After leaving the shrine, Haruto headed home. Kana would be leaving for Kyoto in the afternoon, and they had agreed to meet again at the train station before she left. The thought lingered in his mind, bringing a quiet mix of warmth and unease.
The sky had turned pale blue by now, the last traces of sunset fading behind the rooftops. The evening air was cool, carrying the faint smell of rain from somewhere far away. Haruto walked slowly, his thoughts drifting between Kana's words and the memory of her gentle smile.
As he turned onto the main road leading to his neighborhood, he suddenly spotted Miyu walking a little ahead of him. She was carrying a small bag, her hair swaying lightly with each step.
"Miyu!" he called out.
She turned, surprised, then smiled when she saw him. "Haruto? You're heading home too?"
"Yeah," he replied, catching up to her. "No one's home today… my parents went out for the evening. Want to come over for a bit?"
