Excitement radiated from the girls as warm hugs enveloped Taro, expressions of joy etched on their faces. Liz, in particular, seemed reluctant to release him. Despite not considering himself overly tall, Taro, towering almost a head above the girls, had to lean forward slightly to accommodate the heartfelt embraces.
In Taro's contemplation, the return of the girls hinted at Seth's reappearance. As the first to depart, his anticipated return lingered in the backdrop of their shared reunion.
"Where's Seth?" echoed in unison from all three, anticipation resonating in their voices.
The absence of their friend was palpable, a sentiment mirrored by the principal. "I'm anticipating his return just as much as you all are," he sighed, maintaining his seat as the trio of standing figures exchanged a collective yearning for the missing member of their circle.
Principal Salmit's silence conveyed all they needed to understand—Seth was yet to return.
