As the students gradually came back into their respective classrooms after lunch in the cafeteria, Kajiwara was the first to enter their classroom. Na-ze and Akane happened to be seated next to each other. Akane gazed at Na-ze with a mixture of shock and blush still evident on her face after his quick and apathetic response to her invitation for a date.
Without much emotion, Na-ze casually inquired, "So when will it start?"
Caught off guard by the question, Akane's confusion showed on her face as she stammered, "Uh, to be honest, I haven't really thought about it."
In the midst of their conversation, Kajiwara returned to her seat, patiently waiting for Na-ze and Akane to finish their discussion. Akane, still blushing and unsure of herself, proposed, "Maybe we can consider starting from now as our official start of dating? I guess..."
Na-ze let out a sigh, not even bothering to look at her, as if his lack of interest was palpable.
After Akane made her suggestion, she stood up from her seat and made her way back to her original spot. Along the way, she noticed Kajiwara, who wore a proud expression as she anxiously waited for Akane to settle down next to her. Once Akane was seated, Kajiwara couldn't contain her curiosity and asked, "So, how did it go? Did you guys get closer?" Her mischievous smile hinted at her excitement to hear the details.
Akane sighed softly, a shadow of disappointment in her voice as she responded, "Well, not really. He wasn't very talkative, and his words were quite vague. Honestly, I was also unsure about what to say next." She looked down, her expression reflecting her confusion and uncertainty.
To Kajiwara's surprise, Akane added, "I even asked him out for a date." Kajiwara's eyes widened at the unexpected revelation. "What? You asked him out already? That's so fast! You barely had your first proper conversation!"
Akane nodded sheepishly, realizing the suddenness of her actions. Despite the initial excitement, she couldn't help but wonder if she had moved too fast. The uncertain journey of their potential relationship was just beginning, and she couldn't shake off the feeling that there was still much to figure out.
Akane turned to Kajiwara, her voice soft and filled with uncertainty. "Kajiwara, I really don't know what to do now that Na-ze and I are dating. Can you give me some advice?"
Kajiwara was momentarily shocked, but quickly recovered and responded, "Ahem, first of all, my advice is that you need to ask him out on a date. I read this in a manga, but maybe it can work for you too. Going out on a date can help you become closer." She paused, admitting, "I've never been in your situation before, but as your friend, I will do everything I can to help you. I can read more romance manga, so I can teach you what you should do."
Akane felt a sense of unease, her mind filled with uncertainty, as she couldn't stop dwelling on the conversation she had with Na-ze, where she had mustered the courage to ask him out on a date. Even as their classmates started to enter the room, her thoughts remained preoccupied. The arrival of their teacher marked the beginning of the lesson, yet Akane struggled to redirect her attention, as her mind continued to drift back to her dilemma.
After the school day concluded, the bell rang, signaling that it was time to go home. Na-ze, Akane, and Kajiwara packed their bags along with the rest of the students. They joined the line forming towards the exit and made their way out of the facility.
As Na-ze walked down the hallway, his thoughts shifted from school to what he should cook for dinner. Lost in his own musings, he continued walking until he reached the school gates. Just as he was about to step outside, an inexplicable feeling washed over him, prompting him to teleport in an instant.
The scene abruptly changed, revealing a young woman standing on the edge of a building, her face emotionless. She had reached a point of despair so overwhelming that she was ready to take her own life by jumping. In that critical moment, as she closed her eyes, she was unaware of the events unfolding around her.
Before the young woman could fall, Na-ze appeared out of nowhere, taking hold of her hands with a stoic expression on his face. He called out to her, using her name, "Kimiko, why?" As she opened her eyes, she was startled to see that it was Na-ze, her brother, standing before her.
Kimiko, maintaining her emotionless demeanor, calmly told him to let go. Na-ze, however, insisted that she wasn't ready for what she was about to do. He held onto her, wrapping his arms around her in a comforting embrace, assuring her that everything would be alright. In that moment, a glimmer of hope flickered in Kimiko's eyes, feeling the warmth and care emanating from Na-ze. Tears began to stream down her face as she rested her head against his chest, finding solace in his embrace.
Amidst her tears, Kimiko questioned why Na-ze had left them, their parents, without any explanation. Her voice trembled with emotions as she poured her heart out to him. Na-ze's expression wavered slightly, hinting at a sense of guilt. Kimiko continued to cry, seeking answers and understanding from the brother who had seemingly abandoned them.
Kimiko's heartfelt cries echoed in the air as she pleaded with Na-ze, questioning him with a desperate "Why? Why did you leave us?" Overwhelmed by her anguish, Na-ze made a swift decision, utilizing his cosmic ability to gently knock her unconscious. He carefully lifted her limp body onto his back, a heavy weight of remorse weighing on his mind. As he left the rooftop, Na-ze found an elevator to transport them down and swiftly teleported to the front door of his apartment building.
Na-ze's cats sensed his presence and greeted him with joyful purrs as he opened the door to his apartment. Matilda, too, noticed his return and welcomed him with a friendly "Welcome back," conveyed with genuine happiness and interest." However, her curiosity was piqued when she noticed Na-ze carrying someone on his back. Intrigued, she inquired about the individual's identity.
Without uttering a word, Na-ze made his way into the apartment.
Na-ze silently entered his apartment, gently closing the door behind him before leaning down to caress his cats. He explained to Matilda, with a hint of weariness in his voice, that the person he was carrying on his back was his sister. Resolutely, he made his way to his room, ensuring he handled his sister's unconscious body with utmost care and caution.
Intrigued, Matilda followed Na-ze as he entered his room, attentively observing his every move. Na-ze delicately laid Kimiko's unconscious body on the bed, his focus unwavering. After completing the task, Na-ze made his way to the kitchen to hydrate himself, his concerned feline companions trailing behind. Understanding their worry, he reassured them with a warm smile, assuring them, "I'm fine."
It was then that Matilda spoke up, her curiosity evident in her voice. "Hey, are you really okay?" she asked. Na-ze glanced at her nonchalantly, his demeanor unaffected as he replied, "How long do you plan on staying here?" There was a lack of concern or interest in his question, leaving Matilda uncertain of what to expect next.
Matilda blushed, feeling a mix of nervousness and vulnerability, her voice barely audible as she murmured, "If I'm becoming a burden, then I suppose I can consider leaving... but please, let me stay here." Her bashful demeanor was evident as she twirled her hair and glanced shyly at Na-ze.
With a sigh and an emotionless expression, Na-ze silently acknowledged her plea and returned to his room. He positioned himself on a chair beside his bed, patiently awaiting Kimiko's awakening. Meanwhile, Matilda observed his actions and, realizing that he needed some personal space, decided to give him that privacy. She retreated to the living room and turned on the television.
Suddenly, Kimiko stirred from her slumber, her eyes scanning the room until they settled on Na-ze's emotionless face.
Kimiko's voice, devoid of any emotion, questioned Na-ze, "Why did you save me? I mean, you left me alone with Mom, and now you suddenly care? How ironic." Na-ze, maintaining his emotionless facade, approached her and gently placed his hand on her head. A surge of emotions coursed through Kimiko, filling her with a glimmer of hope and happiness. As she looked up, she was met with Na-ze's warm smile.
In his usual nonchalant manner, Na-ze remarked, "Looks like you've finally grown up." Tears welled up in Kimiko's eyes as she stared at her brother. With a mix of curiosity and pain, she asked why he left her with their mom. Na-ze replied, his smile offering reassurance and comfort, "Mom and Dad never really liked having me around, so I decided to live on my own. It's as simple as that. I left you with them because I knew they cared for you and loved you.