Toaru Files

If 6

The Iron Girl's Care

Seiri was walking home from the library, lost in thought as she strolled through the quiet streets of Academy City. The sun had just begun to set, casting a warm orange glow over the rows of buildings. As she turned a corner, she noticed a familiar figure slumped against a wall, head in hands.

It was Touma Kamijou, the infamous "Imagine Breaker" who had a reputation for being unbeatable in a fight. But now, he looked... broken. His usual confident demeanor was replaced by a defeated slump, his eyes cast downward as if the weight of the world rested on his shoulders.

Seiri's curiosity got the better of her, and she quickened her pace to reach Touma's side. "Hey, Kamijou-kun? What's wrong?" she asked softly, trying not to startle him.

Touma slowly lifted his head, his eyes red-rimmed and sunken. He looked like he hadn't slept in days. "Seiri...-chan?" he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper.

Seiri's concern deepened. Something was clearly wrong. She gently took Touma's arm, helping him to his feet. "Come on, let's get you home. You can tell me what's going on there."

Touma didn't resist, allowing Seiri to guide him through the streets. They walked in silence, the only sound being the soft rustling of leaves beneath their feet.

As they reached Seiri's apartment, she ushered Touma inside and settled him onto the couch. She quickly made a pot of hot tea and handed him a steaming cup. Touma accepted it mechanically, his eyes fixed on the liquid as if mesmerized.

Seiri sat beside him, her brow furrowed with worry. "Kamijou-kun, what happened? You look like you've lost your last friend." She tried to keep her tone light, but her voice betrayed her concern.

Touma's gaze drifted upward, his eyes locking onto Seiri's. For a moment, she thought she saw a glimmer of the usual Touma spark, but it was quickly extinguished, leaving only a deep sadness.

"I... failed," he whispered, the words barely audible. "I couldn't protect someone important. Again."

Seiri's heart went out to him. She knew Touma's past was marked by struggles and losses, but this seemed different. This seemed personal.

"Who was it?" she asked gently, her hand reaching out to cover his.

Touma's eyes dropped, and he shook his head. "I... can't talk about it yet."

Seiri nodded understandingly. "It's okay. You don't have to. But know that I'm here for you, Kamijou-kun. Whatever it is, we'll face it together."

As the tea cooled, Touma's silence gradually gave way to quiet sobs. Seiri wrapped her arms around him, holding him close as the darkness of his past threatened to consume him.

In that moment, Seiri realized that even the strongest among them could falter. And sometimes, all they needed was someone to stand by their side, to remind them they weren't alone.

As the night drew in, Seiri's apartment became a sanctuary for Touma's shattered heart. And Seiri, with her unwavering compassion, became his beacon of hope.