Chapter 1 – Saki Comes to the City

The early autumn sky, even in the city, feels as if it’s peeled back a layer of summer, soaring high and blue.

In the early morning, while the city is still half-dreaming, trucks bustle along the main roads, slicing through the slightly chilly air.

In a residential area off the main road sits a newly built five-story apartment complex for single residents. In one of its rooms, with blackout curtains drawn tight, an alarm blares in the dim space.

“Ngh… nnh…!?”

Saki lazily stretches a hand from under the covers to grab her phone, checks the screen, and bolts upright.

“W-Wait, it’s past 7:30!? Why didn’t Mom—… oh…”

Her deflated voice is swallowed by the sparse, nearly empty room.

In Tsukinose, this time would mean she’s definitely late, but for a city junior high, she’s still well within time.

Blinking, she looks around her bare room, with only the minimum furniture and a few unpacked cardboard boxes, and mutters to herself.

“I really did move, huh…”

It’s been just over a week since Saki started living alone.

Unlike Tsukinose, where doors and windows were barely locked, this city’s 1SLDK apartment, with its soundproofing and top-notch security, is eerily quiet.

No morning chirps of birds or cries of animals reach her, making it feel a little melancholic. Especially since there’s no Tsukushi, the kitten who used to meow constantly and sneak into her bed every night until just before the move.

Though she transferred schools in time for the new semester, she’s still far from used to city life.

There’s loneliness and a longing for Tsukinose.

But it was Saki herself who wanted to come to the city.

“Alright!”

She clenches her fists in front of her chest, psyching herself up as she stands.

Even though there’s still time, living alone means there’s a lot to do on her own. No time to dawdle.

Heading to the kitchen in the next room, she grabs fruit granola from the fridge, pours milk over it for a quick breakfast, checks the day of the week on her phone, gathers the burnable trash, changes into her uniform, and stands in front of the full-length mirror.

The brand-new sailor uniform, unlike the plain jumper skirt from Tsukinose, is stylishly designed with cute details, making her hyper-aware of every little thing.

Is the uniform wearing her?

The skirt, shortened at her best friend Himeko’s urging, isn’t too revealing, is it?

Her light-colored hair, so different from others, doesn’t stand out too much, does it?

For a moment, anxiety clouds her expression, but then Hayato and Haruki’s faces flash through her mind.

If those two were looking at her with concern, she couldn’t let herself show this kind of face.

“I’m off!”

Forcing a smile, Saki leaves the room.

She drops off the burnable trash at the apartment’s collection point and heads to the meeting spot.

People passing by in the entrance or on the street don’t exchange greetings; they walk by indifferently, as if Saki doesn’t even register in their eyes.

Countless bikes and bicycles stream toward the station, and despite the sheer number of people—far more than in Tsukinose—it feels like she’s walking through a deserted wasteland.

The sun, still carrying the fervor of summer, burns Saki’s fair skin.

Sighing in the oppressive humidity, worse than Tsukinose, she wipes sweat from her forehead and spots Haruki waving at her.

“Hey, Saki-chan!”

“Haruki-san!”

Saki’s face lights up as she runs toward Haruki. Looking around, it seems Haruki is alone.

Haruki, hand on her chin, lets out a playful “Well, well,” her lips forming an “ω” shape as she sizes Saki up with a sly grin.

“Hmm.”

“Huh? Hime-chan and Onii-san aren’t here yet—”

“Seeing you like this, the sailor uniform just hits different, you know? It’s good.”

“Haruki-san…?”

“With that youthful face, those long, slender limbs, and even the slightly old-fashioned braids—they give off this pure, innocent, delicate vibe… And your fair skin just amplifies that image. Makes me want to dye you in my colors, you know?”

“Uh, umm…”

Haruki, slightly excited, edges closer with a huff.

As her refined face draws near, Saki recalls a playful moment from Tsukinose when Haruki teased her, and she blushes, stepping back. But Haruki, not letting her escape, gently lifts Saki’s chin, letting out a low hum, and Saki instinctively swallows hard.

For a moment, a strange tension hangs in the air, but a sharp thwack on Haruki’s head snaps them back to reality.

“Ow!?”

“Geez, Haru-chan, what are you doing!?”

“Hey, Haruki, cut it out with the harassment.”

“Hime-chan! Onii-san!”

Turning toward the voices, Saki sees the Kirishima siblings, Himeko looking exasperated. Apparently, Himeko had just smacked Haruki.

As Himeko gestures to look around, Saki notices passersby quickly averting their gazes.

They must’ve been quite a spectacle. Her face flushes with embarrassment, and Haruki sticks out her pink tongue with a sheepish “Teehee.”

Regrouping, the four walk to school, chatting along the way.

“Man, when I was wearing it, I didn’t think much of it, but looking at it now, the sailor uniform’s got something special, right?”

“Yeah, it does feel kind of unique. You only get to wear it as a student, after all.”

“Actually, I was a little jealous of it myself.”

Saki says this, twirling to check herself out. Her collar and skirt flutter lightly.

“Yup, yup. Maybe I’ll dig mine out from home… What do you think, Hayato?”

“Huh?”

Caught off guard, Hayato looks a bit troubled.

His gaze shifts from Haruki to Saki to Himeko, and he scratches his head.

“…I never really thought about uniforms like that. I don’t have any particular attachment to them.”

“What!? Some people choose their school based on how cute the uniform is!”

“Even if you say that, guys’ uniforms are pretty much the same everywhere, right? I’m surprised you care about this stuff, Haruki.”

“Teehee!”

“Hey!”

“Come on, Onii, stylish schools have awesome uniforms even for guys!”

“Oh, right, that famous school with all the celebrities! Their guys’ uniforms are stylish too, not just the girls’, right?”

“Totally, totally!”

“““Right!?”””

Their chatter blooms.

Instead of the dirt paths of Tsukinose, they walk on paved residential streets.

Instead of mountain breezes, they feel the air from building exhaust ducts.

Instead of wild trees growing freely in the mountains, there are neatly planted street trees.

The countryside and the city.

The scenery is completely different from before.

And so is the sight of the four childhood friends walking side by side.

Eventually, they reach the fork leading to their respective schools.

“Well, we’re heading this way.”

“See you later, Saki-chan, Hime-chan.”

“Yes, see you.”

“Let’s go, Saki-chan.”

Saki watches Hayato and Haruki, heading toward their high school, with a slightly envious gaze.

The fewer people walking beside her, the more she feels an empty hole in her chest, but Himeko, walking next to her, seems unusually cheerful. When their eyes meet, Himeko smiles shyly and shares her feelings.

“I was surprised when you suddenly moved here, but I’m really happy we get to go to school together again.”

“…Oh.”

Himeko must have been lonely walking to school alone.

They’d always been together.

Smiling shyly, they hold hands and head to school.

“…Ha.”

Stopping at the school gate, Saki sighs and looks up at the building.

“What’s wrong, Saki-chan?”

“Just… the city’s kinda amazing, you know?”

Himeko responds with a wry “Yeah” and a small laugh.

Unlike Tsukinose’s long, wooden two-story school that doubled as an elementary, the city’s junior high is stylish and modern, almost overwhelming even days after transferring.

The entrance where they change into indoor shoes, the hallways to the classrooms, the view of the field from the corridor windows—everywhere she looks, there are more kids her age than she’d see even at a festival, making it feel like she’s wandered into another world, lacking a sense of reality.

“Morning!”

“M-Morning!”

Entering Class 3-4 and greeting everyone, Saki is quickly surrounded by Honoka Torikai and other girls who notice her. They’re the friends Himeko introduced her to on her first day.

“Morning, Himeko-chan, Saki-chan!”

“Hey, did you do the math homework from yesterday?”

“They said it was leftover from summer break, but it was way too much!”

“Yeah, it was packed front and back!”

“Wait, there was a back!? I only did the front!”

Himeko’s oversight sparks a commotion, and the girls give her teasing, lukewarm stares.

“Speaking of, did you do it, Murao-chan?”

“Was it easy? Tough? How’s the pace compared to your old school?”

“We’re in exam season, and I heard some schools already finished the whole textbook!”

“The kids in cram school are probably ahead too, right?”

“Uh, um, I…”

Caught off guard by the sudden questions, Saki’s shoulders jump, her mind blanks, and her eyes dart around. She’s never been bombarded with questions from classmates like this before, so she doesn’t know how to respond.

The girls look troubled by her awkward reaction, but then Saki spots Himeko in the background, begging to copy someone’s homework. Back in Tsukinose, she always hid behind Hayato’s back too.

If she stays silent now, nothing will change.

Gathering her resolve, she straightens her back, clears her throat with a small ahem, and speaks up.

“Sorry, I got startled because I’ve only ever been surrounded by sheep before!”

“““Pfft!”””

Saki’s playful tone instantly dissolves the tense atmosphere with laughter.

“That’s hilarious! Wait, you had sheep!?”

“Yeah, I’ve even rounded up ones that escaped after school!”

“They just wander around!?”

“Speaking of wandering, I’ve run into weasels and tanuki more often!”

“No way! That’s, like, hardcore countryside!”

“Haha, yup! It’s all rice paddies, a 10-minute walk to the nearest neighbor, and a 30-minute drive over a mountain to the closest convenience store!”

“Whoa, that’s intense! Anything else?”

“Um, the convenience store parking lot’s as big as a runway!”

“That’s so cool!”

“Is it true buses and trains only come a few times a day!?”

“Are those unmanned vegetable stands real!?”

“Does your phone really get no signal in a lot of places!?”

“Himeko-chan never talks about this stuff!”

“W-W-Wait!?”

Drawn in by the lively chatter, other girls who’d been watching from a distance join in, eager to talk to the new transfer student. But being swarmed like this makes Saki’s head spin.

Desperately looking to Himeko for help, she sees her friend arguing, “I’m not a country bumpkin!” while being teased like a mascot.

It’s kind of funny, and Saki can’t help but laugh out loud, spreading smiles around her.

The lunch bell rings, easing the tense atmosphere of the classroom, where everyone’s on edge about high school entrance exams.

The high school Hayato and Haruki attend is the top academic school in the area and highly competitive.

With Saki’s current grades, her chances of passing are about 50-50—within reach but not guaranteed. So she’s been throwing herself into her studies. But at lunch, she lets herself relax, stretching with a big “Ngh, phew!”

Around her, some kids dig into their bentos, others group up to decide on lunch plans, and many rush out, leaving scattered desks behind. The city school switches from class to lunch break so quickly.

Saki takes her time tidying her textbooks, wondering what to do for lunch and where Himeko is, when a shadow falls over her.

“Yo, Murao.”

“Huh? Oh, y-yes…?”

Looking up, she sees a boy who’s a central figure in the class, smiling and leaning in close. Startled, Saki leans back, her shoulders trembling.

His short, neat hair gives off a fresh vibe, and his stylish, polished look is something she’d never seen in Tsukinose. Though still boyish, he’s quite handsome.

She’s heard he’s popular with the girls, but unfortunately, she’s never talked to him before and can’t recall his name.

Unsure why he’s talking to her, she tenses up, her face stiffening.

“Wanna hit up karaoke or something after school?”

“Uh, um…?”

“Oh, not just me—some other guys wanna come too.”

He glances back, and Saki sees a group of boys huddled together.

As she forces a polite smile, a few of them wave casually and approach.

“It’s like a welcome party, you know? A chance to get to know each other.”

“Exams are coming up, so let’s make some memories.”

“We’re in the same class now, so we wanna know more about you, Murao-san.”

“Oh, you’re childhood friends with Kirishima-san, right? Let’s invite her too!”

“Man, I’m already pumped!”

“Uh, um, well…”

The conversation picks up steam, leaving Saki behind.

She’s overwhelmed, her mind blank.

She’s never been surrounded by boys her age like this before.

(Hime-chan!)

Glancing at her friend, she sees Himeko frantically copying notes, a trace of drool at her mouth from dozing off—classic Himeko.

“Sorry, but Saki-chan’s already got plans with us!”

“Torikai-san!”

“Torikai!?” “No way!” “Can’t we join you guys?”

Honoka swoops in between Saki and the boys, winking at Saki and crossing her arms protectively. The boys protest, but she brushes them off.

Other girls start gathering around too.

“We’re about to talk about that now, so shoo, boys!”

“Yup, we’re stealing Saki-chan!”

“Come on, Kirishima-chan… Hey, Kirishima-chan!”

“Wait, just a sec!”

It seems they’ve come to her rescue.

“Alright, that’s that. Let’s go, Saki-chan.”

“Y-Yes!”

Honoka waves off the grumbling boys, grabs the stunned Saki’s hand, and leads her out of the classroom.

They head to the cafeteria with the other girls, talking about the boys’ behavior.

“Those guys were totally hitting on you, Murao-chan.”

“It was straight-up flirting!”

“You’re kind of a hot topic among the boys right now.”

“If you’re not into it, you gotta shut it down clearly!”

“Haha… It’s probably just my hair color standing out.”

Saki grabs her braid, frowning slightly.

In the city school, some kids like Himeko dye their hair, but Saki’s naturally light skin and hair make her stand out even more, just like in Tsukinose. As a transfer student, an outsider in their daily routine, she’s even more noticeable.

She’s aware of it. Curiosity probably plays a part. Even now, passersby glance at her.

But those glances fade as they reach the cafeteria.

The long line at the ticket machine, the crowd at the shop, and the lively tables with students eating and chatting—it’s bustling.

For Saki, who only knew the makeshift cafeteria at Tsukinose’s roadside station, the liveliness is breathtaking.

“Let’s grab seats for the bento crew.”

“I’ll get some tea.

“I’m hitting the shop for a sandwich.”

“What about you, Murao-chan?”

“I’ll try the cafeteria today!”

The past two days, Saki braved the shop for bread but, being a bit clumsy, only managed to grab leftover katsu sandwiches, learning the hard way she’s not cut out for it.

Laughing awkwardly, she joins the ticket machine line.

Despite the crowd, everyone seems to know what they want, and the line moves quickly.

Amazed, Saki’s turn comes soon enough, but she freezes.

The ticket machine lists udon, soba, various rice bowls, and dishes with beef, pork, chicken, or fish, plus countless toppings and sides—all cheap. Overwhelmed, she can’t decide, her eyes spinning. Coming from Tsukinose’s four-option machine, the city cafeteria is a shock.

“!”

A tapping sound from behind urges her to hurry. A long line of hungry, impatient people waits.

Panicking, Saki reflexively picks kitsune udon.

Saki sits down with her udon just as everyone else arrives.

They say “Itadakimasu” and dig in.

“The cafeteria has so many options, I was shocked!”

“Haha, I get it. I was super overwhelmed my first year too.”

“The shop’s got tons of variety too, so we’ve got lots of lunch choices.”

“Some guys bring cup noodles since there’s a hot water dispenser.”

“Oh, we’ve got a guy like that in our class too!”

“Wow, really? Hime-chan’s always got her bento… Wait, Hime-chan?”

Glancing at Himeko, Saki notices her friend staring at her bento, muttering to herself.

Himeko’s bento is vibrant, with fried rice starring ham, eringi mushrooms, onions, broccoli, and chopped green onions, paired with okra and sliced tomatoes. It looks delicious, so why the frown? Honoka seems to catch on, giving a wry smile.

“Got it. Tomatoes.”

“My brother knows I hate tomatoes…”

“Did you do something to your brother again, Kirishima-chan?”

“Last time, it was because you wouldn’t take a bath, right?”

Himeko pouts, and the girls tease her.

But Saki lets out a complicated “Ha…”

“Hime-chan, did your brother make that bento?”

“Yup. Broccoli stems, leftover mushrooms… He’s cleaning out the fridge too. Oh, there’s even tofu.”

“He’s using up ingredients efficiently, balancing nutrition and calories…”

“Haha, you could say that.”

Saki had considered making bentos herself, but living alone has been overwhelming, and she can’t manage it. Having dabbled in cooking, she realizes how far behind she is compared to Himeko’s bento. Her brow furrows.

Then she notices Honoka and the others giving her sly grins.

“Well, well, is this that vibe?”

“Yup, it’s black. Confirmed black.”

“Your opponent’s a tough one!”

“But don’t worry, we’re on your side, Murao-chan!”

“Uh…?”

The girls’ knowing looks make Saki shrink in embarrassment, feeling seen through.

Himeko, puzzled, asks, “What’s that about?”

“Oh, just some recon. We’re talking about hitting up Okashitsukasa Shiro later.”

“Oh, I wanna go! Their uniforms are cute, the sweets are delicious, and it’s a historic place. We gotta take Saki-chan!”

“Haha, totally!”

The girls’ warm gazes on the excited Himeko are oddly affectionate.

After school, Saki, Himeko, and Honoka’s group leave together, heading to Saki’s place for a welcome party. They’re curious about her apartment.

Chatting for 15 minutes, they arrive at the complex, passing a sofa, plants, mailboxes, and delivery boxes in the entrance. Saki unlocks the auto-lock door to let everyone in.

They take the elevator to the third floor, walk through the air-conditioned hallway, and Saki opens the door to Room 308.

“It’s still a bit messy, so it’s kinda embarrassing…”

“Pardon the intrusion!”

Himeko cheerfully greets as she heads to the living room. Honoka and the others cautiously take off their shoes.

A two-seater sofa, a low table, a wooden board with a large TV, and an empty open shelf line the wall. The room is clean but sparse, with little trace of daily life. It feels like a model home—nice but lonely.

Himeko, unbothered, drops her bag on the floor, looks around excitedly, and bounces.

“Hey, can I explore? I didn’t get a good look when we helped you move.”

“Sure, but there’s not much to see.”

“Is this your bedroom? Haha, it’s pretty empty too. With fall coming, you’ll need coats. Maybe a clothing rack?”

“Yeah, I just grabbed the bare minimum when I moved.”

In contrast, Honoka and the others are quiet, almost like timid cats. Saki realizes they haven’t spoken since arriving.

Tilting her head, she looks at them, and Honoka, snapping out of it, asks hesitantly,

“Uh… your place is pretty big, huh? Are you, like, kinda rich?”

“…Huh?”

Rich.

The unfamiliar word makes Saki let out a goofy sound.

The other girls nod along.

“Haha, I’m just a country girl!”

“No way, this place is huge for living alone!”

“The entrance and hallways are super nice!”

“There was another door in the hallway, right!?”

“It’s clean because it’s new, and that other door’s a free room? My mom and grandma might stay over sometimes, so…”

“Rich or not, your family’s shrine has over a thousand years of history, so you’re from a distinguished family, right?”

“H-Hime-chan!”

Himeko’s words spark an excited “Ooh!” from Honoka’s group.

When Himeko shows them photos of Saki’s family shrine and her summer festival outfit, they exclaim, “Whoa, it’s huge!” “So historic!” “That outfit’s gorgeous!” “Total rich girl vibes!”

Overwhelmed, Saki thinks it’s just old, not fancy, and escapes to the kitchen, saying, “I’ll get drinks!”

Grabbing a plastic bottle of tea from the fridge, she pauses.

No guest cups. Barely any dishes for herself.

She grabs leftover paper cups from the move, chuckling at how this is rich, and returns to the living room.

Now they’re excited over summer break photos of everyone playing back home. “River fun looks awesome!” “Barbecue, nice!” “You’re really surrounded by sheep!?”

Then Honoka casually mutters,

“That’s Nikaidou-senpai, right? She smiles like that…”

“Playing with barbecue charcoal? Can’t imagine that from her school vibe.”

“She’s friendly but keeps everyone at a distance, like an untouchable flower.”

“Great at sports and studies, super cool image.”

“She was so efficient at her part-time job the other day!”

“…Huh?

Saki and Himeko exchange stunned looks.

The image Honoka’s group describes doesn’t match the Haruki they know.

Himeko, skeptical, speaks up.

“Uh, you sure you’re not mixing her up? It’s Haru-chan. She’s terrible at teaching, only shows her sloppy side at our place, and yesterday she bought a duck toy that swims when you put bath bombs in, saying it was cheap!”

“She left it at your house, right?”

“Yup. And Onii went straight to the pharmacy to buy bath bombs. Like, what are you, a kid!?”

“Haha…”

Honoka’s group seems puzzled by this Haruki. Apparently, the Haruki they see at school is different from the one Saki knows.

Their mutual curiosity fuels a lively chat about Haruki.

“Hm…?”

“What’s up? …18?”

“!?”

One of the girls points to a desk in the bedroom with a laptop and a tall case with a cute girl illustration and a bold “18” sticker, standing out in Saki’s room.

The girls tilt their heads, and Saki’s face turns beet red.

“Uh, that’s, um! Back in the countryside, Hime-chan’s brother—! It’s a bit out there, but it’s got a really good story!”

“Oh! That’s Onii’s adult game!”

“““!?”””

Honoka’s group gasps, swallowing hard.

They’re at that age—curiosity about such things is natural.

Glancing at each other, one raises her hand confidently.

“I propose a study session for educational purposes!”

After an impromptu gaming session and discussion, Honoka’s group, their skin oddly glowing, heads home.

“Let’s go, Hime-chan.”

“Yup.”

After tidying up, Saki and Himeko head to the Kirishima house, a five-minute walk—closer than in Tsukinose.

Since moving, Saki’s been eating dinner there, invited by Hayato, who said three or four people makes no difference with Haruki around. Feeling a bit guilty but unable to manage dinner prep alone, she gratefully accepts. Plus, more time with them makes her happy.

Walking side by side with Himeko in a different direction from school, the early autumn dusk falls quickly.

People hurry home as if chased by the sun.

Saki and Himeko slip into a large family-oriented apartment complex.

“Welcome back… Whoa.”

“Haha…”

“Hey, welcome back, Hime-chan, Saki-chan.”

Himeko sighs dramatically upon returning.

In the living room, Haruki, still in her uniform, lounges on the sofa, legs propped on the armrest, reading manga. Her skirt is flipped up precariously, but she doesn’t care. Saki gives an awkward laugh at her carefree demeanor.

Hayato, unfazed, is cooking dinner in the kitchen. It’s probably just another day for them.

Saki feels a twinge of envy at their natural dynamic.

“Geez, Haru-chan, that’s so unladylike! Your legs!”

“Hm? Can you see? Wanna read this, Hime-chan?”

“Haru-chan… Wait, this is that spy manga everyone’s talking about!”

“Yup! Watched the first episode of the anime yesterday and ended up buying the whole set after school. Here, Volume 1!”

Himeko dives into the manga the moment it’s handed to her—classic, easily swayed Himeko. Saki sighs, exasperated but fond.

It’s a nice atmosphere.

Haruki and Himeko, engrossed in the manga, make space for Saki on the sofa. Not long ago, she couldn’t have imagined having a place in this city, and the warmth in her chest grows

She starts to sit, mimicking their ease, when Hayato’s back in the kitchen catches her eye. Hesitating, she glances between the sofa and Hayato, clenches her fists, and heads to the kitchen.

“Onii-san.”

“Oh, Saki-san, welcome back.”

“I’m home!”

His casual greeting makes her heart skip.

“Welcome back” and “I’m home.”

A simple exchange. Hayato continues chopping lettuce, humming.

But to Saki, it feels special.

Hiding her racing heart, she smiles and starts talking.

“You’re using the apron, huh?”

“The old one was worn out. I got some oil on it already, but I cleaned it. I’ll take good care of it.”

“Haha, aprons are meant to get dirty. I think it’s happy being used like that. Right, Konsuke?”

“It has a name?”

“Hehe, just decided it now.”

“Oh, I see.”

Saki grins playfully, looking at the fox patch on the apron she gave him for his birthday.

It’s a bit childish, but the new kind of interaction makes her heart soar. Her smile widens.

“Need any help?”

“Hm, could you grab some yogurt from the fridge?”

“Yogurt?”

“For a secret ingredient in the tomato curry.”

“Whoa!”

When Hayato lifts the pot lid, a mouthwatering aroma fills the room. The reddish curry simmers with eggplant and zucchini. Though spicy, the yogurt’s tang should make it perfect for the lingering summer heat.

As if on cue, two stomachs growl from the living room. Himeko and Haruki bury their faces in the manga to hide it, making Saki and Hayato chuckle.

“Saki-san, can you grab some plates?”

“Yes!”

““““Itadakimasu!””””

Four voices echo in the Kirishima dining room.

“Mmm, the tang, sweetness, and spice are so balanced! But maybe a bit watery?”

“The tomatoes let out more liquid than I expected. The simmer’s a bit shallow, so it’s kinda runny.”

“It’s so good, hot, spicy—Onii, water!”

“Here, Hime-chan, water.”

“Wait, Hime-chan, you hate tomatoes but you’re fine with tomato curry?”

“I hate raw tomatoes! That bitterness is just… But I love ketchup and pasta sauce!”

“Haha, got it…”

As they savor the curry, they talk about seeing persimmon and chestnut juice at a vending machine, a classmate slow to respond due to post-break lethargy, and how hard it is to remember names and faces with so many people compared to Tsukinose. Smiles bloom over topics so different from home.

Living alone has been tough and disorienting, but Saki feels glad she took the leap to the city.

“Mm, smells good.”

“Dad!?” “Uncle!?”

“!”

The living room door opens, revealing Kazuyoshi Kirishima, Himeko and Hayato’s father, with a face resembling his kids.

Hayato and Haruki sound surprised, as if his return is unexpected. It’s Saki’s first time seeing him since moving to the city.

“…”

“““…”””

Silence falls.

It’s just before 7 p.m., a time for family bonding in most homes, but Kazuyoshi seems restless, out of place.

The mood feels heavy, perhaps because his shirt looks worn or the dark circles under his eyes.

Noticing the full dining table, Saki hurriedly speaks up.

“Uh, here…!”

“No, no, stay there, Saki-chan.”

As she starts to stand, Kazuyoshi stops her, heading to the kitchen to make coffee with the kettle and sitting on the living room sofa with his bags.

In the awkward air, Hayato clears his throat.

“So, uh, you’re back early. That’s rare, Dad.”

“Yeah, had something at the hospital this afternoon.”

Hospital.

Himeko’s shoulders flinch, her face stiffening.

Hayato, noticing, chooses his words carefully.

“When’s she coming back?”

“She’s almost fully recovered and wants to come home soon, but… it’s her second time, so we’re being cautious.”

“I see.”

He must’ve discussed her progress with the doctor. It sounds like she’s doing well.

Not just Kazuyoshi but Haruki, who’d been watching tensely, exhales in relief, her face softening. The mood lightens.

But Himeko still looks uneasy, and Hayato’s brow furrows.

Saki recalls when her best friend’s mother collapsed the first time.

“Make Himeko, my little sister, smile!”

Hayato’s wish, the same as hers, comes to mind.

So Saki claps her hands, forcing a bright voice.

“Uh, shopping! I just moved, and I’m missing so many things!”

Her words come out selfishly.

All eyes turn to her. She wonders if she could’ve said something else.

Then her eyes meet Hayato’s, his gaze holding surprise and a hint of worry.

Saki smiles reassuringly, signaling she’s okay.

Catching her intent, Hayato jumps in.

“Yeah, moving means you’re short on stuff. I’ve been putting off getting things I want too, like a pressure cooker.”

“A pressure cooker? I’ve been meaning to grab some new manga and light novels too.”

“Isn’t there a bookstore by the station?”

“You don’t get it, Hayato. Specialty stores come with bonuses! For my faves, I gotta collect everything!”

“Pure curiosity, but what do you do with duplicates?”

“One’s for me to enjoy! The others are for recommending to friends to spread the love!”

“Wait, you have people to lend manga to!?”

“Right here!”

“Now that you mention it, I’ve noticed unfamiliar books on my shelf… Anything else?”

“Uh…”

“Donmai!”

“Ugh, meanie! Fine, I’ll bring some to Saki-chan’s place next time!”

“Haha, Haruki-san…”

Haruki joins in, shifting to other topics.

The atmosphere turns lively, and Himeko chimes in with a bright “Oh!” slipping into the conversation.

“Speaking of, fall clothes are out already. I wanna check them out!”

“Himeko, isn’t it still too hot for fall stuff?”

“Onii, you don’t get it. It’s about getting ahead! You just deal with the heat!”

“Plus, Onii-san, seasons change fast. It’s not too early to prepare. I’m thinking a cardigan since the school AC’s so strong.”

“Is that how it works, Haruki… Wait, you just looked away!”

“Wah, I need to pick out fall stuff too!

“Geez.” “Haru-chan…” “Haha.”

Haruki’s reaction sparks natural laughter.

Kazuyoshi, watching, suddenly speaks with a hint of realization.

“Shopping for girls’ clothes is tough, Hayato.”

“Sounds exhausting just thinking about it.”

“When that happens, let someone pick for you. I think it was when I was in high school? My then-just-a-friend dragged me shopping—”

“Wait, Dad, you mean—!”

“Kyaa! Uncle, tell us more!”

“W-Wait, you and Aunt!?”

“Picking for Hayato… That’s a big yes!”

It’s a love story.

The famous pre-dating tales of Himeko’s parents spark curiosity, even Himeko’s excitement.

But Hayato, embarrassed, forcefully changes the subject.

“S-Speaking of, when we first reconnected, Haruki’s fashion sense was awful, right?”

“Oh, Haru-chan’s style was rough.”

“Mrow!? Hayato, Hime-chan!?”

“Wait, tell us more!”

“I’ve got photos. Here.”

“…Wow.”

“Saki-chan too!?”

Laughter spreads around Haruki.

The heavy mood has vanished.

Noticing this, Saki quietly sighs in relief.

Her eyes meet Hayato’s, his gaze conveying thanks with a small smile. Saki smiles back, saying it’s nothing. He widens his eyes, scratches his head bashfully, and looks away.

He’s older, but she can’t help thinking he’s a little cute.

The city’s night sky, with few stars and no moon, spreads darkly like spilled ink.

Yet the countless lights below keep the ground bright, blurring the boundary with the sky, unlike Tsukinose.

Leaving the Kirishima house, Saki and Haruki head home.

“…”

“…”

No words pass between them.

Only the sound of their footsteps echoes.

It’s not awkward; they’ve already talked plenty at the Kirishima house.

It’s a nice silence, a sign they’ve grown closer.

Saki glances at Haruki.

Haruki Nikaidou.

The elegant, delicate girl who’s been closer to Hayato than anyone since childhood.

Her unguarded demeanor at the Kirishima house.

Her unreserved interactions.

Her quick support for Himeko.

All things only she could do.

A streetlight illuminates Haruki’s profile, stirring Saki’s heart.

A sudden, colorless breeze blows.

“Eek!”

“Whoa!”

Saki hurriedly presses down her shorter-than-Tsukinose uniform skirt, and Haruki catches her long hair swept by the wind.

The late evening chill makes them shiver.

Their eyes meet, and Haruki gives an embarrassed smile.

It’s a beautiful smile.

But it’s fleeting, fragile, like the hazy city moon, ready to vanish.

Haruki sometimes shows this lonely expression.

—Mao Nikaidou, no, Mao Takura.

Though Saki’s new to the city, Mao’s name comes up often in class. She didn’t realize it in Tsukinose, but Mao’s quite famous.

Naturally, Saki’s never heard of Mao having a daughter.

Haruki can’t be unaffected.

Her innocent smile, shown only to Hayato, speaks to how much he means to her, tightening Saki’s chest.

“Um—”

“!”

Seeing Saki’s expression, Haruki speaks up with concern.

Saki panics for a moment, but her phone’s notification saves her.

“Haruki-san, look at this!”

“—Wow, it’s that kitten!”

It’s a photo from her mom of Tsukushi, the kitten the Murao family recently adopted.

He’s sprawled on his back, paws up, with text reading, “I’m a former stray, forgot all about the wild life.”

Flicking through, there’s Tsukushi napping with Shinta on the porch, leaping for a cat toy, or looking up eagerly at his food dish, showing all sorts of expressions.

Saki and Haruki’s eyes soften.

“Dad’s totally smitten… Shinta’s been coming over every day.”

“Hehe, Tsukushi’s totally part of the family now.”

“He’s such a cuddler, sneaking into bed at night.”

“Nice…”

Haruki found and saved Tsukushi.

Because of her, he’s happy now.

So Saki, seeing Haruki’s wistful sigh, wants to thank her with confidence.

“Haruki-san, let’s have a sleepover sometime, like in Tsukinose!”

“Huh, oh…”

“I’m getting used to living alone, but it’s a bit lonely… I’ve got extra space, so, you know?”

It comes out selfish again, her face reddening with embarrassment.

But Haruki, blinking at her, says something unexpected.

“I’m really glad you came here, Saki-chan.”

“…Huh?”

Haruki smiles softly, the same trusting smile she shows Hayato.

Her feelings reach Saki, warming her chest.

With a mischievous grin, Haruki makes a selfish request.

“How about a sleepover at Hime-chan’s place with Hayato too? Stay up late, rent movies we wouldn’t usually watch.”

“Sounds fun!”

“Wanna sleep side by side with pillows?”

“Hm, Hime-chan’s room might be too small.”

“Then we take over the living room!”

“Haha!”

Planning away, Haruki and Saki head to their empty homes.

Their laughter rises, absorbed into the city’s hazy darkness.