"Jaaaaaay."
"Hm?... Oh, Kana."
She stopped right in front of him, leaning her hands on her chest to catch her breath. "Haha, where are you going, looking so serious?"
They started walking through the crowded city streets. He kept his eyes averted, avoiding her gaze. If he looked at her, she'd know instantly what he was thinking.
"Nowhere. I think I'm just going to head home. It's getting late."
"Dude, it's only 8…"
"…I'm old. I need my sleep."
"You're eighteen…"
"…I'm actually sic—"
"Stop the bullshit. Where are you going?" She stepped in front of him, arms on her hips, waiting for an answer. He tried to walk around her, but she blocked him every time. He was out of options. If he lied, her skill would expose him in a second.
"Dammit… I was going after Vell." He looked away, bracing for her to rage at the mention of his name, but no yelling came. He turned his head, confused by her silence, and then he saw it—a single tear rolling down her cheek.
"Vell…?"
