Unknowingly, I sighed in relief after I finished reading Hanas message. Theres the fear that what happened a few nights ago would discourage her.

Even if I actually participated in that with the intention to make her give up, I couldnt help but feel a little guilty right afterward. Especially after we opened the gift that she sent me.

The photos past our grade school memories werent as colorful. Perhaps, its because shes mostly alone in those photos. And even if theres another person; a classmate, a teacher or anyone else, the sense of distance was too clear for us to see.

If she didnt stage all that then theres a high chance that she succumbed to her role as the brightest girl there is with her usual angelic smile. While shes playing that persona, none of those who crowded around her could be considered her friends.

Damn it. As much as I wanted to deny it Im really looking forward to what method shes going to use to steal me.

Not that Im going to let her do that, obviously. As long as it wont result in my girls getting hurt or affected, I will welcome whatever challenge shes going to bring.

Since Chii and Hifumi would be together later, Ill also use that time to find out what exactly happened to them years ago. For sure, Id be able to know more about the girl from them; other than what they already told me.

I contemplated whether to reply to Hana or not A minute later, I came to a decision.

That postscript. Do you really have to use a line from that song? It lessened the seriousness of this email.

Well, forget about that. If youre truly coming here, I also have to be honest, right?

Dont call me after reading this

Im also looking forward to seeing you, Hana. There must be a lot of things we will have to catch up on about each other. Lets sit down and talk one day, alright?

Stealing me is still off the table but I dont mind reconnecting with you. That is if youre serious about it.

What happened years ago must be a memory you treasured but unfortunately, Im someone who forgets it Ill be relying on you to make me remember every experience we shared.

PS. I love seeing your genuine smile. Hopefully, I can see it again.

Taking at least a few minutes to review what I wrote a few times, making sure that I said everything that I wanted to say, I hit send and closed it immediately.

Before going downstairs to wait for Shios arrival, I also didnt forget to reply to Ayu, thanking her for the treat.

Now this looks more like a haunted house from how unkempt it became. Arriving in the vicinity of the house she lived at recently, Shio commented as she gradually slowed down to enter the parking space.

Like she said, compared to how clean it was when I first arrived here, the wide yard and everything unpaved on the ground had been overtaken by grass, tall enough to reach ones ankle. With the previous occupants gone, its only natural for this place to turn like that.

Do you have a grasscutter? I can help you trim it. I suggested. But thinking about it, its probably unnecessary. Shes not going to stay here, after all.

Theres one in the garage. But not now, Ruru. You have a busy day. Its best if we get what were here for first and return Come with me.

Shio got out of the car and I followed her to their two-story, modern-styled house.

Scanning our surroundings, apart from the faint car noises that were probably from a distant street as well as the chirping of the birds nesting on a tall, lush tree at the corner of their backyard, everythings too quiet.

In any case, this was normal. They live in a subdivision and the lot where the house stood lacks any close neighbors, making this place feel a little isolated.

For some, this was ideal but for others, this would really feel like a prison. Indeed, theres a reason why that guy picked this one

Its away from prying eyes. No one will be able to know that hes always bringing a student home.

I want to say What a bastard but not like Im one to talk.

Thats right. Before Nao, theres another girl who fell into his clutches while Shio was still in college. From what I recalled, that girl was the reason he got caught. Even after graduating from high school, hes still meeting the girl; paying her college tuition and the place shes staying at.

That girl thought that Nobuo was still a single guy, maintaining her relationship with him. But when my parents or those they asked to approach her told the girl the truth, she so easily sold him off.

She didnt even warn him that he was going to be entrapped

Most likely shes just the same as the guy, using him for her selfish purposes. Nonetheless, she deserved to do that. She got preyed upon. Making use of the situation was one of the primal instincts of humans. Thats how we survived into modern times.

Anyway, those two were irrelevant now. Nao and Shio are already out of that guys influence. What I had to prevent this time was Shio getting depressed if the buried memory of what happened to her in this house returned to her. Aside from helping her move her collection, thats the other reason why I came with her here.

When we reached the front door, Shio looked under the rug for the key and used it to open it. Stepping inside the house, I followed after her and without changing to indoor slippers we quickly arrived at the living room.

Its still as wide as I remembered, obviously. Nonetheless, despite the place seemingly unchanged, the dust had already started accumulatingthe same as whats happening outside. Without someone maintaining the place, it will become like this.

Anyway, what really came to my mind was the memories I had in this particular room.

Near the window where we could see her car, I made out with Shio in front of that guy. And minutes after that, I reconnected with Nao who was mad at me for ignoring all of her emails.

A lot happened that day which resulted in the eventual downfall of Nobuo.

What are you looking at, Ruru? noticing that I stopped in place as I looked around us, Shio glanced back to check on me.

Theres no change in her expression. In fact, I could even see hints of excitement. Her collection was that important for her.

Thats a great sign. I dont have to worry about her becoming depressed about the sad memories she had inside these walls.

I put on a smile and replied, Nothing. Im just being hit by nostalgia. This is where I meet Nao again. And also, this is where I defended you from his attempt to slap you.

After saying that, I closed our distance, my hand settling on her cheek. Youre so brave back then but at the same time, youre too scared to do something Its probably destiny that you invited me that day. It closed a dark chapter in your book.

Geez Ruru, why are you being poetic this time? Has your club finally influenced you with stuff youre reading? Lets reminisce the next time were here Im worried about my collection! Grabbing my hand, Shio started dragging me to that room.

Well, this is better too.

Alright. I cant wait to see you in that maid outfit. Looking at how frantic Shio acted, my mind whirled into teasing mode, remembering that costume I saw inside that room.

What the? Of all things you can remember No, I wont wear that.

Then the sailor uniform?

Ruru. Are you trying to kill me through embarrassment? Shio facepalmed as she almost shuddered from imagining herself in those clothes.

Well, its not bad, right?

Not really. I just thought that youre going to look great in them Also, its a great way to tease my Shio.

You idiot I will wear them for you. But that is if they still fit me. I bought those during high school.

I dont mind. As long as its my Shio, I will surely love it.

You and your tongue Giving up to utter a retort, Shio helplessly sighed and just continued to drag me with her.

Its a full room of her collection. I wonder if I can discover new things about Shio through them. Mhm Im getting excited.