"Shiro, we can go now."
Glancing at the time, it was nearly four in the afternoon. There was still enough time.
"Okay."
Shiina Mashiro handed the remaining fried tofu to Hiyamaru, gently stroked her fluffy fox fur, and stood up.
"We're leaving. Hiyamaru, make sure you guard the house properly."
Shiina Mashiro earnestly instructed Hiyamaru, but Hiyamaru merely rolled her eyes at her. Mashiro did not pay it much mind.
After saying a few words to Hiyamaru as well, Rita took Shiina Mashiro's hand and left the room.
The streets were as clean as ever. Although the pedestrians could not compare to the bustle of central Tokyo, there was still a steady stream of people. Tightly holding the cool, delicate hand in her own, the two walked quietly without speaking. Rita deliberately slowed her pace to match Shiro's unhurried steps.
Since it was not too far away, they had not considered driving.
However, after walking for a while, Shiina Mashiro suddenly stopped.
"What is it?"
Rita was slightly puzzled. There were not many things that could make Shiro stop in her tracks, so Rita's first thought was that Shiro had spotted a convenience store and wanted baumkuchen. After spending so much time together, Rita had come to fully understand Shiro's habits.
"Nanami."
Shiro tugged at Rita's hand, her beautiful eyes fixed intently on a certain spot, seemingly reminding Rita to look over there.
"Nanami?"
Rita blanked for a moment before realizing that she meant Aoyama Nanami. Following Shiro's gaze, Rita looked to the side and saw Aoyama Nanami, dressed in a sailor uniform, sitting on a bench by the roadside. Judging by her appearance, she had only recently gotten out of school.
"Let's go say hello."
"Mm."
Shiro nodded gently and was led over by Rita.
"Aoyama."
Hearing someone