As the last rays of the setting sun bathed the city in a warm golden glow, Fujimi and Yira strolled together through the bustling streets. Though surrounded by people, it felt like they were in their own little world as they chatted and laughed together.

Yira opened up more about her difficult upbringing, having to fend for herself and her younger siblings after their parents mysteriously vanished one day. “It was really tough at first. I was so angry and scared. But I realized I had to be strong, you know? My little sibs were depending on me.”

Fujimi nodded, impressed by her maturity and resilience in the face of such hardship. “I really admire how you stepped up to care for your family. Not everyone could handle that kind of responsibility at such a young age.”

Yira gave a small, bashful smile at the praise. “Aw, it was nothin’ special. What else could I do? Wasn’t about to let those munchkins starve or nothin’.” A shadow crossed her face then. “I just hope…I hope I can still provide for them even if I go to that fancy magic school.”

She haltingly explained her doubts about leaving her siblings to fend for themselves while she went off to the academy. And even with the scholarship, how would she afford books, dorms, and supplies? The more she thought about it, the more impossible it seemed.

Fujimi listened intently, letting her voice her concerns without interruption. When she finished, he said gently, “I understand your worries, I really do. But this is an amazing opportunity for you, Yira. A chance to build a better life, for you and your siblings.”

Yira chewed her lip uncertainly. “I dunno…seems pretty risky leavin’ them like that.”

“Well, we’ll just have to find a way to make it work,” Fujimi said firmly. “There are always solutions if you look hard enough. If you want, I could even help figure something out.”

Yira looked touched by the offer. “You’d really do that for me, after I stole from you earlier today?”

“Of course,” Fujimi replied warmly. “I can tell you’re a good person who’s been dealt a difficult hand. It’s only fair you get a chance to better things for your family.”

Yira suddenly stopped and turned to face Fujimi, her heterochromic eyes glistening. “I…I don’t know what to say. You really are somethin’ else, Fujimi Furi.” Overcome with emotion, she pulled him into a fierce hug.

Fujimi stood stunned for a moment before hugging her back reassuringly. As they stood there embracing, the last sliver of sun dipped below the horizon. Fujimi felt a deep sense of peace wash over him. All his prior worries and doubts seemed to drift away.

As the sun dipped low on the horizon, Fujimi and Yira continued their leisurely stroll through the busy streets. A comfortable silence fell between them, but Fujimi’s mind still churned with turbulent thoughts.

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Gathering his courage, Fujimi haltingly broke the silence. “Yira, can I tell you something? I know we just met, but I feel like I can open up to you.”

Yira nodded, her heterochromic eyes warm and encouraging. “Of course, go ahead.”

Fujimi took a deep breath. “It’s just…this whole world, everything about it - it feels so freakish and alien to me. Like I got dumped onto an entirely different planet overnight.”

He gesticulated broadly at the gleaming skyscrapers surrounding them. “I mean, look at this place! Holograms, sentient robots, brain implants - it’s straight out of a sci-fi novel. Just yesterday I was stressing about algebra tests and cafeteria food. Now suddenly I’m thrust a century into the future with all this craziness surrounding me.”

Fujimi laughed shakily, rubbing his neck. “I know I must sound ridiculous, but I can’t shake this feeling of being a total fish out of water. No matter how much I try to wrap my head around it, none of this makes any logical sense to me.”

He lapsed into pensive silence, shoulders hunched slightly as he wrestled internally with his swirling doubts.

Yira listened attentively, her expression open and understanding. When Fujimi finished, she considered her words carefully before responding.

“I get it, I really do,” she said. “Waking up in a totally bizarre new world has gotta be mega disorienting.”

She bumped his shoulder playfully. “But you’re already handling it way better than most would, Fujimi. Just take it one step at a time, y’know? Adaptation takes time, but you’ll get your bearings soon enough.”

Fujimi let out a long breath, feeling some of the tension leave his body. “Yeah, you’re totally right. I know I just need to be patient with myself. It’s just hard not to feel overwhelmed by how literally everything is different here.”

“Hey, overwhelming is normal when your environs get shook up all extreme-like,” Yira assured him. “Cut yourself some slack, buttercup. Anyone would freak if they suddenly got forced a century into the future.”

She launched into a dramatic rendition of how she reacted the first time she encountered a sentient robot butler, miming her cartoonishly panicked response, and Fujimi couldn’t help but laugh.

By the time they reached her house, Fujimi felt considerably lighter. Yira’s grounded, street-smart perspective had helped him see things in a simpler light. He was profoundly grateful to have someone who understood his fish-out-of-water feelings - and knew how to make him laugh about them.

Fujimi trudged home despondently after parting ways with Yira, his earlier courage already draining away. As much as he tried to hide it, she could tell he felt like a fish out of water in this bizarre futuristic world. Who could blame him?

After bidding Yira a warm goodbye, Fujimi trudged up to his front door, only to feel his earlier bleakness settling upon him again like a leaden cloak. As much as he tried to hide it, his hunched shoulders and downcast eyes clearly telegraphed his inner angst.

Seeing his dejected back, Yira felt her heart squeeze. On impulse, she sprinted up beside him and gave his arm a playful jostle. “Chin up, buttercup! Mopin’ won’t change what is.”

Fujimi blinked in surprise, then gave a small, grateful smile. “You’re right. Thanks, Yira.” Turning back to the door, he said, “Hey, you should come meet my parents! I’m sure they’d be happy to help figure something out for you and your siblings.”

Yira’s eyes lit up. “Really? Aw, heck, why not?” She bounced on her heels eagerly as Fujimi opened the door, hoping maybe this strange new friend could help give her siblings the future they deserved.