Ishikawa Hayato did not need to listen any further. A girl was already walking over with Kita in tow, grinning.
"Ishikawa-kun, I'll leave Kita-chan to you."
Her words drew sweet giggles from several friends behind her. They were always full of anticipation and curiosity when it came to romance. Once someone in their circle started a relationship, they could not help nudging her along and urging her to make faster progress.
Curiosity, wanting to know more, wanting to give their friend's romance a little push.
No one thought they meant any harm.
After all, Kita had said so herself yesterday.
Still, Ishikawa Hayato looked at the hesitant Kita and rose to his feet.
"Thanks."
He said it casually to the girl, then took Kita by the wrist and headed outside amid her friends' surprised cries.
On the rooftop, the cool morning breeze of early May made everything feel crisp and clean—so clean it was hard to imagine anyone had ever been there.
After stepping out through the door, Ishikawa Hayato stopped and released Kita's hand. With his back to her, he said,
"Sorry. This happened again."
"No... I just wasn't careful."
Kita's voice was a little dejected. She paused behind him for a moment before walking over.
"Besides, didn't Ishikawa-kun help me out of that situation?"
She quickly adjusted her mood and smiled. With light steps, she moved in front of Ishikawa Hayato and looked at him.
"You asked me for help before, Kita. How could I possibly ignore you?"
Kita blinked in surprise at Ishikawa Hayato's words, then set aside what she had noticed.
If she went back now, they would probably interrogate her with endless questions. Besides, Kita was in no hurry to leave.
Though being alone with Ishikawa Hayato, whom she had intended to keep her