The inn wasn't far from his home, so no one bothered going to the parking lot to get a car. They decided to walk instead.
Night settled in, and the streets were quiet and peaceful.
Yasui Makoto walked ahead, naturally taking on the role of their temporary guide. He didn't bring up the race again. Instead, he pointed out the sights along the way, describing them in an even tone.
"That's the ramen shop I used to go to all the time as a kid. The flavor's really authentic... And around this corner is an oden stall. The owner's been running it for decades. I used to stop by whenever I came home late from school..."
His matter-of-fact stories sounded like casual conversation, yet they quietly sketched the path of his life here.
Hokubu Genkoma followed silently behind him, listening intently. Her crimson eyes curiously took in the ordinary sights that were nonetheless connected to him.
Before long, a traditional inn with a noren curtain and soft lights came into view.
Inside was a tidy tatami room, furnished to feel warm and comfortable, with the relaxed atmosphere of a home.
Yasui Makoto helped everyone check in, carefully explained the facilities and when to meet the next morning, then took his leave.
As he stepped outside the inn, the cool night breeze brushed his face.
Yasui Makoto stopped and thought for a moment, then took out his phone, opened his contacts, and tapped the text conversation with "Xiao Bei."
After another moment's thought, he lowered his head and began composing a message. Before he could finish, he heard the inn's curtain rustle behind him.
He looked up and couldn't help freezing.
Hokubu Genkoma was emerging from inside. When she saw him standing outside, she was clearly taken aback too. Then, a