On the congested road.
"Mom called again to urge us, saying if we don't hurry back and leave, it'll already be evening by the time we reach the countryside."
Tachibana Rui, sitting in the back seat, put down her phone from her ear and spoke to Tachibana Hina in the driver's seat.
"It can't be helped. Who knew the way back would be so congested? It's been over an hour and we've barely moved any distance. This is so annoying."
Tachibana Hina rested her hand on the steering wheel, feeling irritated.
"Don't think about who the culprit behind this situation is."
Tachibana Rui took out her earphones, connected them to her phone, and turned her gaze toward the window.
Hearing this, Tachibana Hina consciously laughed awkwardly twice and brushed it off.
After finishing their meal at the hot spring resort earlier, Tachibana Hina had originally planned to drive straight home, but something went wrong in her head. Seeing that Tachibana Rui looked so well, she decided it must be the therapeutic effects of the hot spring water.
She forcibly dragged both of them back to the room, and only departed after she had soaked in the hot springs and rested for a while.
The consequence was that they got stuck in traffic during rush hour. There was no point getting anxious—they could only wait slowly.
Murakami Yuu looked at Tachibana Rui listening to music, then took out his own phone, which had died and gone black. He sighed helplessly and leaned his head to one side.
Might as well rest for a bit—he hadn't slept very soundly last night either.
...
Murakami Yuu was awakened by thunder. When he opened his eyes, he found that Tachibana Rui had somehow leaned against his shoulder at some point, eyes closed, sleeping peacefully.
The car was moving smoothly, the street scenery constantly receding, and it was raining heavily outside.
"Where are we?"
Murakami Yuu asked in a very quiet voice so as not to disturb Tachibana Rui.
"You're awake. We'll reach your place in about ten minutes. If you're very tired, you can doze off again—I'll call you later."
Tachibana Hina glanced at him through the rearview mirror, then looked straight ahead at the road. Safe driving was important.
"No need, I've slept plenty."
Murakami Yuu slightly adjusted his shoulder position to make it more comfortable for Tachibana Rui to lean against.
"But it's really strange. Despite going out to relax, both you and Rui look tired and exhausted on the return trip, just like office workers who just finished work. No energy or spirit at all."
"Going out to have fun also requires physical energy. Feeling tired is natural."
"But I'm very energetic, and I was even responsible for driving back and forth."
"Maybe it's a matter of constitution."
Murakami Yuu responded casually. Not wanting to continue dwelling on this topic, he chose to change the subject.
"Will you also drive when you go to the countryside later?"
"Yes, because it's a remote place where transportation isn't very convenient, so driving will be more convenient."
"The roads are slippery on rainy days. Be careful and don't rush too much."
Murakami Yuu listened to the sound of rain hitting the car roof and gave this reminder, thinking of his parents who had died in a traffic accident.
Hm?
That memory that just flashed through his mind was...
Murakami Yuu frowned. Some vague things he hadn't remembered seemed like they were about to be grasped by him.
"Don't worry, I'm an experienced driver."
Tachibana Hina's response interrupted Murakami Yuu's train of thought.
Murakami Yuu bit his teeth, feeling somewhat regretful. He had felt like he was about to remember something important.
But he didn't become angry at Tachibana Hina for interrupting his thoughts.
Since there were already signs of remembering, this kind of feeling would definitely appear more frequently in the future.
"We're here."
The car stopped by the roadside with hazard lights flashing.
"Sorry, since this is a rental car, there's no umbrella inside."
"It's fine. It's just a few steps to the apartment."
Murakami Yuu poked Tachibana Rui's face with his finger. She was leaning on his shoulder but hadn't woken up.
No response.
Well, it seems last night was indeed somewhat taxing for her. He shouldn't have made her endure the embarrassment of moving on top by herself.
"Rui."
Murakami Yuu leaned close to her ear and called out.
Tachibana Rui opened her eyes and saw Tachibana Hina turned around from the front seat, looking at her with interest.
"I've reached my destination and need to get out."
After Murakami Yuu explained, Tachibana Rui realized she had been leaning on his shoulder.
She blushed and immediately sat up straight.
"Well then, see you later. Bye. Remember to drive slowly."
"Yeah, bye."
Closing the car door, Murakami Yuu ran toward the apartment.
Tachibana Rui watched his figure steadily through the car window.
Rui...
It used to be Tachibana Rui-san...
Tachibana Hina smiled, then slowly started the car.
...
Murakami Yuu ran his hand through his hair and shook the water droplets off his clothes, waiting for the elevator in the apartment lobby.
Another thunderclap sounded outside, and the rain seemed to get heavier.
Honestly, Murakami Yuu really liked staying lazily at home on rainy days. In his view, that was the best possible enjoyment.
That misty world filled with moisture, the rhythmic sound of gentle rain—it all had a uniquely atmospheric feeling.
The first thing after going back would be to take a bath, then lie on the reclining chair by the balcony, listening to the rain while reading a book, and cook for himself later.
Murakami Yuu entered the elevator with these plans in mind.
But living alone all the time was somewhat lonely. Perhaps he should keep some animals at home to add liveliness. Dogs were too noisy and needed daily walks. Cats might be a good choice—clean and without such strong odors.
Well, no rush. He'd think about it later...
The elevator doors opened, and Murakami Yuu walked out, but saw a familiar figure curled up in front of his door.
"Eriri?"
After approaching, Murakami Yuu crouched down somewhat surprised and called out.
The person whose name was called slowly lifted her head that had been buried between her legs. Her red eyes uncontrollably shed tears again the moment she saw Murakami Yuu.
Murakami Yuu met that gaze, and his heart was suddenly gripped tightly.
Eriri's body lunged forward, her arms wrapping around his neck.
"Idiot, idiot, idiot..."
She repeated this word unclearly.
Murakami Yuu lost his balance due to Eriri's lunging motion and sat on the ground. After hesitating, his hands came to her back and gently patted.
It was comfort, or perhaps mixed with some pity.
He felt Eriri's frailty, coldness, and dampness.
He noticed the schoolbag, fruit, and food packaging bag dampened by rainwater placed to the side, with some porridge shop's chain logo on it.
Connecting the known conditions and reaching a general conclusion, his hands unconsciously changed from light patting to tight embracing.
"Sorry, you've been waiting a long time, haven't you..."
His heart softened, and Murakami Yuu's tone was exceptionally gentle.
---
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