The next day, Haruto didn't go to school. He woke up early, but his heart felt heavy. The thought of going out, seeing people, or even walking the same path he used to take with Kana made his chest tighten. He sat on the edge of his bed for a long time, staring blankly at the floor, feeling the silence of the morning pressing around him.
After a while, he went downstairs for breakfast. His grandfather had already prepared the meal — simple rice and miso soup like always. Haruto ate quietly, answering only when his grandfather spoke. His heart wasn't in it. Every bite tasted dull, and the silence between them felt louder than usual.
When breakfast was over, Haruto went back upstairs to his room. The wooden steps creaked softly under his feet. As soon as he opened the door, something unusual caught his eye.
