( misunderstanding arc)
The dim streetlights stretched long shadows across the road. Haruki, done with work for the day, started walking home—but his feet, almost unknowingly, carried him toward the path that led to Hina's house.
He stopped for a moment, staring down that narrow lane, as if his heart was whispering that Hina might be waiting for him there.
---
The next day.
Afternoon sunlight filtered gently through the leaves, scattering golden patterns on the ground. Haruki walked toward Hina's house, his heartbeat quickening. His fingers tapped nervously against his phone cover.
"I'm going to meet Hina because of what they said," he muttered to himself, "but… what if something goes wrong?"
Last night's conversation with Kazuki replayed in his mind—Kazuki standing in front of a mirror, fixing her hair, her voice soft and reassuring.
"It's good you finally decided to go. Don't be afraid, everything will be fine."
Haruki had whispered, his voice carrying a trace of nervousness, "Yeah… but I still feel a little scared."
Kazuki's reply had been calm yet firm: "Don't worry. Everything will be alright."
Then another memory flashed—home, the living room. Isame sat across from him, a mug of coffee between them.
"So, what's this?" Isame leaned forward, eyes sparkling mischievously. "My lion has finally decided to meet her!"
He grinned with excitement, his voice teasing. "She's going to be so happy to see you. She'll give you a warm hug… and who knows? Maybe even a kiss."
Haruki growled at him, glaring, "Isameee!"
Isame only laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Okay, okay, sorry!"
Back on the road, a faint smile tugged at Haruki's lips. "I wish… it would really be like that," he thought quietly.
---
The gate loomed ahead.
He pressed the doorbell—ting-tong. Silence for a moment. Then a click.
The door opened.
Hina stood there. For a fleeting second, her eyes widened in surprise, a spark of happiness glimmering. But just as quickly, she smothered it beneath a cold, hard expression.
Haruki's lips stretched into a nervous smile. "Hiii…"
Her tone was sharp, cutting, "Why are you here now?"
Haruki lowered his head slightly, trying to lighten the atmosphere with a soft laugh. "It's the weekend, so I thought… maybe we could sit down, talk about a lot of things. Maybe even play some games together."
But Hina's reply was like a door slamming shut. "I don't want to talk. Leave. And don't ever try to meet me again."
She turned on her heel and walked toward her room. The door remained half-open—as if her lips said leave, but her heart still wanted him to stay.
The air in the corridor felt heavier. Haruki's eyes dropped to the floor.
"Maybe… coming here was a mistake," he thought.
And then, in his memory, Kazuki's words returned, echoing: "Girls only get angry at the ones they consider their own."
Haruki drew in a deep breath, gathered his courage, and quietly stepped inside. He stopped at the kitchen.
"If I make food for Hina… maybe she'll calm down," he whispered, a flicker of hope crossing his chest.
The stove lit with a small flame. The faint sweetness of onions filled the air. The soft clink of a spoon against a pan, the hiss of rising steam. After a while, two plates, a tray, and a glass of cool water stood ready on the dining table—like a silent apology waiting to be accepted.
Haruki gently pushed Hina's bedroom door open. His voice was low, almost careful, "The food is ready… come, let's eat together."
Hina sat at the edge of her bed, her back to him. Her tone was bitter, sharp, "How did you even get inside? I told you to leave."
Haruki moved closer, sitting beside her, his voice soft. "Are you upset with me?"
Hina's lashes fluttered briefly. Her voice trembled for just a moment—she had been touched by his sincerity—but she quickly hid her feelings. "Why would I be upset?"
Haruki tried again, lowering his head. "Okay… fine. Sorry. But at least tell me—why are you angry?"
Hina's words cut cold once more. "I don't want to say anything. Just go."
Haruki leaned forward, desperate now. "Please… just hear me out—"
But Hina's stubbornness flared again. "I don't want to hear anything. Just leave!"
Unease gnawed at Haruki's chest. He gently reached for her hand, his voice almost pleading, "Hina, please… listen to me, just once—"
Her patience snapped. She yanked her hand away, shouting, "How many times do I have to say it? I don't want to listen to you!
If you don't leave right now—I'll throw you out myself!"
The words struck him like blows. Haruki froze, his face crumbling under the weight of hurt. Still, he forced a faint, broken smile.
"Alright… I'll go myself. You don't have to trouble yourself."
He exhaled a long, weary breath. "I just wanted to see how you were doing. I've seen you now… so I'll leave."
He stood slowly, his voice heavy. "Take care of yourself."
And then softer, his head lowered, "Sorry… for bothering you."
He turned toward the door.
Hina watched. Watched as his feet really carried him away. A sudden panic wrapped itself around her heart. She clutched at her blanket for one breathless moment, frozen—then suddenly leapt to her feet.
Her eyes shimmered, tears already streaming down.
Haruki reached the door handle—click.
And then—quick footsteps, a rush of breath, and before he could even process it, Hina's arms wrapped around him tightly from behind.
His chest bumped against the door, shutting it closed with a dull thud.
The room fell silent, except for the sound of their trembling breaths.
Hina's voice cracked, broken with sobs. "Please… don't go."
For a moment, the world stilled. Haruki stood frozen, stunned by the storm of her emotions. Her tears soaked into his jacket. Her shaking breaths brushed against his back.
The only sound was her heart—crying, pleading, desperate.
---
To be continued…