After breakfast, with full plates cleared and the air still warm with conversation, Haruki had spent a little more time chatting with Kitayama, Kenji, and even Hanako. They'd asked about his work, life in Tokyo, and shared a few laughs.
But eventually, he stood and bowed politely to everyone.
"Thank you for the meal."
"Oh, I like this kid!" Kitayama laughed, patting his belly.
Hanako nodded, smiling with quiet approval.
"I'm… I'm going now," Haruki said gently. "I still have some work after this."
"Okay," Kitayama replied, standing up to see him off. "Come again, alright?"
Everyone followed, walking with him toward the front door like a proper family send-off.
Haruki stepped outside, waved once, and walked to where his scooter was parked.
He put on his helmet, reached into his pocket.
And paused.
His brows furrowed.
He searched again. Another pocket. Then both hands. Then the side pouch on the scooter.
"…It's not here," he muttered.
"What's wrong?" Keiko asked.
