After dinner, Fujiwara Aoi prepared to leave. "Well then, I'll be going first."
The two younger sisters said in unison, "Goodbye, Aoi!"
Natsume Chikage waved goodbye. "See you tomorrow."
"Mm, see you tomorrow—" Fujiwara Aoi was still somewhat shy around Natsume Chikage. She gave a small wave and prepared to leave.
However, the moment she stepped out the door, torrential rain suddenly began pouring down outside.
Fujiwara Aoi immediately froze in place.
Natsume Ruri and the others also felt a little awkward.
"Aoi, it's raining really hard right now—why don't you wait until it stops?"
"Aoi, you just washed—cough, cough, took a shower. If you go out now, you'll easily get soaked again. You should wait at home a little longer."
"That's right! Let's play some games. Maybe the rain will stop after a while!"
Fujiwara Aoi's face reddened slightly. "All right—"
And so,
Fujiwara Aoi played board games with Natsume Chikage and the others in the living room. In any case, they were having a great time.
But throughout that time, she kept watching what was happening outside the window.
Unfortunately, the rain never stopped. There was even thunder and lightning, and the weather became worse than when it had first started.
Natsume Ruri checked the time and said worriedly, "Aoi, it's already almost ten. Why don't you just stay here for the night?"
Kaga Resaki agreed. "The rain is too heavy, and there's lightning too. It wouldn't be good if something happened."
Fujiwara Aoi was actually completely willing to stay at Natsume Chikage's house.
But she knew the key to this matter was Chikage. If he did not agree, there was nothing more to discuss.
Natsume Chikage agreed readily. "Yeah, and it's already very late. It wouldn't be appropriate to go back now no matter what. Aoi, stay