" A PROMISE AMONG THE STAR "

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Scene: The Field of Glowing Flowers

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Aoki and Mitsuya stand in the center of the god’s universe, surrounded by radiant, pulsing flowers. The god looms before them, their expression unreadable.

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God: You have both proven your courage and your bond. Yet, my test is not over.

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Mitsuya: (frowning) What more do you want from us?

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God: Only one of you may return to your world. The other must remain as the keeper of this realm, ensuring the balance between universes.

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A stunned silence falls over them. Aoki and Mitsuya exchange wide-eyed looks, neither able to speak at first.

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Aoki: (softly) No...

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Mitsuya: (shaking her head) That’s not fair. There has to be another way!

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God: (firmly) There is no other way. Decide.

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Scene: Aoki’s Sacrifice

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Aoki steps forward, his fists clenched and his voice trembling with resolve.

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Aoki: I will stay.

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Mitsuya: (gasping) What? No!

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Aoki: (turning to her) Mitsuya, you deserve to live your dream. To explore our world, to see the stars we always talked about.

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Mitsuya: (tearfully) Don’t do this, Aoki. You belong out there too!

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Aoki: (softly) You’ve always been the stronger one. I’ll be okay.

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Mitsuya grabs his arm, shaking her head violently.

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Mitsuya: No, Aoki. You’ve given up so much already. Your love for the stars... it’s who you are. You have to go. I’ll stay.

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Scene: The God Intervenes

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The god watches as they argue, their voices cracking with emotion. Finally, the deity raises a hand, silencing them.

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God: Enough.

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Aoki and Mitsuya freeze, both turning to face the god, their hands still clinging to each other.

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God: Your bond is truly unbreakable. Few have shown such selflessness. But I have made my decision.

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The god’s gaze shifts to Mitsuya.

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God: Mitsuya, you shall return.

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Mitsuya: (panicked) No! Please—

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God: (to Aoki) Your soul will guide the stars of this universe, ensuring their light reaches every corner of existence.

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Scene: The Parting

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Before they can protest further, a warm light begins to envelop Mitsuya. She screams, reaching out for Aoki.

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Mitsuya: Aoki!

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Aoki grabs her hand, holding on tightly, tears streaming down his face.

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Aoki: (choking) It’s okay, Mitsuya. You’ll be okay.

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Mitsuya: (sobbing) I can’t leave you!

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Aoki: (forcing a smile) You’re not leaving me. I’ll always be with you. Look at the stars. They’ll be my promise to you.

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Mitsuya’s hand slips from his grasp as the light grows brighter. She vanishes, her cries fading into silence. Aoki stands alone, the glowing flowers swaying gently around him.

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God: You have given much, Aoki. But your sacrifice will not be forgotten.

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Aoki looks up at the endless sky of stars, his heart heavy but resolute.

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Aoki: (softly) Take care of her, universe.

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Scene: Mitsuya’s Return

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Mitsuya wakes in a familiar forest, the sunlight filtering through the trees. She sits up, clutching her glowing bracelet tightly.

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Mitsuya: (whispering) Aoki...

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She looks up at the sky, where the stars are already twinkling despite the daylight. One star shines brighter than the rest, and her heart aches with both grief and love.

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Mitsuya: I’ll live for both of us. I promise.

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As she watches, the bright star pulses gently, as if answering her vow.

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