Hakuo: "Mr. Hito said, 'Hina, it won't be easy for anyone to forget you because you are so special. If someone forgets you, understand that they are just pretending, just like those kittens.'"
Hearing this line, Hinata is instantly reminded of her father. Her eyes turn red with the sting of past hurt. She suddenly drops to her knees.
Hinata: "I waited nine years to say this... I, the daughter of Hito Hiroto and Hito Mako, apologize to you from the bottom of my heart. What I did back then was truly childish. I never intended to hurt you. I think I was just a little jealous. I'm sorry."
Hanako: "Everyone is watching, please stand up. Nothing happened back then that requires you to apologize to me. You were just a child, and at that time, you were a bit too possessive of your father."
Hinata: "So... have you forgiven me?"
Hakuo: "I've forgiven you. Now please get up, you'll hurt your knees."
Hinata: "I just realized I'm wearing cargo shorts. These pebbles are really digging into my knees. Help me stand up."
Hakuo: "Take my hand. I'll help you up."
As Hinata stands up, Hakuo looks at her scrapes.
Hakuo: "Wait here, I'll go buy some bandages."
Hinata: "Wait, there should be a bandage in my pocket. Let me check... yes, here it is. Put it on my knee."
Hakuo: "Were you prepared for this?"
Hinata: "For what?"
Hakuo: "You already had a bandage on you. Did you know you were going to get hurt?"
Hinata: "No. My mom always puts bandages in the pockets of all my clothes."
Hakuo: "I see. Give it to me, I'll put it on for you."
Hanako applies the bandage, and they continue walking toward the Class President's house.
Hinata: "Why are you so quiet? If you want to ask something, just ask. Your face looks like there are a thousand questions spinning in your head."
Hakuo: "Can I really ask?"
Hinata: "Yes, go ahead."
Hakuo: "You aren't weak... so why were you crying in the rain that day?"
Hinata: "Do you remember I told you someone accused me of theft at my part-time job?"
Hakuo: "So you were actually crying because of that?"
Hinata: "Wait, let me finish. A few days ago, I was sitting in class and overheard people talking. They said the Class President had been absent for days because a customer harassed her at her part-time job. After that, she stopped coming to work and school. I decided to take a job at that same place to see who this man was who enjoyed troubling people. When I joined, I met him. That customer offered me money."
Hakuo: "For what?"
Hinata: "He wanted me to spend a night with him. I refused. For two days, he acted normal, but on the third day, he came to me and said he was ashamed of his behavior. Without me noticing, he slipped a diamond ring into my apron. A few minutes later, he caused a scene in the cafe, claiming his engagement ring was stolen. When they searched the place, the ring was found in my apron. The owner fired me on the spot."
Hakuo: "So that is why you were crying?"
Hinata: "I'm still not finished. The spot where we met is right next to that cafe. I was only pretending to cry in the rain. I knew that man would pass by there, and I knew he would come to me when he saw me crying. At that moment, I was going to scream and tell everyone he was trying to molest me. But he didn't show up—you did. And you thought I was actually crying."
Hakuo: "Are you out of your mind? Do you know how risky that could have been? Anything could have happened to you! Don't you think before doing these things?"
Hinata: "It wasn't risky at all. I've faced real risks before. Anyway, looks like we're close to the Class President's house."
Hakuo: "This road is so deserted."
Hinata: "Wait here. I'll go the rest of the way alone. Her house is just a minute away. I'll handle it."
Hakuo: "I'll wait for you right here."
Hinata: "Okay."
Hinata walks ahead alone and reaches the Class President's house. The house is small and looks very old. Hinata reaches out and rings the doorbell.