Since Shimizu Meiyuki had apologized, Seele was not a petty person and casually forgave her.
"Thank you!"
Shimizu Meiyuki bowed again in thanks, then looked hesitantly at Seele and Asou Yuna, as though she wanted to say something but could not bring herself to.
"Is there something else?"
"Um... could you keep me company and chat for a while?"
Shimizu Meiyuki looked at them expectantly. Right now, she just wanted someone to be with her.
"But it's already so late. We need to head back too... All right!" Seele had been about to refuse, but seeing Shimizu Meiyuki's pitiful expression, she could not help softening.
"Thank you so much!"
Seeing that Seele had agreed and that Asou Yuna did not seem to object, Shimizu Meiyuki could not help smiling.
"There's a bench by the roadside ahead. Let's sit there and talk."
Seele looked around and spotted a long bench by the road ahead, specifically provided for passersby to rest.
"Okay!"
Hugging the cloth doll in her arms, Shimizu Meiyuki hurriedly nodded in agreement.
"Did something happen to you?"
After sitting down by the bench, Seele looked at the little girl before her. She was about the same age as Asou Yuna, but dressed even more adorably. Seele guessed that she had probably snuck out.
"...Yes."
Shimizu Meiyuki fell silent for a moment before reluctantly nodding.
"Did something happen at home?"
Seele thought for a moment and continued guessing.
"Yes..."
Shimizu Meiyuki nodded again. At that moment, her expression became rather sorrowful. Perhaps she felt that Seele was a kind and dependable senior, someone she could confide in, so she began telling Seele about what had happened to her.
"Running away from home..."
After hearing Shimizu Meiyuki's account, Seele did not have much of a reaction. She only felt