Morning came quietly. A soft glow of sunlight slipped through the curtains, gently illuminating the room as Rai slowly stirred awake. Her movements were sluggish, her body still wrapped in the lingering warmth of sleep. She blinked a few times, adjusting to the light, before lazily turning her head toward the clock beside her bed.
6:34.
A faint sigh escaped her lips. "…Too early."
Still, she pushed herself up. There was no point in lying back down. The floor felt cool against her feet as she made her way to the bathroom. The air was still, almost silent, broken only by the faint sound of running water as she washed her face. The cold splash helped clear her mind, waking her senses little by little.
As she reached for a towel and wiped her face dry, something caught her attention. Her gaze drifted downward. On top of the washing pile were the clothes Kousaki had worn the night before. Beside them lay a handkerchief. Rai paused. For a brief moment, she simply stared, her expression unreadable. Then, quietly, she reached down and picked them up. Without saying anything, she carried them to the kitchen.
The fridge door opened with a soft creak. Rai grabbed a carton of milk, then reached into the cabinet for a box of cereal. A simple, routine breakfast—nothing out of the ordinary. She settled onto the couch, bowl in hand, and turned on the television. Morning programs filled the room—weather forecasts, news reports, casual chatter from hosts discussing things she barely paid attention to. The flickering screen cast soft light across her face as she ate in silence, spoon moving steadily from bowl to mouth.
When she finished, she stood and placed the empty dishes on the counter. Then she turned away. But just as she was about to leave—she stopped. A memory surfaced: last night, Kousaki quietly finishing the tea Rai had prepared… and then, without being asked, washing the cup immediately afterward. Rai glanced back at her own dishes. A faint frown formed. "…Tch." She turned back, picked them up again, and walked to the sink. The sound of running water soon filled the quiet kitchen.
Not long after, Rai finished preparing for school. She put on her white-sleeved summer uniform shirt and pants, smoothing out the fabric before adjusting her necktie. Every movement was precise, practiced—something she had done countless times before. She slipped on her shoes, grabbed her bag, and walked toward the front door.
Then she paused. Her eyes shifted slightly. A framed picture rested nearby—her grandmother. Rai's gaze lingered on it for a moment, something soft flickering in her otherwise calm expression.
"I'm going now," she whispered softly. Then she opened the door and stepped outside. The morning air greeted her gently. Her bike stood where she had left it, untouched. Rai glanced at it briefly before muttering, "I'll just walk today."
And so she did. The streets were quiet, only a few people passing by as the day slowly began. As Rai walked, she noticed someone stepping out of a nearby house—Suzuki.
The moment their eyes met, Suzuki froze.
"Ah… it's… you… Rai… good morning," Suzuki said awkwardly.
"Morning," Rai replied simply.
They began walking together. Suzuki kept stealing glances at her, clearly trying to gather the courage to speak.
"…I… I never see you going to school this early."
"Is that so?" Rai answered coldly.
"…It's been a while since we walked to school together," Suzuki added, forcing a small laugh.
"Well, we don't go to the same school," Rai said flatly.
"…Right." Silence followed. Suzuki searched for something—anything—to say. Then suddenly, she remembered something from last night.
"…Were you the one playing the piano last night?"
"Last night?" Rai repeated. A brief pause, then she remembered. "No. It was Kousaki."
"Kousaki?"
"You could hear it? Did it disturb you?"
"Ah… no… not really…" Suzuki scratched her neck nervously.
"I'll close the window next time," Rai said coldly.
"Eh—no! It's okay," Suzuki quickly replied.
"Hmm?" Suzuki hesitated. "…It's just… I like listening to what you play… every time…"
Rai tilted her head slightly. "…?"
"…Ah—I mean—"
"Thanks," Rai said simply. That single word made Suzuki stop walking. It echoed in her mind.
Back when they were children, Rai and her grandmother had just moved in next door. Suzuki had been peeking from behind their gate, quietly watching Rai, who stood beside her grandmother watering the plants. Rai noticed her. Suzuki panicked. She ran forward, nervously holding out a piece of candy.
"Ah… um… hello… nice to meet you… I'm… Suzuki… this…" Her words stumbled, unfinished.
Rai simply stared at her. Her grandmother let out a soft laugh.
"What do you say, Rai-chan?"
"…Thank you," Rai said quietly, taking the candy. Suzuki smiled.
Back in the present, Suzuki stood still, slightly flustered.
"I have to go now," Rai said, turning away as their paths separated.
Suzuki quickly gathered her courage. "See you!" Rai raised her hand slightly without turning back.
Rai walked through the school gate and ran into Shoto and Watabe.
"Oh, it's Rai," Shoto said.
"Morning, Rai," Watabe added.
"Morning," Rai replied coldly.
"You got home safely yesterday?" Watabe asked.
Shoto tilted his head. "Didn't she have an umbrella?"
"Yeah… did you really wait for the rain to stop?" Watabe continued.
"…No," Rai said quietly. "Someone walked me home."
And just like that, she walked ahead.
"…Eh?" Shoto blinked.
"Walked you home? Who?"
"Does she even know anyone else here?" Watabe wondered.
"No," Shoto replied.
Inside the classroom, the usual chatter filled the air. Yuki stood near the window, chatting casually with a classmate. Rai entered. She didn't stop. She walked straight to her seat.
"—Oh, Rai. Morning," Yuki greeted.
Rai paused. Then slowly turned her head, her gaze cold, sharp, annoyed.
"What?"
A brief silence. "…Just seeing your face irritates me sometimes," Rai said flatly.
Yuki smiled brightly. "I see~?"
A few minutes later, Shoto and Watabe entered the classroom.
"Come on, Rai, don't just—" Shoto started.
"…Huh?" They both stopped. Rai was sitting at her desk, rubbing her head. A visible bump had formed. Meanwhile, Yuki stood nearby, casually blowing on her fist.
Silence. Watabe tilted his head. "What happened?"
"Hm?" Yuki hummed.
"Nothing." She blew on her fist again.
Shoto narrowed his eyes. "…Something definitely happened."
"They're always like that," he added.
Watabe forced a laugh. "I-Is that so…?"
Lunch break. The classroom buzzed with energy as students stood, stretched, and chatted while heading out.
Yuki turned toward Rai. "Are you not going to the cafeteria to buy lunch?"
Rai didn't even look at her. "I already bought something at the convenience store this morning," she replied coldly.
Shoto leaned back in his chair. "Don't you get tired of buying the same thing over and over?"
Watabe chuckled. "Maybe not. That's probably why she keeps buying it."
Rai ignored them completely and opened her lunch. Yuki rested her chin on her hand, watching her.
"Well, that's what happens when you're too lazy to cook."
Rai paused for a split second—but didn't respond.
Then suddenly—Yuki clapped her hands once.
"Oh right! Shoto, did you already tell Watabe about the picnic?"
Watabe blinked. "Picnic?"
Shoto froze. "…Ah. I forgot."
Yuki sighed. "This guy…" Shoto scratched the back of his head. "Sorry, okay?"
Yuki turned to Watabe with a bright smile. "So? Do you want to come with us this weekend?"
"For what exactly?" Watabe asked.
"Picnic," Shoto answered. "At Akigawa River."
Watabe's eyes lit up slightly. "That actually sounds nice. It's been a while since I went out."
Shoto smirked. "Yeah, maybe stop stressing yourself all the time."
Yuki clapped happily. "Yay! Then we just need Suzuki—"
Watabe suddenly asked, "Is Rai going?"
There was a brief pause. Rai looked up slightly. "I—"
"Of course she is, right, Rai?" Yuki cut in smoothly.
Rai frowned. "I didn't say—" Before she could finish, Yuki suddenly reached out and covered her mouth.
"Mm?" Yuki tilted her head innocently. "Did you say something?"
Silence. Shoto and Watabe exchanged glances. "…Ahh… haha…" They both laughed awkwardly.
Meanwhile, on the rooftop, Kousaki and Miyo sat side by side, eating their lunch. The wind blew gently, carrying distant voices from below.
"So… she walked you home?" Miyo mumbled.
Kousaki blinked. "Huh?"
"Swallow your food first before talking," Kousaki said with a sigh.
Miyo gulped everything down. "So… after that, Rai walked you home?"
Kousaki lightly hit Miyo on the head. "I told you, don't call her that weird nickname."
"…Yeah. But only until the point where our paths split." Miyo took another bite.
"I thought she'd just ignore you and let you walk alone, but…" Kousaki raised an eyebrow. "What do you think of her? Rai is kind, you know."
Miyo blinked. "How can you say that? You've only known her for a short time."
Kousaki hummed softly. "…I guess… it's just a feeling."
Miyo frowned. "Huh? What kind of reason is that?"
Kousaki let out a small laugh, then paused. "The way she refused when I asked to share an umbrella… she already knew what would happen if we did. And the way she treated me at her house…" (she remembered when they first met and what Rai had done to her).
A small pause. "That's why I think she's kind."
Miyo tilted her head. "'Think'?"
Kousaki smiled faintly. "…Yeah. Probably."
Kousaki took her phone from her pocket and started reading comments.
Kousaki: "Hey, do you know any nice places around here?"
Miyo: "No, we've already been to all the ones I know. Are your fans complaining again?"
Kousaki: "Hmm…"
Then Miyo pointed at her. "There's food on your cheek."
Kousaki blinked. "Hmm?" She wiped it with her hand.
Miyo sighed. "Now your hand is dirty. Don't you have a handkerchief?"
Kousaki checked her pocket. "…Huh?"
Miyo: "Do you have one?"
Kousaki: "I don't have it."
Miyo knocked her lightly on the head. "Ow! Here, use this. But wash it and give it back tomorrow, okay?"
Kousaki nodded. "…Okay."
"Let's go back now," Miyo said.
Back in the classroom, Rai suddenly grabbed Yuki's wrist.
"Your hand is greasy," Rai said coldly.
Yuki blinked and looked down. "…You're right. Wait—where did this come from…?" Her eyes shifted to her lunch. "…Ahhh… hehe… sorry."
"Go wash your face, Rai," Watabe said. "Come on, Yuki. Behave," Shoto added.
Yuki turned sharply. "…Huh? You picking a fight?"
"Ah—no, no! Calm down," Watabe sighed.
Rai stood and left the room. The hallway was quiet. Too quiet. Inside the bathroom, she washed her face again, letting the cold water run over her skin. Then—she reached into her pocket. Her fingers touched cloth.
"…Hm?" She pulled it out. A handkerchief. Without thinking, she used it, wiping her face slowly and carefully, unaware of anyone watching.
When she stepped back into the hallway, she was still dabbing her face with it. As Rai walked, Miyo and Kousaki descended the stairs and noticed her.
"…Ah…" Kousaki muttered.
"It's Titan," Miyo said.
Kousaki pointed. "…Is… is that my handkerchief?" Rai looked down at the cloth in her hand. For a moment—silence. Then—
"…Ah. Um. You probably forgot it last night." She held it out.
Kousaki reached to take it—but stopped. Rai paused too. A realization flickered across her face.
"…Forget it. I'll return it next time."
"…Eh?" Kousaki blinked.
"…Huh?" Miyo added.
But Rai had already turned away. Her footsteps echoed softly as she walked past them.
"K-hey—!" Kousaki called out, then followed Rai.
"Oi! Don't leave me alone!" Miyo shouted, chasing after them. But she noticed an acquaintance and went to meet them.
Kousaki called again. "Hey, Rai!" No response. "Heyyyyy…" Again: "Heyyyyy, dummy!"
Finally, Rai stopped.
"What?"
Kousaki extended her hand, asking for the handkerchief.
"What? Are you homeless?" Rai retorted, annoyed.
Kousaki, pissed, slapped Rai.
"That hurts, you dwarf! What's your problem?" Rai shouted.
"Huh? Who's dwarf?" Then Kousaki pinched Rai's cheek lightly.
"Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! My handkerchief!" Kousaki shouted.
"Huh?" Rai frowned.
"I said—my handkerchief!"
"Didn't you see I used it earlier?" Rai argued.
"Why did you use it?!" Kousaki snapped.
"I was going to return it… but I forgot it was yours, so I used it!" Rai replied irritably.
"Then just return it now!"
"I said I already used it! I'm not an idiot who just gives it back immediately. I'll give it back next time after I wash it."
"Oh… is that so?"
"You seem a bit spoiled," Rai muttered under her breath—but Kousaki heard it.
"Huhhhh??!!"
"Move, idiot dwarf."
Rai went inside their room and slammed the sliding door shut loudly. Their classmates looked on in surprise.
Kousaki, fuming: "Huhh? Who are you calling dwarf idiot here? Heyyyyy!"
Meanwhile, Miyo returned.
"What's wrong? You look angry."
Kousaki: "Hmmmppp, let's go."
Miyo thought, "Eh? What happened?"
Back inside the room, Rai went straight to her seat.
Yuki: "Oh, Rai… did you wipe your face properly? Haha."
Rai: "Shut up."
Yuki's head showed an angry symbol. She clenched her hand.
Yuki: "Huh?"
Shoto and Watabe held her hands before she could attack Rai. Rai ignored them, sitting quietly.
In the hallway, Kousaki walked by angrily, holding Miyo's hand as they returned to their room. A teacher entered their room.
"Hey Yuki, your voice was really loud just now. Can you be quiet?"
Yuki: "Ahh… sorry, ma'am."
Their classmates laughed quietly.
The final bell rang, and students began heading home one by one.
Rai walked alone again.
Shoto and Yuki had practice, and she didn't know about Watabe. Besides, they all went different ways anyway.
As she walked, a memory surfaced—the place where she first met Kousaki.
Without thinking, she headed there, hoping to cool her head.
But when she arrived—
Kousaki was already there.
Rai frowned.
"…You again?"
Kousaki turned, equally surprised.
"What are you doing here?!"
Rai crossed her arms.
"That's what I was going to ask."
Kousaki scoffed. "Hmph."
Rai stared at her for a moment.
What's her problem…?
Without another word, Rai turned to leave.
"Hey—wait!" Kousaki called out, running after her.
Rai stopped, slightly annoyed.
"What?"
Kousaki hesitated.
"…Ahm… sorry. For slapping you earlier…"
Rai didn't respond. She just kept walking.
"Hey… I'm apologizing here…" Kousaki said, her voice wavering.
Still nothing.
Then suddenly—Kousaki grabbed the hem of Rai's shirt.
Rai stopped.
She turned and looked at her.
"…What?"
"…Do you hate me now?" Kousaki asked quietly.
Rai blinked.
"What are you talking about?"
Then—
Tears fell.
"…Oi," Rai muttered, caught off guard.
A few passing students glanced at them, whispering.
"…Hey, why all of a sudden—"
"I'm sorry… I'm sorry…" Kousaki repeated.
"Huh?"
"…You think I'm weird now, don't you?"
Rai answered immediately, without hesitation.
"…Yeah. You're weird."
"…Eh?"
Then suddenly—Rai grabbed Kousaki's hand.
"Ehhh?!"
Without another word, Rai pulled her along, leading her somewhere quieter—near the river.
They stopped. Rai crossed her arms.
"Why did you suddenly cry?"
Kousaki wiped her tears, sniffling.
"That's because… you were ignoring my apology… so I thought… I made you hate me…"
Rai stared at her for a second.
"…That's all?"
Kousaki blinked. "Then what else?"
Rai sighed.
"…Then… sorry."
Kousaki kept wiping her tears.
Then suddenly—her phone rang.
She checked it, scrolling through something while still sniffing.
"…Hey… do you know any good places around here?"
Rai quietly opened her bag, took out some tissue, and handed it to her.
"…Here."
Kousaki looked at it, then took it.
Rai answered after a pause.
"A good place? Why?"
Kousaki wiped her nose.
"…I'm running out of content."
Rai frowned slightly.
Content…?
"…No idea."
Kousaki pouted.
"Then why did you ask if you don't know anything?"
Rai glanced at her.
"…Is that not allowed?"
"…Hmph."
Rai looked away.
This girl is really weird…
Then—
She remembered something.
"…Akigawa River."
Kousaki blinked. "Eh?"
"That monster is planning a picnic there this weekend."
"Monster…?" Kousaki tilted her head.
"…Are you going?" she asked.
Rai shrugged.
"Don't know. Do you want to come?"
Kousaki's eyes widened slightly.
"…Is it okay if I join you?"
Rai took out her phone and called Yuki.
—
Meanwhile, at the volleyball gym
Yuki was practicing while Kiyomi sat nearby.
Kiyomi glanced at Yuki's bag.
"Yuki, I think someone's calling you."
"Calling?"
Yuki stopped playing and checked her phone.
"…Oh, it's Rai."
She answered.
"Moshi moshi?"
"About the picnic," Rai said flatly.
"Hm?"
"I want someone to come. Is that okay?"
Yuki smiled.
"Of course. Who?"
Then she grinned wider.
"Oooh—so you do want to come after all?"
Beep.
"…She hung up."
Kiyomi looked at her. "Who was it?"
"Rai."
—
Back by the river—
"She said it's okay," Rai said.
"Really?" Kousaki's face brightened.
She stopped crying… Rai thought.
"…Bring Miyo too."
"Eh? Miyo?"
"Yeah. So you won't feel out of place."
Kousaki nodded. "…Okay."
"…Let's go home."
—
They walked together until they reached the point where their paths separated.
"…Ah… Rai," Kousaki called.
Rai glanced at her. "…?"
"…Can I have your LINE?"
"…Huh?"
Kousaki panicked slightly.
"Ah—it's not what you're thinking! I mean—I'll text you… about whether Miyo can come…"
Rai stared at her for a moment.
Then—
She gave it.
Kousaki smiled softly.
"…Then… see you, Rai."
Rai simply raised her hand slightly as she walked away.
And just like that—
The day quietly came to an end.