The evening glow cast a warm golden edge on the teaching building of Sobu University.
Okabara Kyogumichi walked out of the school gate with his backpack, his steps light as he headed towards Shiina Mahiru's home.
The black pick in his pocket swayed gently with his steps; he had found it where Hitori Gotou had been at noon and planned to return it to her next time they met.
Passing by the convenience store, Kyogumichi went in and bought two cartons of milk — Shiina Mahiru had said she liked to make pudding with fresh milk.
The clerk smiled and teased, "Going to a friend's house for dinner again today?"
"Yes, we made plans," Kyogumichi paid and walked out of the store quickly, carrying the milk.
The lingering glow of the sunset streamed through the apartment building's windows, casting long shadows in the hallway.
Kyogumichi arrived at Shiina Mahiru's doorstep and was about to ring the doorbell when he heard an argument from inside, one sharp female voice particularly grating.
"...I'm telling you, Shiina Mahiru, don't think playing pitiful will let you keep taking my money!" The woman's voice carried undisguised disgust.
"Your father's side cut off funding long ago, and I don't have spare money to support a burden like you!"
Kyogumichi's hand paused on the doorbell, and he involuntarily took half a step back.
He recognized the voice; he had bumped into her in the hallway once before—it was Shiina Mahiru's mother.
That woman, with her exquisite makeup and designer clothes, looked at Mahiru as if she were a troublesome object.
"But... next month's rent and tuition..." Shiina Mahiru's voice was very soft, with a barely perceptible tremor, completely different from her usual gentle and firm tone.
"That's your problem!" The woman's voice suddenly rose.
"If you hadn't insisted on moving out, would you be in such a mess now? Hurry up and pack your things and move back to your grandmother's, or you won't get a single penny!"
"I'm not going back." Shiina Mahiru's voice, though still soft, carried a stubborn insistence.
"It's convenient for me to go to school here, and..."
"And what?" The woman sneered.
"And play your good student act here? Don't think I don't know about your hypocritical behavior at school! Just like your deceased mother!"
"You're not allowed to talk about mother!" Shiina Mahiru's voice suddenly rose, filled with uncontrollable anger and grievance.
This was followed by the sound of something being knocked over, accompanied by the woman's curses.
Kyogumichi frowned, unable to hold back any longer, and reached out to press the doorbell.
The argument inside ceased abruptly.
A few seconds later, the door was pulled open, and Shiina Mahiru stood behind it, her eyes red, with fresh tear stains on her cheeks.
She was clearly startled when she saw Kyogumichi, and a flicker of panic and embarrassment crossed her eyes.
"Okabara-san... why are you here?"
"I came to freeload on dinner." Kyogumichi tried to make his tone sound light and natural, his gaze passing over her to look inside the room.
"This is... Auntie?"
A woman in a red dress stood up from the living room sofa, her arms crossed, and she scrutinized Kyogumichi with a critical gaze, her disdain almost undisguised.
"Who are you? Mahiru's classmate?"
"Yes, hello Auntie, my name is Okabara Kyogumichi." Kyogumichi ignored her unfriendly attitude and greeted her calmly.
"Classmate?" The woman scoffed, then turned to Shiina Mahiru.
"Well, well, you've learned to bring boys home? You've certainly grown up, your wings are hard."
Shiina Mahiru's face instantly flushed crimson, and she hurriedly explained, "No, mother! Okabara-san is just..."
"Just what?" The woman interrupted her, walked to the doorway, and looked down at Kyogumichi.
"I'm warning you, stay away from my daughter.
She's moving back to her grandmother's soon, don't waste her time here."
"I won't move back." Shiina Mahiru said with courage, her voice trembling slightly but exceptionally firm.
The woman's face instantly darkened: "What did you say?"
"I said I'm not going back." Shiina Mahiru looked up, meeting her mother's gaze.
"It's good for me to go to school here, and I've already found a part-time job, so I can pay for my living expenses and tuition myself in the future, without troubling you anymore."
"Part-time job?" The woman sounded as if she had heard the biggest joke.
"With your delicate skin, what kind of part-time job can you do? Don't get scammed without even knowing it!"
"That's none of your concern." Shiina Mahiru's voice was soft, yet carried a sense of detachment.
The woman was enraged by her attitude, pointed at her nose, and cursed, "Good! Very good!
Since you're so principled, then don't ever ask me for money again!
I'm telling you, from today onwards, I won't give you another penny! You're on your own!"
After she finished speaking, she glared fiercely at Shiina Mahiru, then swept a contemptuous glance at Kyogumichi, turned, and clacked away on her high heels, the heavy sound of the door slamming echoing in the hallway.
The room instantly fell silent, leaving only Shiina Mahiru's suppressed sobs.
She hung her head, her shoulders gently shaking, tears clinging to her long eyelashes, looking particularly heartbreaking.
Kyogumichi said nothing, just quietly walked into the room, placed the milk on the cabinet in the entryway, and then gently closed the door.
He walked to Shiina Mahiru's side and handed her a tissue.
Shiina Mahiru took the tissue, wiped her tears, and choked out, "I'm sorry, Okabara-san, for letting you see such a terrible scene."
"It's okay." Kyogumichi looked at her reddened eyes and said softly, "Are you alright?"
Shiina Mahiru shook her head, then nodded, sniffled, and said, "I'm fine, I just made a fool of myself."
Kyogumichi looked at her pretending to be strong, feeling a little uneasy.
He had always felt that Shiina Mahiru carried a faint sadness, and now he finally understood why.
Living in such a family environment, no wonder she always seemed so lonely.
"Don't be sad." Kyogumichi comforted her, "You're very brave to stick to your own ideas."
Shiina Mahiru looked up at Kyogumichi's sincere eyes, her heart warmed, but tears couldn't help but flow again.
At school, she always played the role of the gentle and sensible "Angel," and no one knew the grievances and loneliness in her heart.
Kyogumichi was the first person to see her in such a disheveled state, yet he didn't mock her; instead, he comforted her.
"Thank you, Okabara-san." Shiina Mahiru sniffled, forcing a smile, "Sorry to keep you waiting, I'll go make dinner."
"I'll help you." Kyogumichi followed her into the kitchen.
Shiina Mahiru's kitchen was clean and tidy, with all the utensils neatly arranged.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm her emotions, and began to prepare dinner.
Kyogumichi quietly helped wash and chop vegetables beside her, without asking any more questions.
The aroma of food filled the kitchen, gradually dispelling the previous gloom.
Shiina Mahiru's mood slowly calmed down, and she began to chat casually with Kyogumichi, a smile gradually appearing on her face.
Watching her smile bloom again, Kyogumichi felt a warmth in his heart.
He knew that Shiina Mahiru was a strong girl, and even if life was full of difficulties, she would try her best to face them with a smile.
And all he could do was quietly accompany her when she needed him.
Dinner proceeded in a warm atmosphere.
Shiina Mahiru made teriyaki chicken, vegetable salad, and miso soup, and the taste was still delicious.
Kyogumichi ate heartily, constantly praising her cooking, which made Shiina Mahiru laugh continuously.
After dinner, Kyogumichi volunatrily helped clear the dishes.
Shiina Mahiru looked at his busy back, her heart filled with gratitude.
This boy always brought her warmth and strength inadvertently, making her feel less alone.
"Okabara-san," Shiina Mahiru suddenly spoke, "Thank you for coming today."
"Didn't I say I was coming to freeload on dinner?" Kyogumichi said with a smile, "And it's my honor to eat such a delicious dinner."
Shiina Mahiru looked at him, her eyes full of gratitude and warmth.
"In the future... will you still come?"
"Of course." Kyogumichi answered without hesitation, "As long as you don't mind me."
"I won't mind." Shiina Mahiru quickly shook her head, a brilliant smile appearing on her face, like the sunshine after a spring rain, warm and bright.
Kyogumichi looked at her smile and secretly decided that he would visit her more often in the future, spend more time with her, and make her feel less lonely.
He knew that he might not be able to change her family environment, but at least he could bring her some warmth and happiness.