Over the next few days, Shiro Sakamaki went to the Sawamura residence after school to accompany Eriri, only returning to his apartment in time for extra classes.
After those classes, he'd either meet with Kanou Akihiro to experiment with secret techniques or stay in his apartment studying his domain, still trying to figure out the nature of that massive creature he'd encountered.
But day after day passed with no results, and even his enthusiasm for writing novels began to wane.
Kasumigaoka Utaha had called him several times, but he kept making excuses, saying he had no inspiration at the moment.
He had also intended to ask Sayuri to help Kanna Kamui find a new school, but with Sayuri currently preoccupied with funeral arrangements, Shiro chose not to bother her.
Time flew by, and soon it was Friday.
After finishing his evening classes, Shiro noticed a message from Yukinoshita Haruno. She had sent him her location—it looked like she was getting ready to depart.
Shiro: [When are you setting off?]
Haruno: [Still gathering supplies and searching for the right ship. Are you coming, Darling?]
Shiro: [I'll leave in a bit. How many of you are going?]
Haruno: [Just four—me, a middle school classmate, and two other friends I met here.]
Shiro: [Got it. Get ready—I'll be there soon.]
Haruno: [Don't keep me waiting, then!]
After finishing the conversation, Shiro asked for leave from Hiratsuka Shizuka, explaining that he had urgent matters abroad.
As for Kanna, Shiro originally thought of leaving her with Kobayashi, but Kanna flatly refused. She still hadn't forgiven Kobayashi for "stealing Thor."
With Sayuri's place currently inconvenient, he turned to the Nakano sisters. He entrusted Kanna to them temporarily, telling them he was going abroad for work—and reminding them not to slack off on their studies. He'd quiz them when he got back.
Next, Shiro contacted his mother, Rena Sakamaki, saying he was going on a sea fishing trip with his girlfriend at a port in Spain.
Rena Sakamaki was thrilled and said she would handle the boat arrangements. Her only request? That he bring the girl home during the holidays.
Shiro had no objections. He'd been planning to do that anyway.
Ten minutes later, his mother sent him a contact number.
Shiro: *[Ship's ready. Just focus on supplies now. Here's the contact number: *******.]
After sending the message, he packed some clothes, grabbed a suitcase, and pulled out his rarely-used pink motorcycle. Once activated, its speed was unmatched, and it barely consumed energy.
With the roar of the engine, Shiro shot off toward Spain.
---
Meanwhile, at a supermarket in Spain, Haruno was checking her phone, eyes lighting up with delight as she saw Shiro's message.
Toka Takanashi, picking out ingredients nearby, looked over. "What's got you all giddy? We haven't even secured a boat yet. I wonder if Paul and Barbara are ready."
"Hehe, my boyfriend's coming. He said the boat's handled. We just need to finish the shopping!"
Toka Takanashi blinked. "Wait—you have a boyfriend? And he's coming from Japan? Isn't it already late there?"
Spain and Japan had a seven-hour time difference. Even with the fastest flight, he wouldn't make it until the next day.
"No problem. If it's him, he'll make it."
Toka Takanashi eyed her old classmate skeptically. She'd never seen Haruno act so smitten before. But, reminiscing about their time together, she couldn't deny that Haruno hadn't really changed—just found someone worth being soft for.
Eventually, Haruno convinced her to join the sea trip. Though reluctant at first, Toka Takanashi finally agreed.
More than three hours later, after gathering all the supplies and confirming their boat, Haruno and Toka returned to the dorm.
From a distance, Haruno spotted Shiro standing casually outside.
With his tall, striking figure and confident posture, he stood out from the crowd, drawing glances from passersby.
Haruno dropped everything and ran straight into his arms.
Shiro caught her effortlessly, spinning her around with a grin.
"How was that? Fast enough?"
"Mm~ I knew you'd make it, Darling!"
Toka arrived moments later, watching the couple with a mix of admiration and quiet longing.
Her life had taken a different path than she'd once dreamed of. After her father's sudden death, she had to give up gymnastics and work to support her family. This trip was supposed to be a short break to study cooking, but fate had other plans when she ran into Haruno.
After a moment, Haruno finally remembered Toka's presence and quickly let go of Shiro.
"Let me introduce you—this is Toka Takanashi, my classmate and best friend. She'll be our ship's chef!"
"I never agreed to be your chef," Toka Takanashi muttered in a flat tone.
"Come on, you're the best cook among us. Paul and Barbara can't even boil water!"
Turning to Shiro, she teased, "So? Isn't Toka pretty? I don't mind if you fall for her too!"
"Haruno, what are you even saying?" Toka Takanashi glared at her friend, feeling more and more like she didn't recognize this version of her.
Still, she smiled faintly. Somewhere inside, she was glad she came.
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