Xiao Xiao's eyes curved slightly.
"Okay?"
The little mushroom-haired girl nodded.
She struggled to make a sound. "...Th-thank you."
Her faint voice was easily swallowed up by the surrounding noise.
"You're welcome."
Xiao Xiao heard her.
He answered.
The little mushroom-haired girl abruptly looked up at Xiao Xiao.
Big brother...
Had he heard her?
In fact, the little mushroom-haired girl often responded to what others said.
But it was hard for anyone to hear her.
She knew it was her own fault.
Her voice was too soft.
But she couldn't help it...
Besides, the more impatient or ill-tempered others became, the harder it was for her to make a sound.
A vicious cycle.
She was used to being misunderstood.
"It's getting late."
Xiao Xiao reminded the little mushroom-haired girl, "You should head home."
Otherwise, Child's Dad and Mom would worry.
The little mushroom-haired girl's heart jumped.
Ah!
She anxiously looked up at the sky.
She, she had to go home.
"Mm."
Xiao Xiao smiled and waved.
"Be careful on your way back."
"Goodbye."
G-goodbye.
The little mushroom-haired girl parted her lips.
The little mushroom-haired girl glanced at Xiao Xiao one last time, hesitated, then turned and ran off.
She'd spent too much time on the road today.
She needed to run home.
Xiao Xiao watched the little mushroom-haired girl's retreating figure.
He watched until she disappeared from sight.
He shook his head slightly.
He'd originally wanted to say a few things to the little mushroom-haired girl.
But her somewhat unexpected reaction had led to a little detour, and things had taken an unexpected turn.
What he'd wanted to say...
If he got the chance...
He'd tell the little mushroom-haired girl next time.
It was getting late today, too.