Sin Slayer System : Levelling Up From C-Rank to SSS-Rank

Elric stood at the guest room door, holding Ernestina's neatly ironed uniform in his hands. He knocked gently and called out, "Can I come in?"

There was a short pause, then her soft voice answered, "Yes, come in."

He pushed the door open slowly. Ernestina was standing by the small mirror, tying her hair back carefully. She was still wearing the oversized T-shirt from last night, and she looked up with a shy, gentle smile when she saw him."I… um… your mom just dropped this off," Elric said, holding out the uniform. His voice sounded a bit shaky, even to his own ears.

She turned fully to face him, her eyes brightening when she saw the uniform. "Oh! Thank you so much," she said, stepping forward to take it. Their fingers brushed for a quick moment, sending a small shock through Elric's chest.

He quickly looked away, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. "I just thought… you might need it right away.

Ernestina nodded, her cheeks turning a little pink. "Your family is so kind," she said quietly. "I really don't know how to thank you enough."

Elric opened his mouth to say something but hesitated. Finally, he managed a small, honest smile. "Just… don't worry about it. I think… it's nice having you here."

A soft warmth settled in the room, so gentle that even the morning light seemed to glow a bit brighter.

"Okay, I'll let you get ready," Elric added quickly, stepping back toward the door. "I'll wait outside."She nodded again, hugging the uniform to her chest. "Thank you, Elric," she said, her voice almost a whisper.

He slipped out, closing the door softly behind him. As he stood in the hallway, he pressed his hand over his heart. It was beating so fast, he almost laughed at himself.

A few minutes later, Ernestina stepped out of the room wearing her fresh uniform. She looked different ;more confident, almost glowing.

Elric looked at her, his eyes widening a little. "Wow… you look… really nice," he said before he could stop himself.

She giggled lightly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Thank you," she replied, her eyes meeting his in a soft, almost shy way.

At that moment, Elric's mom called from downstairs, "You two, hurry up! Breakfast is getting cold!"

They exchanged a quick look, then both burst out laughing. It felt natural, easy, and somehow like the beginning of something new.

Side by side, they headed down the stairs together, ready to share breakfast ;and maybe, without even knowing it yet, ready to step into a different kind of day than either of them had ever imagined before.

.....

As Ernestina and Elric stepped downstairs, they saw Ernestina's mom waiting patiently in her car outside. The car engine was running softly, and she waved when she spotted them through the window.

Ernestina excused herself quickly and hurried outside. Elric watched through the doorway as Ernestina leaned into the car, her arms wrapping around her mom in a gentle, comforting hug. Her mom stroked her hair and spoke softly, her words hidden by the car's glass but clearly full of warmth and care.

Ernestina nodded a few times, her eyes shining with relief. It was a short, motherly exchange , a moment of reassurance that everything was truly okay.

After a final pat on the back, Ernestina pulled away with a bright smile and waved to her mom before coming back inside. She walked straight to the dining table and slipped into the chair next to Elric.

"She's happy I'm safe here," she said softly, her cheeks slightly pink as she adjusted her skirt.Elric smiled, feeling his chest warm up again. "Good… I'm glad," he said, his voice quiet but sincere.

They began eating together, the morning sunlight spilling across the table. Between small bites of toast and sips of warm tea, they shared little glances and shy smiles, like two kids discovering a new secret language only they understood.

After breakfast, Elric stood and carried his plate to the kitchen. His mom was rinsing cups at the sink. He took a small breath and spoke carefully.

"Mom… um, I was thinking… today, can I go to school with Ernestina and her mom? In their car? Just for today, please," he said, shifting on his feet nervously.

His mom turned around, raising an eyebrow for a second before her face softened. She saw the quiet excitement in his eyes and smiled."Of course," she said with a gentle laugh. "It's okay. You can go. You deserve to feel free and happy sometimes too."

Elric's face lit up instantly. "Thank you so much, Mom!" he said, rushing forward to give her a quick, grateful hug before darting back into the hall.He found Ernestina still at the dining table, slowly tying her shoelaces. He stood in front of her, trying to hide the huge grin on his face.

"Now… let's go," he said, his voice light and almost playful.

Ernestina looked up at him, her eyes sparkling. She stood, smoothing her skirt .

"Ready," she said with a soft giggle.

Side by side, they stepped toward the door, the morning air waiting to greet them. Outside, Ernestina's mom sat in the car, smiling as she watched them approach , two young hearts stepping out into a new day, side by side.