Ayase had cried until her voice turned faint, and by the end, only whispers of apologies escaped her mouth.
But soon, even the whispers disappeared. The mental and physical exhaustion from everything slowly took her out, making her unknowingly fall asleep in Akihito's hold.
Surprised, Akihito patted her hair softly, allowing her to rest.
"… Sleep well."
He muttered.
That's when something around them stirred.
Akihito's expression turned solemn, his gaze shifting. But as soon as he turned around, his eyes widened in shock.
He was back at the entrance of the town.
"Namita-san, Seiji-san!"
On the left, Namita and Seiji stood together, watching them with a concerned frown.
But seeing Ayase, who was burrowed in Akihito's hold, their expressions changed, turning ugly.
Akihito was about to explain, but Seiji suddenly appeared in front of them, his expression deeply concerned and anxious.
"What happened to Ayase!?" He asked urgently, crouching down to their level.
