WILD [Shirou Ogami x OC]

Chapter Twelve - Even if there is a small spark of hope, we must tend to it!

I had been restless these past few days, replaying that conversation with Michiru and Nina at the hospital over and over in my head. The question of peace between humans and Beastmen had settled deep into my thoughts, and I couldn't shake it. Nina's optimism, Michiru's uncertainty—it all lingered like a haze over my mind. I couldn't help but wonder... were there more Beastmen like them? More people who wanted this tension between our worlds to finally end?

As I sat in my small apartment, not far from where my mother still lived, I realized I needed to talk it through with someone. I grabbed my phone and scrolled through my contacts until I landed on Kyouko's name. She had always been a steady presence in my life, someone I could trust. Maybe she had some perspective on all of this that I hadn't considered.

You free to hang out? I typed quickly and hit send, leaning back against my couch as I waited for her reply.

Not long after, my phone dinged with a message.

Yeah, I've got some time. Want to meet up?

I smiled. At least now I wouldn't be alone with my thoughts all day. I messaged back, suggesting we meet at a cafe downtown, in the heart of Anima City. It was a place I liked, a little quieter despite being in such a bustling area. Perfect for a long talk.

Grabbing my things, I called a taxi and headed out. As I sat in the backseat, watching the city pass by, my thoughts kept returning to the idea of peace—real, lasting peace between humans and Beastmen. It seemed like such a distant dream, but part of me couldn't let go of the hope that maybe, just maybe, it could be possible one day.

When I arrived at the cafe, Kyouko was already waiting at a small table by the window, sipping her coffee. I waved as I walked in, and she smiled, though there was always a seriousness in her eyes that never quite left.

"Hey," I greeted her, sliding into the seat across from her. "Thanks for meeting up."

"Of course," she said. "You seemed like you had something on your mind."

I ordered a coffee and took a deep breath. "Yeah... I've been thinking a lot lately. About... everything."

Kyouko raised an eyebrow, clearly waiting for me to continue. I wasn't sure how to word it, but I decided to just go for it.

"What do you think about a future where humans and Beastmen... get along? Where we don't have to live in fear of each other?"

Kyouko leaned back in her chair, her expression thoughtful but guarded. "That's a pretty big question."

"I know," I said, fidgeting with my coffee cup. "It's just... I've been talking to a few people lately, and it got me thinking. What if there *could* be peace? What if we didn't have to keep living like this?"

Kyouko was quiet for a moment, her gaze drifting out the window. "I'm not opposed to the idea," she said finally, her voice careful. "But I don't trust humans. They've done too much damage. To us, to our people. I'm not sure they'll ever see us as equals."

I nodded along, understanding where she was coming from. The mistrust ran deep on both sides, and it wasn't something that could just disappear overnight. But I couldn't help but feel that there had to be more to it than that.

"I get it," I said softly. "But don't you think... it's worth trying? Worth fighting for?"

Kyouko gave me a long look before sighing. "Maybe. But it won't be easy, Rin. There are too many who don't want peace, on both sides. You'd be walking into a war before you even start."

"I know," I admitted, my hands tightening around my cup. "But I can't stop thinking about it. There has to be a way. I'm not saying it'll happen tomorrow, but... if we could start small, maybe things could change."

Kyouko took another sip of her coffee, her gaze softening slightly. "You've always been an idealist, haven't you?"

I laughed softly. "Maybe. But I'm serious about this. If there's a chance—even a small one—I want to do everything I can to make that future a reality."

She smiled, though it was tinged with her usual wariness. "Well, if anyone can do it, it's you."

We sat there for a while longer, talking about the usual things—work, life, how things were going in Anima City. But the conversation about peace stayed with me, even after I said goodbye to Kyouko and headed home.

I knew it wouldn't be easy. Mistrust and fear weren't things that could be solved with just hope. But I wasn't alone. Michiru, Nina, and even people like Kyouko, despite their reservations, still held onto the possibility, however small.

As I looked out over the city from my apartment, I promised myself one thing—I would fight for that future. For a day when Beastmen and humans didn't have to live in fear of one another. Because if there was even the smallest chance of peace, I had to believe it was worth it.