Late Summer

The street was glowing with soft yellow lights as Ryo and Hoshino strolled side by side, the air warm with the distant hum of evening vendors. Just then, Ryo's phone began to ring.

Ryo: "Hello... Grandma?"

Ms. Kazama (on phone): "Ryo, where are you? are you  with Kai?"

Ryo: "No, I’m not with Kai... and no, you can’t talk to him right now. I’m with... a friend. I’ll be home later. Okay? Bye."

He ended the call rather abruptly.

Hoshino (softly smiling): "Your grandma really cares about you, Kazama-kun."

Ryo: "Yeah, she’s... always been like that. A bit protective."

(Ryo: "It’s not a lie... but I didn’t want her to know just yet that I’m with Hoshino...")

He quickly changed the subject.

Ryo: "Let’s go find something to eat. I know a great spot near here."

{ A Quiet Talk at the Kazama Residence}

At the Kazama house, warm light pooled on the tatami as Ms. Yitori Kazama poured tea for their guest—Miss Fiona.

Ms. Kazama: "Miss Fiona, please... you don’t need to carry all the burden alone. I’ll help you in any way I can."

Fiona (bowing low, voice trembling): "Thank you, Ms. Kazama... our family is struggling. Only you can help us now. It means so much to me... truly."

Yitori gently places a hand on Fiona’s shoulder, her eyes full of quiet understanding.

Ms. Kazama: "Raise your head, Fiona-san. Tomorrow, we’ll go together."

Later, as Fiona left, Yitori remains thoughtful by the open sliding door.

Ms. Kazama (to herself): "Perhaps... I should take Ryo along this time."

Mr. Kazama (entering with a book in hand): "It would be good for him. He’s seen more than he realizes. Better he learns to understand it now than later."

{ A Step Closer}

Back on the bustling town street, the scent of grilled mochi and summer fruits filled the air. Ryo and Hoshino continued walking.

Suddenly—

Hoshino: "Ah! Ryo-Kazama-kun I forgot something. Wait here just a moment, I’ll be right back."

Ryo was caught off guard by how casually she ran back.

Ryo (blurting out): "It’s okay... and um... you can call me Ryo."

She turned with a gentle look.

Hoshino (smiling): "Then call me just Hoshino, too."

(Ryo: "My heart... what’s happening to me lately...")

While Ryo stood in the glow of a shopfront, he hears familiar voices behind him.

Kai: "Yo, Ryo! There you are. I messaged you earlier. Didn’t see it?"

Ryo (checking phone): "Ah... sorry, I didn’t get the chance. I was busy."

Noelle: "Busy doing what? Aren’t you just roaming around like always?"

Ryo (scratching his head): "It’s just... I had something to do. Sorry, I really can’t join you today."

Kai: "You sure?"

Ryo: "Yeah. Grandma called—wants me home soon."

(Ryo: "I don’t want them to know about Hoshino... not yet.")

Noelle: "Fine, next time then. Later!"

As they walked away, Kai glanced back one last time—and froze.

He saw Ryo standing still, talking to the air...

No. Not the air. To someone only he couldn’t see.

(Kai: "That look on Ryo’s face... is it happening again?")

Kai gripped his phone tightly.

(Kai: "I need to talk to Grandma Yitori.")

Hoshino returns with a small wrapped bag in her hand.

Hoshino: "Sorry to keep you waiting. Were those your friends?"

Ryo (smiling slightly): "Yeah... Kai and Noelle. My best buddies."

Hoshino: "You could’ve introduced us."

Ryo: "Next time. Definitely."

They walk together again, the streets slowly dimming into evening. Ryo looked at her, the light reflecting off her calm, serene expression

.

(Ryo: "I wonder what she’s really thinking. And why it feels so natural... being with her.")

To be continued...

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