"Congratulations!"
Everyone sitting around the table raised their glasses in a toast, expressing their congratulations to Emilia.
"Thank you, everyone."
A warm feeling spread through Emilia's heart. She loved this kind of atmosphere, and she was truly grateful for everyone's kindness. Amid this cheerful mood, she couldn't resist having a bit of wine.
They chatted and laughed. Only Sora, after eating her fill, was idle with nothing to do. Suddenly, something occurred to her. While no one was paying attention, she slid her body down under the table.
"… …"
Ilia, right next to her, saw this but did nothing to stop it. Before long, Sora's eyes met Rei Ao's. From his smile, she understood what Sora was up to.
What a little gluttonous cat who can never be satisfied…
…
The party was fun, but ended fairly quickly. Naturally, Fumino and Rizu wouldn't stay too long. After dinner, Rei Ao offered to see them home.
While Mai and Futaba were cleaning the table and dishes, Sora crawled out from under the table.
"Sora? Why were you under there?" Mai asked, confused.
"Gulp!"
After swallowing, Sora answered cheerily, "Hee-hee, obviously I was eating something yummy down there."
"?"
All the good food was on top of the table, wasn't it? What could possibly be under it?
Mai and Futaba were at a loss. Only Ilia, who understood everything, shook her head helplessly. She had never taught Sora any custom of eating under the table. Sora was simply like a sneaky cat seeking out that… well…
…
They first took Rizu Ogata to a spot close to her home. Rizu said, "Um, from here on I'll go by myself; if my dad sees you, it might be trouble."
She could already imagine what would happen if her dad saw Rei Ao. Since she said so:
"All right. We'll stay here and watch until you're inside."
"Mm, okay. Thanks for accompanying me back, Rei Ao-kun, Fumino."
With a shy nod of thanks, Rizu headed for her house. When they saw her wave goodbye at the doorway before going inside, the two took their leave.
"Let's get you home now. If it's far, we'll grab a taxi. I'll cover the fare."
"No need, my home's close by; I can walk."
"Then I'll walk you."
Unable to refuse Rei Ao's kind offer, Fumino pointed down a quiet street. "This way."
The moonlight was bright, clouds drifting across the night sky. A gentle breeze stirred the leaves of roadside plants and rustled Fumino's smooth hair. They walked side by side, neither speaking, as quiet as the street at night.
When she was with everyone else, Fumino could talk freely. But now that it was just the two of them in this setting, she suddenly didn't know what to say.
What do I do? This atmosphere feels so strange! she thought, wanting to break the silence but not knowing how.
Fortunately, Rei Ao spoke first.
"Fumino, is no one home at your place today?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Normally, if someone's coming home this late, they'd let the family know—like Rizu does, texting or calling. But you haven't done that." Rei Ao reasoned, "So I'm guessing maybe your family's working overtime or something. Of course, it's just small talk; you don't have to answer."
"… …"
After a few seconds of silence, Fumino slowed her pace and stopped by the roadside. She lifted her gaze to the stars, eyes glistening.
"Rei Ao-kun, do you believe that people become stars after they die?"
Rei Ao looked at her. After thinking a moment, he said, "It's a lovely and sincere idea—to believe that someone dear, when they die, might become a star that watches over the one they love. I'm willing to believe in it."
A faint, gentle smile appeared on Fumino's face. "Yes, it's a beautiful idea. I'd like to believe in it, too."
"Actually, my mom passed away, and my dad… hardly ever comes home."
She spoke of her distressing circumstances—her family on the verge of falling apart.
Meeting Rei Ao's gaze, she said, "Sometimes, I really envy how you have Sora and the others by your side, with laughter always in your home."
"Haha, in fact, until about a month ago, I was living alone," Rei Ao remarked with a small laugh.
"Eh?"
Fumino froze.
"My parents died young, and Sora and the rest aren't my real sisters, either." He shrugged, not minding sharing his situation.
"…"
It was the first time Fumino had heard this, and she instantly regretted what she'd said earlier. Rei Ao-kun's family situation was worse than hers, yet she'd spoken about envying him…
No matter how she thought about it, it felt wrong. She pressed her lips together, intending to apologize.
"I'm sorry, Rei Ao-kun, I—"
But Rei Ao waved a hand. "No need. It doesn't bother me, and in fact, I'm quite happy these days."
"Besides having a beautiful girlfriend, I also have adorable sisters and a maid, right?" He couldn't have imagined such a nice life before.
"Is there anything else?" Fumino suddenly asked, her clear eyes blinking.
"Anything else?"
Rei Ao showed a hint of puzzlement for the first time.
"For example… Rizu."
All right, Fumino decided to use this chance to clarify. After spending such a wonderful day together with everyone, she didn't want this matter to fester and hurt their relationships later. Yet everything about Rizu was entirely Fumino's preconception.
In truth, hearing her bring up Rizu just left Rei Ao perplexed.
"What about Rizu?"
"… …"
Fumino stared at him a while, took a deep breath, and said, "That day, whatever happened between you and Rizu—I know about it."
"?"
Rei Ao froze. She must be referring to the day Rizu disappeared. But what did she "know"?
"Did Rizu tell you?"
"No." Fumino shook her head. "I figured it out myself."
She was telling the truth. Rei Ao could sense no negative feelings or anxiety coming from her words, which was quite odd. Glancing at Fumino under his True Sight:
[Name]: Furuhashi Fumino
[Level]: 0
Level 0, no abilities, no special possessions.
Undeniably, she was as ordinary as could be. But how could an ordinary person have discovered something about Rizu's situation?
~~~
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