Episode 28: Seeing Her Off
Before I knew it, the light outside the window had turned entirely into sunset.
Orange light slipped in through the gap in the curtains, glowing gently on Honoka’s cheek.
I glanced at the clock. It was already this late.
Stroking Honoka’s hair softly, I opened my mouth, a little hesitant.
“…I guess it’s about time to head home.”
Honoka’s fingers tightened around my clothes.
I thought I felt that grip grow just a fraction stronger.
“…Can’t I stay over again tonight?”
Her voice was small, and her face carried something uneasy in it.
Deep in her eyes, something trembled faintly.
Some part of me wanted to keep her here too.
But—
“You’ve got school tomorrow, right?”
I said it gently, combing my fingers through her hair, and she lowered her gaze slightly.
“…Yeah.”
Her words sounded like she understood. But her hand was still gripping my clothes, not letting go.
Her faintly trembling fingertips told a story of reluctance to part.
“I’ll walk you home.”
I said it and stood, and Honoka reluctantly let go of my clothes, and nodded quietly.
─────
We walked side by side toward Honoka’s house.
We held hands, our fingers overlapping as if sharing warmth between us.
Now and then, when our shoulders brushed, she’d lean her body gently into mine.
It felt like I could sense how hard it was for her to let go, and I looked over at her.
“…Can I come to your place tomorrow morning?”
The murmured question came out somewhat hesitant, a little uncertain.
I stopped and looked at her face.
Her lowered eyes trembled faintly, glancing up at me.
“Of course. I’ll be waiting.”
At that, Honoka smiled faintly, relieved.
That smile looked, somehow, a little sad.
I walked her all the way to her front door.
The porch light cast a dim glow over the side of her face.
“Well then… see you tomorrow.”
Honoka looked at me, something lonely in her eyes.
I don’t want to send her home. That feeling was rising in me too.
I reached out and gently stroked her head.
“Good night, Honoka.”
“…Good night.”
A small, whispered voice dissolved into the quiet of the night.
I watched her go, and made my way home with a lingering reluctance pulling at my back.
─────
The next morning, the doorbell rang, and I went to answer it.
When I opened the door, Honoka was standing there, looking a little sleepy.
“Morning, Yuna…”
“Morning, Honoka.”
As we exchanged words, Honoka drifted naturally toward me.
I closed the door and drew her inside.
“Thanks for coming so early. …But are you okay? You look pretty sleepy.”
Honoka blinked slowly, then quietly took hold of my sleeve.
“…I’m fine.”
At that, I gave a small wry smile.
Her voice sounded the same as always, and yet somehow it seemed a little unsteady.
Maybe she didn’t sleep at all — that thought crossed my mind, and I remembered her lonely expression from last night.
“Are you really okay? You still look a bit sleepy.”
At my question, Honoka blinked again and gave a small nod. “Yeah.”
But the gesture only made her look sleepier, and I couldn’t help a small laugh.
“Well, there’s still time before school… let’s take it easy for a bit.”
I said that, and gently took her hand.
Honoka glanced up at me for a moment, then nodded quietly.
I led her by the hand into my room.