinked, surprised, then gave a small, grateful smile. Opening the closet, she found the neatly arranged supply. She pulled one free, the faint crimson gleam shining through the plastic. "Thank you... I'll need this."

She bit into the bag, savoring the familiar taste as warmth spread through her. "I really missed this..." she murmured, relief flooding through her chest.