Pipra was startled when she heard Seiji's voice, her heart skipping a beat. She quickly wiped her tears, trying to compose herself, but the sadness still lingered in her eyes.
"Hello, Pipra," Seiji repeated with a warm smile, unaware of her earlier distress. He stepped closer, his presence towering over her small frame as she sat on the bench.
Pipra tried to smile back, but the emotions she had been holding in were too strong. Her voice wavered as she spoke, "Seiji... I... I thought you left."
Seiji raised an eyebrow, confused. "Left? No, I was just handling some business in town. I was planning to come back to your shop later." He sat down beside her, his hand reaching out to gently touch her shoulder. "Why are you crying?"
Pipra shook her head, struggling to find the words. "I... I thought you left because of me. Because I didn't..." She hesitated, looking away, embarrassed to admit her fears.
