Back home, Aki Tomoya was still in a dazed state.
No matter how he thought about it, he could not understand why things had turned out this way. He had clearly been trying to protect Michiru, yet she had hit him instead? Had he done something wrong?
No, I wasn't wrong!
With that thought, Aki Tomoya clenched his fists, and his eyes gradually cleared.
I was right. Even if Michiru might not understand, I still had to protect her. After everyone else had abandoned me, only Michiru had remained by my side. I had to repay this kindness! I would protect Michiru at any cost. I absolutely would not let that bastard lay a hand on Michiru!
When Michiru came back, he would have another talk with her. Aki Tomoya was confident that he could still persuade her.
Aki Tomoya made up his mind. He stayed at home and waited for Michiru to return.
However...
Time slowly passed. The blackness of night gradually descended, yet Michiru never came back. He had originally assumed she had gone to a celebration party with the others, but even when the clock struck twelve, there was still no sign of her. At that point, Aki Tomoya could no longer sit still. He picked up his phone and called Michiru, but no one answered.
So Aki Tomoya called the other three members of Michiru's group, only to be told that Michiru had said she had something to do and left after the convention ended. She had not even attended the celebration party...
Aki Tomoya called Michiru again, but there was still no answer. He did not give up, however, and kept calling again and again. Finally, after who knew how long, the call connected, and Michiru's somewhat weary voice came from the other end.
"Hello,