He tried to ignore it — until two young women approached him from the side.
"Hi there," one of them said with a smile. "Aren't you one of my classmates?"
Raito blinked, confused.
"Uh… no. I'm just here because my sister dragged me along — Aiko."
The girls looked at each other in surprise.
"Wait… Aiko's brother?" one of them said.
"No way! You're her brother?"
"Yeah," Raito said with a small nod.
The first girl giggled, tilting her head.
"Wow, you've changed so much. You look… different. More mature."
She leaned a bit closer, smiling playfully.
"How about you grab a glass of wine with us? My treat."
Raito forced a polite smile and shook his head.
"No, thanks. I'm fine with coffee. Please excuse me."
He stood up, taking his cup, and moved toward a quiet corner by the café wall.
Leaning his back against it, he let out another sigh.
"What's going on with everyone?" he murmured. These girls barely ever talked to me before… so why now?
