Mira didn't come.
Hiyori looked at the clock worriedly. "She's usually here by now."
Leo suggested, "Let's check on her."
The two headed to Mira's classroom.
Mira was slumped over her desk. The other students had already gone home.
"Mira," Hiyori called out quietly.
No response.
Leo approached. "Mira?"
Slowly, Mira raised her face. Her eyes were vacant.
Hiyori was surprised. "Mira..."
Mira tried to write something with trembling hands. But she couldn't hold the pen.
"Don't push yourself," Leo said gently. "You don't have to talk."
Hiyori sat next to her. Just being there.
A silence continued for a while.
Eventually, Mira said in a small voice, "I can't anymore."
Hiyori asked quietly, "What can't you do?"
"Everything," Mira answered. "Meeting expectations. Trying hard. Living."
Leo had a serious expression. "Mira, you're in a very painful state right now."
Mira nodded. Tears fell.
Hiyori held her hand. "You're not alone."
"But I couldn't tell anyone," Mira cried. "I didn't want to seem weak."
Leo said, "Saying you're in pain when you're in pain isn't weakness. It's courage."
"Really?" Mira looked up.
"Really," Hiyori nodded. "Asking for help is the power to live."
Mira cried more. Like a dam breaking.
Hiyori just kept holding her hand.
Leo said quietly, "What hurts the most right now?"
Mira answered, "Myself, who can't do anything."
"What do you mean, can't do anything?"
"Studies, friendships, everything is half-done."
Hiyori asked gently, "Did you think you had to be perfect?"
Mira nodded. "But I can't. So I have no value."
"That's wrong," Leo said clearly. "A person's value isn't determined by achievements."
"Then by what?"
"Existence itself," Hiyori answered. "You being here. That itself has value."
Mira looked disbelieving.
Leo explained, "When the mind is breaking, thinking becomes distorted. Everything looks hopeless. But that's a temporary state."
"Will it heal?" Mira asked.
"Not heal exactly, but change," Hiyori said. "If this is the bottom, there's only up from here."
Mira laughed a little. "Too simple?"
"But it's the truth," Leo acknowledged. "Emotions change like waves. No suffering lasts forever."
Hiyori suggested, "Today, you don't have to do anything. Just rest."
"If I rest, I'll fall further behind," Mira showed anxiety.
"It's okay to fall behind," Leo said. "Mental health is the top priority."
Mira was surprised. "No one's ever said that to me."
"Everyone rushes too much," Hiyori said. "But the courage to stop is also necessary."
Mira took a deep breath. "What should I do?"
"First, let's consult a professional," Leo suggested. "Like a counselor."
"That's embarrassing," Mira resisted.
"It's not embarrassing," Hiyori denied. "Rather, it's a wise choice."
"Really?"
"Really," Leo nodded. "If your tooth hurts, you go to a dentist. If your mind hurts, you go to a counselor. Same thing."
Mira thought. "Will you come with me?"
"Of course," Hiyori answered immediately.
Leo also nodded. "We'll support you."
A little light returned to Mira's eyes.
"From today, little by little is fine," Hiyori said. "Don't carry it alone."
"Thank you for talking to us," Leo expressed gratitude. "That's the first step."
Mira nodded slightly. "I'm scared, but I'll try."
"Being scared is natural," Hiyori acknowledged. "But together, it'll be okay."
The three headed to the nurse's office. To consult with the school nurse. From there, connect to professionals.
Mira said while walking, "Will it really get better?"
"It might take time," Leo answered honestly. "But it will definitely get better."
"Can I believe that?"
"Believe it," Hiyori smiled. "We believe in you too, Mira."
Mira wiped her tears. Her mind was about to break. But it didn't break. Because there was support.
Rain began to fall outside the window. But a small hope sprouted in Mira's heart.
"Thank you," Mira said.
"You're welcome," Hiyori answered. "We'll always be by your side."
Leo added, "Especially when the mind is breaking, support is needed. Have the courage to accept it."
Mira nodded. She wasn't alone. That fact was now more empowering than anything.