‹Rin›

0722, Monday.

"Hello, Gin? Are you doing fine there? Ah, that's good to hear. Yep, it's lunch break right now.

I see. Well, I actually expected that you would stay there for longer. Ahahaha. Sorry, sorry.

Yeah, don't worry about that. Besides, Anna is still there. But I guess I'll go join her for dinner again. Flying apples, you're so diligent for work.

Okay. Please send them my greatest regards. I hope they can recover quickly. Well, talk to you later. Bye!"

And my phone beeped.

Yes, when I said lunch break, I'm currently at school and you guessed right that Gin is once again on leave. Thinking about that, there's something that I noticed in Gin's studying life ever since I met him. His school attendance is just too spotty or poor.

I don't know in his first three years of junior high school, but starting from when he was a fourth year, he was hit by a truck and went MIA for a week… or technically, two years; then because of Joseph Horach he also had to take days off and he got his bones broken (again). The next year, he went hot potato and had to lock himself in isolation for a month. And then this current school year, we're away for three weeks and now he is out somewhere for a week starting from the 18th.

But well, I guess I am not very different from that spotty attendance as I had to take care of a rude, hot potato for a month last year, and I'm involved in those three weeks. At this point, either we are suspended or expelled from school if we haven't done any way of formality regarding those matters. I however get that Tenth is going somewhat softly on Gin as he understands him, but for me to also take that one month leave, it was difficult. I had to borrow the fragments of Gin's wits from when his mind was almost literally like scrambled eggs, or just in shambles.

But I, for one, am glad that nothing has happened to him so far this year. Ever since he apparently sorted out his empty and broken mind, heart, and life, I think it is safe to say that his self-conflict is now a fragment of history.

Enough talking, my whole afternoon class is a practicum in CA! I'll at least have a little bit of fun!

▪ ▪ ▪

Right after the lunch break, I went to the HE Room together with Jean and immediately wore an apron.

"Alright, class. We'll have a lot of time in our hands, so you can make something that takes a little time. But first, we'll be having draw lots and do pair work.

Anyone who doesn't want to?"

No one opposed. Thus, we all took our number slips that ought to coincide with the same number. I drew number 4 and found out that my partner is…

"Isn't this the second time we will pair up, Rena?"

"Ah, yes. I remember from that time."

"Wait, I just noticed… I rarely even hear you speak in class…!" there was however no hint of negative intent or judgement in my words. Rather, I was somewhat amazed. "You actually have a nice voice, you know!"

"I guess I really am very quiet in classes. But I can say the same for you, Ringo. Most of the time I see you acting timidly, but you can converse with me normally."

"Ahahaha. I guess that's really how I am. One downside of being an introvert is having a difficult sense of distance with others. About you, though. You look like you're a shy type."

"Not really. Rather, I'm just meek instead of shy. I can talk to people without any problem."

"Actually, I think we should end the chat for now… We haven't even thought of what we will be making."

"Ah… I guess you're right…"

The practical this time does not follow any theme for some reason, so we are free to do what we want to cook. And besides, it is either we eat it after class or take it home for dinner, in which I am planning the latter to share it with Anna later if things go well. But it is Rena that we are talking about.

I am however a bit surprised that she is fine talking to me, but it would be bad if I point out our gap in age so I went with a roundabout way…

"Wait, Rena! You just turned 20 a few days ago, right?"

"Hmm? Yeah. So you knew the date. What about it, though?"

"Well… I suddenly got reminded that Potato is also turning 20 this year."

"Uhh… Who's Potato?"

"…! Gin! I'm talking about Gin! It just slipped out that I called him by his nickname! Hahaha…!"

"Oh. That's right. He really doesn't look much like a high schooler anymore." she honestly said and slightly chuckled. "So you two really are good friends? I sometimes see you together in class and even when going in and out of school."

"Ohh… so people actually notice Gin sometimes even with his minimal exposure."

"Actually, maybe not good friends. Are you two dating?"

The woman's intuition…! Wait, I'm a woman too!

"Yeah… that's the case."

Do you remember how we talked about not hiding the fact that Gin and I are dating but with a condition that if by chance we'll tell someone if they noticed it naturally? Well, I wasn't careful and my other two female classmates in the front counter heard.

"Heeehhh… It's surprising that you're actually going out with Gin, Ringo."

"Ahahahaha. I hear a lot that we don't look like a couple."

Nevertheless, I'm fine if others get to know that so it does not pose a problem for us.

And in time for us to pick our ingredients (finally), we noticed something weird in the meat section.

"Huh… The pork and chicken's all gone…"

Rena added, "Why does it look like all the beef is untouched…?"

Some of our classmates heard our mumbles and suddenly shot a glare towards us, and went back to their own businesses. While the two of us are still standing in front of the fridge, the teacher approached us.

"About that beef, my friend from Australia sent me a lot of meat. I took most of it, and might as well let my students use it. That's the reason why I started this practical, you know.

Why did none of you get at least a gram, anyway?" he shouted.

And so we took out the different sets of cut out from the fridge. Upon further inspection, I mean very deep inspection; we noticed quite a lot of intramuscular fat in between every cut. Simply put… or sophisticatedly put, marbling.

Wait, where did I learn the word "intramuscular"?

"Are you telling me that this is Wagyu, Taiyou-sen?!" an inexcusable shriek echoed inside the room from my throat.

"Ah… It's not like that," he shook his hand. "It came from a farm that my friend owns. It just so happened that this certain cow was raised carefully. Still, that maybe prime grade by the standards. But anyway, I heard that it was still selling for a high price for its class. But hey, it's not very gamy."

"Is that so…" I said, while my hands blurred in the speed of grabbing the meat while Rena was sneaking several fist pumps.

"You look happy, Ringo."

"Of course, I am! It's so rewarding when you get to properly cook beef, y'know?!"

"Ahh. I get what you mean."

Without further ado, we grabbed ourselves knives upon completing our list.

"Fufu…" as I was chopping, I suddenly heard Rena chuckle and stopped with a suspicious face looking at her.

"What is it…?"

"I just remembered Ringo being called a part of the 'triumvirate'. And look at how you can still use the knife properly even at that speed. Also, you really seemed like you were so excited earlier when you learned about the beef."

Abruptly stopping, her cheeks suddenly turned red.

"S-Sorry. I guess it looks like I was observing you a lot."

"Ahahaha… Don't mind it. It's probably because of the high spirits I got from working in a restaurant temporarily."

"Wha~ You worked in a restaurant?"

"I thought you've already heard, but I worked in Giotto's North with Gin and Jean in summer last year."

"Really?! So the rumors that Gin is a grandson of a master chef were true after all?"

"W-Well… He was not a master chef anymore when Gin was born. He didn't even know that until last time.

By the way, that bun is cute."

I was a little amazed that she has a very long hair, but she managed to fit it in a single bun. And I can't even do how properly she can tie her hair.

She was, for some reason shocked. She placed down her knife and went behind me with a rubber band.

"You forgot to tie your hair. I guess you kind of forget to do it when you cut your hair."

"Oh, sorry. Was your hair also in this length?"

"It was, back in my first year in high school."

"We're so contrasting. In that time I had long hair."

~ ~ ~

While I found that Rena is actually quite an observant, I also did some observations of my own towards her. I had watched her cook many times but it was in a usual, household-like pace, and to top it all, I've also tasted her cooking which was absolutely bonkers. And yet, I am watching her—keeping up with my accidentally excited restaurant-like pace.

"Rena… by chance, have you also worked in a restaurant environment?"

"Hmm? No?"

"Wha-?! That's so amazing! You're so fast and precise!"

"Am I really…?" she was flustered. "I only do household cooking, though."

"I guess I can relate. I now usually do the food in the family, and sometimes I make some for Gin since he sometimes feels lonely in his house."

"Cooking for someone…" Rena smiled. "So Gin lives alone?"

"That's why he does all of his food. And actually, he is like my teacher along with my older sister. He also has a cat with him! Do you also like cats, Rena?"

"I do, but there's… there's someone in the family that is not good with fur, so we can't adopt one. But our house is quiet so I really prefer having a cat without a care to the world."

"Hahahahaha…! Haku is so like that!"

~ ~ ~

With our given time, the beef cooked very well for a Stroganoff, as what Rena suggested to make with that meat. If only there is a water bath in the HE, we could have made something with sous vide. In the end, we still got a lot more time to spare so we had a chat to pass time. At the same time, I sent Potato the picture of the finished product and of course he was jealous and hungry.

At a great timing, Rena asked about it.

"By the way, Ringo. Why is Gin still absent today? Surely you would know."

It was such a simple way to respond, and yet Rena noticed a sudden change in the mood.

"Basically… it's because he went to Japan. Do you know what happened this 18th of July? When he heard the news, he immediately went to the Capital and got himself a ticket. He said that he will be back by Thursday."

"18th… You mean, that…?"

"Yes… We are actually closely acquainted with the people of Kyoko Animation… And for us to hear that someone set their office in fire… It… I-I… I was so devastated…"

"I know that everything will be okay for them, Ringo…" In the immediate notice of my tears, Rena took out a handkerchief and wiped my tears.

But in any case, I don't ever want to describe what happened.

Their studio has so many creative and artistic illustrators. I saw their passion with their works, and I know to myself that I deeply felt it when I saw my, and Gin's character on the screen. Their works are not just animation. It was a work of art that is very emotional and expressive.

It is never a reason to set their building ablaze for a claim of apparently stealing one's work. For a reason like that, I see vengeance as extremely illogical, and I hope that it is not only me.

When I first heard about it, I immediately went to Gin who is already packing as a blur to my eyes. I insisted to let me come too, but I was honestly just being caught up with my emotions when I said it. We nearly argued, but we settled things before it got worse. If not only in sorrow, we were also infuriated.

Gin himself told that he was allowed to enter after the fire was put out, and helped with the displacement of anything that the company can save. But at this point, there is still no news of any recovered data. But as help, I have already sent my donations to them, wishing that it would be of help for them.

~ ~ ~

In the dismissal, I had to skip club activities, not because I was still emotional, but because I have dinner for Anna to eat with her later. And surprisingly, even Rena did the same thing. In actuality, we never even tasted its finished product. In the end, we split our portions in half after the teacher rated our dish. On the other hand, Rena did feel like she is very family-oriented, always caring for them.

While walking on the school grounds with her, Rena suddenly asked me a favor.

"Uh, Ringo? I know this is a bit sudden. But are you free this Saturday?"

"Umm… yeah? I don't really go out of the house if I don't have anything better to do, so I'm always free on weekends."

"Is that so. There's actually a cafe that I want to go at for a long time. Do you mind accompanying me there? I don't have anyone to go with."

I have to admit, I think I've gotten close to her in just a short time, and I assume that she thinks so too. To think, my stupid sense of distance actually made me a friend.

"Rena, you… You don't really have friends, do you?" I jokingly asked in a teasing smile.

"Of course I at least have two…! But they're not the kind of people that likes to go to cafes…"

"Pfft… Alright, I'll join you in your excursion!"

After that, I saw Ryuuya-san together with Ichika-san and Yuzuri-san. It was actually our first time meeting after Chikami Inn. And the first thing I told them was, "It's so nostalgic to see you again in a uniform," which Rena got a little confused about.

And yes, I now also call Mitsumi-san by her given name.

I thought that we were going to part ways once we passed through the school gates. I had always thought that Rena lived in our opposite direction, but actually she lives on the farthest of White Street—the only part of the street that does not get flooded.

I didn't know that we actually a have a lot of neighbors, although Rena is the farthest.

▪ ▪ ▪

Thursday.

Potato is a loner so I went all the way to the airport in the Capital just to fetch him.

"H-Huh? R-Rin-san…? What is this… am I seeing things?

Ow…! Hey, stop that! Hahahaha…!" I attacked his sides.

"Welcome back, Potato."

"…

I didn't expect that you will be here."

"Ehehehe. Surprised?"

"Honestly, yeah…" and it was followed by a long and stressful sigh.

"What's wrong?"

"Well…" he took out his pocket watch and looked at the time. "So it's 5:30 already… I've packed earlier and decided to take a nap but I overslept. I almost didn't make my flight… I haven't even had lunch or dinner!"

"Eh…"

"Granola bar is a pain when I want to eat something savory…"

"Hmm… Just so you know, Anna did the shopping early in the morning before coming to school. She's finally learning how to go in the battlefield (sale)."

"Ohhh. Good for her."

"She bought beef."

He suddenly stopped walking and lowered his head in the middle of the moving crowd.

"Please let me eat Beef Stroganoff…!"

"…

Heh. Great minds think alike."

▪ ▪ ▪

0727, Saturday.

Now that I think about it… There is only one month, huh…

At nine in the morning, I went out of the house with casual outdoor clothes. By coincidence, I met with Gin as we came out of our yards almost at the same time. He has the usual black headband that brushes back his hair while holding two black bags of trash.

"…Anna forgot to take them out yesterday."

"Pff…"

"So you're really going somewhere today?"

"Yep. I think I haven't mentioned but I'm with Rena today."

"Oh. So that's why you declined my date invitation today. Well, take care."

"Take care too. Off I go, then!"

"She seems kinda excited…"

"…

Wait. With Rena?! I didn't know that they're friends…

Oh dear. I'm also turning 20 soon."

~ ~ ~

On the opposite side of the road on a crossing in the downtown is where I saw Rena while waiting for the stoplight to change. Even though there is a bit of crowd as it is of course the downtown, I suddenly had the self-confidence even after knowing that this is my first time going here alone. Thankfully, I am now quite well versed in going here. I guess I'll plan to go to the camping style restaurant again once it's winter.

To my surprise, the cafe that Rena wants to go to is actually the place that Gin and I went to twice. The time when Potato was dragging Hiro-nii out of the cafe is still fresh on my memories. And to think that he was not yet married to Sis that time.

But those thoughts aside, we have a problem. Or at least that's what I'm assuming in Rena's side.

The cafe is open, but there is a big signage on the front saying:

"SINGLES ARE ONLY ALLOWED TO ENTER. COUPLES ARE NOT."

It wasn't the case on the last two times we came here; and the sign is oozing out great vigor and emotion in that.

"Ah, Rena… We saw you once with a guy in the first day of school. That was your boyfriend, right?"

"B-Boyfriend…?

(!)

Ah, yes. H-He is…"

"Meeehhh… What's up with this event?"

"How are we supposed to get in…"

"Easy. You just open the door."

"Eh- Ringo? Wha?!"

The door chimes sounded and the rhythm I heard for the two times I went here was nowhere to be heard. The door hinges either are probably replaced or just oiled. Nonetheless, I pulled Rena inside with me.

The cafe is very empty—no customers. I squinted several times to check if it was just as an illusion. But it was not; it's all real. The place is already so cold even at 22° in the air conditioner.

The head of a certain man that was drooping on the bar top noticed our presence and shot a glare at us. This is the second time that Rena and I, together, are being glared at.

He drooped back, and listlessly mumbled, "I would appreciate it if you are men…" He vigorously pointed at me, "But at least you're not with that super plain guy you have, for crying out loud!"

"Yuka Ros…" and yes, that is the name of the owner of the cafe who is so rude at me for some reason, "if we're not with our others, then that means we're clear, right?"

"Hahh… Dear customers, please have a seat and pick your order," and he made his way to the kitchen still mumbling. "If only those two are single men, I can really talk to them. If only my waiters aren't normies…!"

"Who're you calling a normie, hah?!" a female waiter angrily exclaimed and then faced to us. "Forget about our boss, you can just shout your order. Please enjoy your stay."

A few minutes later, I whispered to Rena.

"I get it… I guess his girlfriend broke up with her. Well, I can at least relate with his frustration."

"Eh? You broke up with Gin?" discovering her womanly intuition, I expected that she caught on quickly, and she did.

"That's right. Although only for a week."

"What happened?"

"Well, we're a weird duo so we actually talked about separating. Pretty much, we're in agreement of breaking up."

Rena's head tilted diagonally with an obvious furrow and her face was asking "what in the world was that about?"

"I was testing myself if I can actually be with him sincerely. Gin is actually a broken person, from heart to mind ever since being a child. He was literally insane, and he just completely recovered from it last year. I took on a part of his pain and burdens, and thankfully accepted all of them just like how I finally accepted that he is already crooked for his lifetime."

"I… I'm surprised that you can say it all with such a straight face… But seeing you like that makes me really convinced of Gin's circumstances."

"I should be the one that is surprised. You took all of that without getting very shocked."

"Well… I also have my own share of pain… My significant other and I nearly separated permanently for good reasons. My parents didn't like us together.

But my parents are very kind. They didn't just shallowly judge us. I'm very thankful that we are still together.

Ah, is it okay to know when you and Gin got together?"

"That, huh. He was 17 and I was 15."

"Urk… I guess we're not that far off. I was 17 back then while he was 19. Now he has graduated in college."

"22 years old now… he shouldn't have been affected by SHS program."

"Did he take a five-year course?"

"Ah, no. He just landed a job as a culinary instructor since he already got his license as a chef."

"Wow… That's so cool."

"Although he wasn't a very studious person and had to stop studying, he suddenly boosted in his studies and actually went through two grades in a year."

"What?! You mean he skipped a few years of studying since he's proficient with his subjects?!"

"You could put it that way. He suddenly became motivated to study and discovered the potentials of his mind."

"Amazing… I wonder, what was his drive to go through such lengths?"

"Good question… Maybe his family's life is on the line?" uttering those, a radiant smile appeared on her face.

"I see… so his dreams are now becoming true, I guess?"

"Yes. And I also hope that I can also achieve my humble dream. How about you, Ringo? Do you also have a motivation to continue on with this life?"

"Hrmm… Well, I plan to continue my studies at CCI and also maybe get a license for myself too. But further to that, I still don't know.

This may sound stupid coming from me… but I guess one of my dreams is to be with Gin in the future and drive all his heavy burdens away. That man can't just be left alone."

"That is a very fine motivation."

"Uh…?" suddenly, she patted my head with a warm smile. I don't know how to explain the feeling I get from her, but her maturity is very sincere.

"Here is two salted caramel latte," our order arrived.

"Ringo… I believe in your conviction, and I trust you. I think I will feel at ease by telling you this…"

~ ~ ~

Our time in the cafe came to an end.

I somehow felt and understood Shiro's feelings of wanting a sincere friend. If I was her, or if she was here with us, the both of us will be overjoyed to have Rena as a friend.

I discovered that Rena Azuki is more than what I, and probably others think of. She was somewhat similar to Gin—still at a considerably young age, have already been honed with experience, and have seen and felt the reality of life. Yet, she is still able to smile so sincerely and humbly.

She… Rena is a very amazing person.

"Well, we ate a lot of time with that. I also want to tell a bit of myself too. But I understand that you're also busy in your day-offs."

"There are still many times for that. But I would also really want to know some of your quirkiness, Ringo."

"Ahahahaha. Don't say that with a serious face.

Oh, I know! If it is okay, can I actually come over at some point?"

"Hmm? I think that it's fine. If you want to, maybe we can set up a sleepover."

"Eeehhhh?! Is that really okay, Rena?! I do feel like I would just be a bother if I do that…!"

"No, no. That will be fine."

"…

If you say so… Then let's be in contact if we have a coinciding schedule!"

"Alright."

▪ ▪ ▪

‹Gin›

My, oh my. Rin really has been in high spirits lately. If I were to guess, she probably got close to Rena after that Saturday. And also, is it just me or is she enjoying cooking a lot more than the usual? Heck, now she is actually volunteering to make meals for the two of us, as Anna sadly moved back. But still, Rin does that so rarely. Most of the time, she will just crash to my house and join me for lunch, but now she crashes in and then she takes over the kitchen! I know already that I am weird, but now Rin is also acting weird for some reason.

I admit my familial admiration to my sister (Yuna is actually not my sister), and now that I watch Rin's silhouette of her back in the kitchen, I immediately got the feeling of maturity from her. And I know that Haku can't agree more in that statement.

Meow. (Rin-ojou looks like a yamato nadeshiko, but in an Orion version!)

Woah, dude. Your knowledge is really widening. But in any case, I at least want to know what made her like that, but I think it is better if I just leave it as is. I might hurt her otherwise if I try to point out a difference.

The days then went over and it was already my memorable month of August. It is now the ninth day of the month in which I'm staring at Rin's open window after changing from my uniform.

"I'm invited to a sleepover in Rena's house, so I'll be back by tomorrow afternoon."

"Rin… I'm not your parent so you don't need to sound like you're asking for permission. And besides, you should be thinking of enjoying yourself.

Look here, I'm actually glad that you're doing this kind of things. It's not that I don't hate it, but we're always together most of the time. Sometimes, a pair of chopsticks can be separated, right?"

"Mhm. You have a good point. Ah, I should be going now. See you later!"

"Yep. Send my regards to her!"

Also, after I came back from Japan, Rin formally introduced Rena to me, not as a classmate, but as her friend. It also seems like she is also getting along with Shiro, which I know that Nagi is happy about. Actually, I think I do sound like a parent for being happy for Rin now that she's having more friends that are not in my involvement. In any case, that fact really just puts me at ease.

An unconscious smile grew on me while thinking about it. After a last look on Rin's window, I closed my own, and my phone suddenly rang with Rin calling.

"Don't walk with your phone."

"Ahahaha… Sorry. But there's something I forgot to ask you. This time, I actually need your permission."

"Ohhh. That sounds important."

"I have my reasons, Gin, but can I tell Rena about the truth about us?"

"Way to put me on the spot. Alright, I can trust her about my being as a 'kiddo', but nothing about my 'glassmaking'."

It is 2019, and tapping to communication is not new anymore. I can at least assume that my privacy in phone calls isn't that secure, and that someone may be hearing our conversation. That is why whenever I talk about confidential matters I use ambiguous codes. Meaning that "kiddo" means Medical Child, and "glassmaking" means being an Exile.

But if anything, it would be suspicious if ever I got to use Marco's extremely independent network; that is why I stick with regular telecommunication.

In any case, I trust Rena and especially Rin. But I of course can't say that I have no doubts about her. Being a potential subject of Anew was a shock in itself. But this time, I just wish for Rin's own happiness.

▪ ▪ ▪

"Aunt Sumi? Are you here?"

In the Sunday of the same week, I found myself knocking on the Akanami household's door. After a few seconds, Aunt opened the door.

"Ah, good morning, Auntie. Do you have any spare cling wrap with you? I was preparing lunch and forgot that I haven't done shopping for more ingredients…"

"What a dummy, Gin. Give me a second.

Ah-! Are you shopping a lot for today?"

"Uhh. Not really."

"I see… Gin, can I trouble you to also do the shopping for us? You see, Shuu is out until before lunch, and I can't leave the house since Ringo is feeling a little under the weather."

"So that's why she didn't poke out of her window earlier. I got your back, Aunt Sumi. Can I go upstairs once I'm done with shopping? I'll buy her some strawberries."

"Oh… she would appreciate it. Thank you."

"Also, do you mind if I eat lunch with you? I'll bring my own dish."

Suddenly, she lightly laughed and placed her hand on my head. And also… I think I know where Rin got her sweet smile.

"Thank you for always being with my daughter, Gin."

"Uhhh…?"

"I guess Otou-san and I are really lenient with your relationship. We should be stricter on you two."

"To be honest, Auntie… I've been waiting to hear that from you. Your husband is too carefree… We still need guidance so we won't make mistakes."

"And that's what I also want to hear from you, Gin. If anything unacceptable happens, you know the consequences."

"Yes. I'll put your words to heart."

"Thank you. I hope to see you in better terms with her."

"No… I wish for my family to be in better terms with yours. Thank you for the guidance."

I took and returned the roll of cling wrap to her, and went off with two shopping lists at hand.

But something really was up earlier. While walking, I wondered what was the reason for Aunt Sumi's slight change of attitude towards my relationship with Rin. I however am in full agreement with her conviction as a mother that wants the utmost safety of her child. For that, it made me gladder.

Since I was in a hurry to make lunch, I made do with a supermarket close to Zen Park. And while I'm at it, I also planned to take a look at the condition of the lake.

But I forgot that today is Sunday. Even if it is not a sale day, the market was pretty packed. It did not take me very long to get everything I need, but I still ended up being the last person on a very long cashier line.

"Ma… ma…"

"There, there. You're getting to speak again, you little guy. Mama will give you a kiss."

I heard an approaching voice somewhere behind me that sounded like a woman with an infant with her. And then I also heard a man's voice. I see, a family.

"You can sit somewhere while you wait, dear. This is a little long of a line."

Somehow the family took my rare interest. Before they even get to part ways, I turned my head towards them and my eyes met with the mother's.

…

Silence.

Right in this exact time, I am seeing a woman with a very long, black hair; carrying a child on her arms. On her left hand is what is most likely a wedding ring; I am at least ninety percent sure of it. But it was the familiar face that made my eyes widen ever so slightly…

…As the eyes of Rena Azuki completely widened, gazing to my presence. But her last name… I wonder about that.

A puzzle then began to slowly get solved, and realistic assumptions pondered in my head. I think I now know why Aunt Sumi was acting like that earlier, and perhaps moving forward.

And I think I now know why Rin placed her respect and trust to the person—a woman, a mother—that I am gazing at right at this very moment.