The wind in the forest always carried an indescribable loneliness.
Although the sun had climbed to its zenith, its faint warmth was almost entirely lost after filtering through the canopy.
Mottled light and shadow danced across Kazehara Tetsu's tightly shut eyelids.
Who knew how much time had passed?
A faint set of footsteps broke the silence.
They weren't aimless footsteps.
They carried a hint of hesitation, yet seemed to be heading somewhere in particular.
The sound stopped near the tightly closed side door of the Cafeteria.
The newcomer didn't turn and leave when she found the door shut. Instead, as if drawn by something, she began searching the area.
One step, then two.
The footsteps came closer and closer, finally stopping not far from the thick tree root.
Kazehara Tetsu didn't open his eyes.
His breathing remained steady, as though he really were asleep.
But he could feel someone's gaze resting on him.
There was no hostility in it. Instead, it was filled with complicated emotions.
The person didn't speak or make a sound to disturb him.
Time seemed to stop in that moment.
At last.
Kazehara Tetsu slowly opened his eyes.
The first thing he saw was the girl with long pink hair...
Ichinose Honami.
Her distinctive long hair fell smoothly over her shoulders, a few loose strands ruffled by the wind and brushing her slightly pale cheek.
Her eyes held a bewilderment that was never there normally.
Their gazes met.
There was none of the expected small talk or surprise.
Kazehara Tetsu said nothing. He merely glanced at Ichinose Honami, then rose from the tree root.
He turned.
And walked deeper into the woods.
The trees grew denser, and the light dimmed.
It was a blind spot, far from the cameras and beyond everyone's sight.
Seeing Kazehara Tetsu