Chapter 174 : Acceptance

Yumi woke up to the morning light filtering through the curtains, feeling the aches of the night before. Her gaze fell on the bed, the traces of red against the sheets marking the end of her innocence. A mix of disbelief and acceptance washed over her—what was done, was done. She looked over at Ryo and Sachiko, feeling a strange sense of belonging she hadn't expected. The memory of the night replayed in her mind, how Ryo had claimed her, yet shared his attention equally with Sachiko, making her feel… included, in an odd way she hadn't thought possible. 

Yumi still felt a twinge of surprise at how she'd allowed herself to become part of this, yet a newfound strength settled within her. She realized that, despite everything, there was something grounding about knowing she belonged somewhere—even if it was here.