Chapter 280: So The House Won't Be Empty, Kasugano Sora's Farewell
Everyone's gaze fell upon Kasugano Sora's room. It was the kind of personal sanctuary that wasn't just appealing to girls; most boys would find it just as inviting. A plush, soft carpet covered the floor, a high-end computer setup occupied the desk, and a veritable mountain of snacks and drinks was neatly organized nearby. What young man could possibly dislike a room like this?
Sakura Hibiki's eyes lit up, sparkling with undisguised envy. She latched onto Sora's arm, her voice full of admiration. "Wow! Sora! You really know how to live! That's it, I've decided! I'm going to make my room just like this..."
Gina leaned in and whispered a dose of reality, "Hibiki... you'll just get yelled at..."
In an instant, all the energy drained from Sakura Hibiki. She collapsed onto the soft carpet like a beached fish that had lost its dream, the comforting texture of the rug only making her feel more miserable.
Akemi, ever the observant one, nodded in approval. "It's a very organized layout. Sora, the reason you didn't want Brother Ren and the others to see your room before... it was because you were unwell and couldn't have snacks or soda, wasn't it?"
Kasugano Sora nodded gently. "That's right. But those aren't big problems anymore... Ayaka, what is it?"
Ayaka was staring at the row of potted plants on the windowsill, a look of surprise on her face. "Eh? Sora, you grow plants, too? I never would have guessed. I didn't think you'd have had the time for something like this before..."
Sora's gaze drifted to the small flowers. She picked up a little watering can from a nearby shelf and walked over. As she gently sprinkled water over the soil, a faint smile touched her lips. "Sister Yumiko brought these to me a while ago. She said they could help purify the air and protect against radiation..."
She paused, tilting her head. "I can't say I felt any less radiation, but they look pretty here, and they make the room smell nice, so I kept them. I just got into the habit of watering them every day after coming back from the restroom."
The others nodded in understanding. Akemi let out a soft sigh. "Sora, are you really starting to move everything out of this room now?"
"Yes," Sora confirmed, her voice quiet but firm. "For this room... everything except the bed, wardrobe, desk, and dressing table will be moved. Uh... the refrigerator with the snacks and drinks can stay... and the aromatherapy diffuser, too."
Matsuda Tomoko clasped her hands together, all business. "Understood! We'll move everything else! And we'll be careful not to break anything!"
"Yes!" the moving crew responded in unison.
Just as the movers were about to enter, Sora held up a hand to stop them. She took out her phone, panning it slowly across the room to record a final video. Closing her eyes, she took a deep, steadying breath. "Sister Tomoko, Akemi, everyone... please, feel free to take whatever you want to eat or drink."
Sakura Hibiki needed no second invitation. Gina and the others didn't stand on ceremony either, grabbing a few snacks. Sora thought for a moment, then took several bottles of chilled drinks from her mini-fridge and handed them to the movers waiting outside, who accepted them with sincere thanks.
Sora sat on the edge of her bed, hugging her rabbit doll tightly. She looked around the room, a flicker of reluctance in her violet eyes, but she remained silent. Just as Akemi was about to offer a word of comfort, she heard Sora whisper, her voice barely audible, "It's fine... you can start moving things."
Matsuda Tomoko nodded and waved the crew forward. Perhaps it was because Sora's room was so impeccably clean, or maybe it was her small act of kindness, but the workers were exceptionally careful as they began to pack and carry her belongings.
Sometimes, a simple "thank you," a "you've worked hard," or a bottle of water can brighten someone's day and make any task go more smoothly. It was a common courtesy Sister Yumiko had taught her, and it was a lesson Sora had always kept in her heart.
"Please bring those potted plants and the dolls, too," Sora added.
"Understood!" the workers replied.
Over an hour later, the apartment felt strangely hollow. While the major furniture remained, personal touches had been stripped from every room. Sora stood by the front door, holding a single photo album. She placed it carefully on the floor just inside the doorway, then closed her eyes. A single tear escaped, tracing a slow path down her cheek as she whispered, "Goodbye..."
With that, she slowly pulled the door shut.
Outside, Sakura Hibiki and the others stood waiting, each holding a small potted plant or a plush toy from Sora's collection. They watched her in silence. Sora leaned her back against the closed door, not moving for a long time. Finally, she let out a long sigh that, if one listened closely, trembled with unspoken emotion. She quickly wiped her eyes, then turned to her friends, her voice soft. "Let's go."
Akemi looked at her, concern etched on her face. She wanted to say something comforting, but instead, her curiosity won out. "Sora, what was that photo album you left behind?"
Sora began to walk, her steps measured and even. "It's a photo album of me with my mom and dad," she explained quietly.
Matsuda Tomoko looked puzzled. "Why didn't you take it with you?"
"This was my home with them," Sora said, her voice steady. "Now I'm going to a new place, but... this house still needs someone in it. So, I'm letting the original residents stay. Besides, I have the photos on my phone... That's all."
She added, almost to herself, "Let them always stay at home."
Everyone nodded, falling into step behind her. Sora never looked back. There was no dramatic sprint away from the past, no collapsing in a corner to cry. She simply walked, unhurried, as if she were just stepping out for a short walk.
It was only when she saw Ren waiting for them downstairs that her composure wavered. Sora walked straight to him and silently took his arm, her grip tight. Ren gently patted her head. "Did you say a proper goodbye?"
"Mm..." she hummed in response.
"Then let's head back," he said softly. "We need to get your things sorted out. It's already afternoon, and it'll probably be quite late by the time we're finished."
Sora nodded. The others breathed a collective sigh of relief as they watched the last of the boxes being loaded into the truck. Throughout it all, Sora never once glanced back at the apartment building, keeping her hand firmly linked with Ren's as they walked forward.
Some goodbyes are like that. You can't look back, you mustn't look back. Otherwise, you're forced to remember that humans are creatures who cry, and that some bonds can never truly be severed.
Ren glanced at the group of girls trailing them and smiled. "Are you all coming to Ren's Shop for dinner tonight?"
"Yes!" Hibiki and Gina cheered in unison.
Ayaka sighed, but just as she was about to speak, her phone buzzed. She checked the screen, and her expression immediately brightened. "Great! I can go! My sister said there's nothing important today!"
Akemi thought for a moment before nodding. "I can come, too."
Gina pumped her fist excitedly. "Yay! The whole gang's here! Let's go!"
"Oh!" the other three girls chorused.
Ren looked down at the quiet girl beside him, a gentle smile on his face. "How do you feel about these new friends?"
"Mm..." Sora hummed, leaning her head slightly against his arm.
"But Kirari-nee," Ayaka piped up, "you still don't have time for dinner, do you?"
Kirari, who had been walking with them, considered the question. "No, no," she said, a hint of helplessness in her tone. "I actually do have time for dinner today, but it's a bit of a hassle, so I'll pass. I'll wait until everything is settled, or maybe until after I graduate. Then I can come every day."
"Whatever you want," Ren replied easily.
"Whatever I want? Such a half-hearted answer," Kirari teased, a playful glint in her eyes. "Be careful, or that big gift package of yours might just disappear."
Ren chuckled softly. "Somehow, I feel like even with a half-hearted answer, the big gift package will still be there."
"Tsk..." Kirari clicked her tongue, but the smile never left her face.
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