"That's fine. By then, this place will just be a memory for you too. You should leave it behind and fly toward your own future."
Rumi puffed out her cheeks. "Stop calling me 'you.' I told you, it's Rumi."
The three of them laughed, and Rumi couldn't help but join in.
"Well, we're actually here to see Tanaka-sensei. It's almost time."
"Tanaka-sensei? The new teacher?" Rumi asked. "Are you friends?"
"Something like that."
Rumi thought for a moment, then her eyes lit up. "Wait... SAO. Is that why she's taking over as the club advisor for Shizuka-sensei?"
"Is she?"
"Yeah. I didn't understand why until now. I guess Sensei wanted someone who had a connection to you."
Hachiman nodded. "Listen, Rumi. That woman... she might not have fought on the front lines, but she fought a different kind of battle to protect children. She's incredible. If you're ever in trouble, talk to her."
"Tanaka-sensei is like that? Okay. I'll make sure to rely on her."
As they prepared to leave, Hachiman turned back to the girl who reminded him so much of his past. "See ya, Rumi. If we get the chance, we should all go out somewhere together."
"Wait... me too?"
"Why not? I want to see how Yukino reacts to you. And we've got a car. Right, Asuna?"
"Definitely. We'll go wherever you want, Rumi-chan."
Rumi smiled brightly. "Okay. It's a promise. See you later, Hachiman."
"Yeah. It's a promise."
As they left the room, they bumped into a group of girls arriving to see Rumi.
"Hey, Rumi! Who were those people?" one of them asked.
"The guy in the front... he's a secret," Rumi said with a mischievous giggle. "But the other two are my friends."
"A secret? Now you have to tell us! They were so cool! And that woman was beautiful!"
"I know, right?" Rumi whispered. She glanced back at Hachiman one last time, gave a small wave, and vanished back into the club room.
"She's definitely not alone anymore," Hachiman murmured.
"I'm glad, Hachiman-kun."
"Yeah," Egil added. "Now, let's go find Sasha."
In the guidance office, Saya Tanaka—known to them as Sasha—was looking confused. "Hiratsuka-sensei, why did you call me here?"
"Be patient. You'll see."
Just then, a knock came at the door. "Come in," Shizuka called out.
The door opened, and when Saya saw the three people entering, she didn't hesitate. She threw herself forward, pulling them into a fierce hug.
"Hachiman-san! Asuna-san! Egil-san! I've missed you all so much!"
"It's good to see you, Sasha," Hachiman said, smiling.
"We missed you too!" Asuna cried, hugging her back.
"How have you been?" Egil asked.
Saya beamed at them. "I'm wonderful! But why are you all here?"
"We heard you were working at my old school," Hachiman explained. "We couldn't just stay away."
"I see!"
"Have you kept in touch with the kids from the church?" Asuna asked.
"Yes! Kikuoka-san was kind enough to give me their contact information. They're all doing great—almost too much energy, if you can believe it!"
Hachiman scoffed. "That shady glasses-wearing fed actually did something nice for once?"
"Oh, don't be like that! That's rude to Kikuoka-san!" Saya laughed.
Shizuka quietly slipped out of the room to give them privacy, and the four of them spent the next hour lost in memories. As they finally prepared to head home, Hachiman looked at Saya.
"I heard you're taking over as the Service Club advisor. I used to be a member there, and Rumi—the girl running it—is a friend. Please look after them for me, Sasha."
"I will," she promised solemnly. "I won't let you down."
The day ended on a high note. After dropping Egil off at his home, Hachiman and Asuna headed back. But as the evening traffic began to stall, Hachiman navigated them toward a familiar neon sign. For the second day in a row, they found themselves pulling into the parking lot of May Queen Nyan-Nyan.
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 70 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
Here's the link:
[patreon.com/Greyhounds]
Thank you so much for your support!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"