Kiyomi Nozomi "Natsuki's Lore part 2 (OC)

A green-haired doctor and his colleague hurried the wounded parents into the ambulance. Saki called her own family, and the officer gave the girls a ride to the hospital. Saki’s parents arrived soon after. At the hospital the green-haired doctor approached Kiyomi with a heavy expression. “I’m sorry… they didn’t make it.” Kiyomi collapsed into sobs. “WHY?! WHY THEM?! DAMN YOU WHO DID THIS!! HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO LIVE NOW?! WHERE AM I SUPPOSED TO GO?!” Saki pulled her into a tight hug. “Justice will be done. They’ll get what they deserve. If you want… you can stay with me at my house. As a sister. My parents would accept you without hesitation — they always wanted another daughter but couldn’t have one.” Kiyomi turned to Saki’s parents, voice small. “Can I… really live with you? I’m completely lost now…” Saki’s mother smiled warmly. “Of course you can. You’ll be welcomed as our new daughter.” Kiyomi, still crying but a little calmer, whispered: “Thank you for taking me in… I’m going to need help to get through this…” The legal process took months. During that time Kiyomi stayed temporarily in an orphanage for procedural reasons. Saki’s parents visited her constantly, always reassuring her: “We will make sure you can live with us. Trust us.” The Court Hearing The courtroom was quiet. Kiyomi sat between Saki and her parents. She looked small in the chair — not only because of her height, but because of the way she tightly interlaced her fingers. Every so often Saki would squeeze her hand discreetly, and Kiyomi would squeeze back. You’re not alone. A tall, elegant lawyer stood at the front, calm and precise. The judge entered. Everyone rose. “Please be seated.” Kiyomi took a deep breath while the judge reviewed the documents. “Today we are here to examine the guardianship petition for Kiyomi Nozomi filed by the applicants…” Her mind raced. What if they say no? What if I’m sent somewhere else? What if I can never live with Saki? What if I’m left alone again? She squeezed Saki’s hand harder. Saki leaned close. “It’s okay.” Kiyomi nodded, even though it didn’t feel okay yet. The judge looked at Saki’s parents. “Do you fully understand the responsibility you are taking on?” “Yes, Your Honor,” Takeshi’s father answered. “The minor has significant emotional needs resulting from the recent loss of her parents. Has this been explained to you?” “It has,” Saki’s mother replied. “And we know it won’t be easy. But she is already practically part of our family.” Those two words, our family, almost brought tears to Kiyomi’s eyes. The lawyer rose. Her voice was low, firm, and perfectly controlled. “Your Honor, before we discuss the legal aspect of guardianship, I would like to make an important distinction. We are not dealing with two adults who simply decided to take in a child they met recently.” She placed a document on the table. “We are dealing with an adolescent who lost her legal guardians under violent circumstances and who, immediately after the tragedy, found genuine acceptance in a family that has already demonstrated concrete willingness to assume her care, education, treatment, and protection. And, most importantly, we are dealing with a minor who has clearly expressed where she wishes to remain.” Kiyomi’s Testimony The judge explained he would ask her a few questions. Kiyomi stood and walked to the designated seat, her posture nervous. “Kiyomi, do you understand why we are here?” “Y-Yes.” “Could you explain?” She took a deep breath. “I… lost my parents.” A few seconds of silence. “And after that… Saki’s family took me in.” She glanced at Saki. “And I want to stay with them.” “Why?” Her voice almost failed. “Because… when I thought I had no one left… they said I could stay.” “And did they keep that promise?” “Yes.” “Do they treat you well?” “Very well.” “Do you feel safe with them?” “Yes,” she answered immediately. Then came the hardest question. “Do you understand that your parents will not be able to return?” Kiyomi went completely still. “…I know.” Her voice grew firmer. “I miss them every single day. But… I don’t want to lose another family. Never again.” The entire room fell silent.