if [the timeline where Lara rejected Nanahoshi] 6

Going to school, taking exams, moving on to higher education, then graduating.

There was nothing particularly special about those days.

Every morning, I rushed to catch the train. At noon, I ate with my classmates, and after school, I occasionally stopped by the convenience store to buy something.

On weekends, I lay in my room reading or staring blankly into space.

Akito and Kuroki were always by my side too.

It was just that as we grew older, we gradually went down different paths.

We kept in touch less, and saw each other less and less often.

But whenever I occasionally received a message from them, I still felt reassured.

After graduating from university, I started working.

The first time I got paid, I bought my mother a piece of clothing.

She held it and looked at it for a long time before smiling and saying,

"Why did Shizuka suddenly buy something for Mom? I'm so happy."

"It's just a piece of clothing."

"Our Shizuka has really grown up."

I didn't answer. I just looked at my mother.

A few white strands had appeared in her hair, and there were more wrinkles at the corners of her eyes than before.

They were such ordinary changes, yet I stared at them for a long time.

A few years later, Dad retired.

Mom no longer busied herself with cooking every day like she used to.

The two of them began living a truly leisurely life.

Sometimes, they traveled together.

Sometimes, they took walks in the nearby park.

Sometimes, they sat in the living room watching television.

And because of work, I went home less and less often.

Whenever I returned, Mom always prepared a whole table of food in advance.

Grilled Pacific saury, miso soup, stew.

"You're back."

"Yeah."

"Has work