(When silence screams arc)
Hina was both surprised and worried by Isame's words, her mind stuck on one thought—how Haruki had gotten into trouble because of her.
"Tsubaki threatened him… told him to stay away from you. If he doesn't, he might even hurt him," Isame said in a cold tone.
Hina looked at him in shock. "But… why?"
Isame met her gaze. "You already know why."
Hina's heartbeat quickened. "But… how do you know Haruki?"
Isame stayed silent for a moment, then stood up and moved toward the door. "Because… he's my friend."
With that, he left.
Hina lowered her head, holding it in both hands. Her heart felt unbearably heavy.
---
Behind the café counter, Haruki was busy taking orders. Kazuki was working alongside him, swiftly serving the customers.
Casually, Kazuki asked, "By the way, what was that girl's name again?"
While arranging cups, Haruki replied, "Hina."
Kazuki handed a tray to a customer, hiding a small smile. "She's cute, isn't she?"
Haruki thought for a moment. "Yeah… she is cute." A faint smile appeared on his face, as though a quiet thought lingered in his heart.
A little later, Haruki glanced at the clock, went to the changing room, and switched into his casual clothes before heading to college.
---
Hina sat in the classroom, waiting for him. She looked a little down today, as if Isame's words from the morning still echoed in her heart.
Suddenly, the door burst open, and Haruki came rushing in—soaked in sweat, breathing heavily, as if he had been running all the way.
"What happened, Haruki? Why were you running like that?" Hina asked with concern.
Catching his breath, Haruki asked, "First tell me… I'm not late, am I?"
"No, you're on time," Hina replied.
Haruki let out a long sigh of relief. "Then it's fine."
"So… you were running just for that?"
"Yeah," he said with a sheepish grin.
"You're crazy," Hina said, pouting.
Haruki chuckled, then picked up her wheelchair and gently helped her into it before taking her out of the classroom.
---
It was midday, and the sky was thick with clouds. Haruki pushed the wheelchair as they moved along the road.
"Haruki…" Hina said softly.
"Yeah, what is it?"
"Isame told me… that Tsubaki was bothering you this morning."
Haruki nodded. "Yeah, he threatened me to stay away from you."
Hina's voice trembled slightly. "So… does that mean… you won't take me to college anymore?"
Haruki stopped, looking at her. For a brief moment, his eyes showed surprise.
"Answer me…" Hina said again.
Haruki stayed silent. Hina lowered her head, tears welling up in her eyes.
Then Haruki placed his hand gently on her head. "Did you forget? I never go back on my word."
Hina looked up at him in surprise.
With a small smile, he said, "So don't worry… until you get better, I'll stay by your side."
Hina wiped her tears and smiled faintly. "Okay."
They looked at each other, exchanged a smile, and continued on their way.
---
That night, Haruki stepped out of the café and opened his umbrella. Large raindrops fell from the sky, and small puddles had formed on the streets. Somewhere in the distance, lightning flashed faintly.
Not far from the café, he noticed a girl standing in the rain—without an umbrella. Her clothes were drenched, and water dripped from her hair.
Haruki approached her. "Hey… why are you standing in the rain like this?"
The girl slowly turned to look at him.
To be continued…