Sunlight leaked through the gaps in the canopy overhead, casting irregular patches of light on the paving tiles. Occasionally, children ran past, shattering the light before quickly running off, the light patches reassembling themselves.
Rin sat on the edge of the bench, legs together, the paper cup cradled in her palms, her posture as proper as if she were taking some etiquette exam.
But her slightly narrowed eyes and the occasional gentle sway of her feet betrayed her current good mood.
Taking advantage of Reina's earlier distraction, she had detoured and left through the subway station's second exit.
This wasn't because she was particularly angry. In fact, she had tacitly allowed everything to happen.
After all, every little detail of Reina's peeking—from leaning in to craning her neck—had been broadcast in real-time by the bullet comments.
Coupled with the other party's far-from-skilled technique, Rin could hardly have failed to notice.
So, she had known all along that Reina was peeking.
And she knew about that last moment when Reina, startled by the suddenly black screen, almost ascended to heaven on the spot.
So then, if she wasn't angry, why put on an act of coldness tinged with anger and disappear from Reina's side?
She skewered another piece of daikon radish.
The daikon was stewed thoroughly, soft and flavorful, saturated with broth, melting gently between her teeth.
It was, of course, to create a little conflict.
What else could she do? After all, so far, the progression of friendship between Reina and herself had been far too smooth.
From'strangers sitting next to each other' at the beginning, to 'neighbor who passes juice', to 'holding hands while passing through chaotic intruders', and now to 'president of the Astronomy Club'...
Although every step hit the mark, although every interaction sparked excited discussions in the bullet comments...
But things that come too easily are often not cherished.
Only after experiencing setbacks would one look back, remember the warmth that once existed...
Hmm, simply put, the favorability points for the current stage are maxed out. Some special events are needed to unlock the next level of the emotional storyline.
That's how it is in gal games.
Rin chewed the daikon in small bites, her gaze falling on the bustling shopping street not far away.
Various signs crowded together—takoyaki, crepes, taiyaki, cotton candy... The aroma of food could be smelled from half a street away.
Just wait a little longer.
Wait a little longer.
Wait until Reina starts to feel remorse, starts to blame herself, starts to replay in her mind over and over where exactly she went wrong.
Wait until she starts thinking 'what should I do', 'how can I make it right', then she herself would reappear before her with a magnanimous attitude towards everything.
To forgive her.
To accept her.
To tell her it's okay.
That way—
You should, become a little more dependent on me, right?
"Ding-dong."
Her phone chimed with a message notification.
Rin took her phone from her pocket, glancing at the notification bar.
It was a Line message.
In the message list, next to that familiar avatar, a small red dot popped up. The content was truncated, showing only a small part for preview:
[Rin! Where are you? I've been looking for you for ages—]
Rin stared at that line for two seconds, not opening it.
Then, she locked the screen and put the phone back in her pocket.
Because that way, the message would remain unread.
That tiny red number "1" would hang there, reminding a certain someone who was anxiously searching for her.
She hadn't responded yet.
She hadn't forgiven yet.
There was still a little distance to cross before making up.
Be a little more anxious.
Rin put away her phone, stood up, and tossed the empty paper cup into a nearby trash can.
Wait until that heart is churned up and down by remorse and self-blame, wait until those eyes grow a little moist from searching everywhere.
Then, she would appear.
"Hmm... speaking of which."
Rin's gaze landed on the shopping street not far away, filled with all kinds of food and entertainment.
Smoke from grilled skewers rose from a stall, the takoyaki griddle sizzled, a cotton candy machine spun, winding colorful sugar strands into fluffy clouds.
Since we're already here.
Might as well, while we're at it, buy a little consolation gift for someone who might end up with a tear-streaked face later.
Rin stood up, brushing off nonexistent dust from her skirt.
She walked towards the shopping street.
Her short white hair gleamed faintly in the sunlight. Passing by a takoyaki stall, she stopped, staring for a few seconds at the little balls flipping on the griddle, then shook her head and continued forward.
Grilled squid? No, that would make you thirsty afterward, not to mention we just had breakfast not long ago.
Crepes? Too sweet, and they get everywhere easily.
Cotton candy? Looks pretty, but a hassle to eat and melts easily.
Like a little beast selecting its prey, her eyes swept over each stall, occasionally stopping, occasionally shaking her head, occasionally showing a thoughtful expression.
Finally, she stopped in front of a small, inconspicuous shop.
The shop's sign featured a charmingly naive-looking cat, with a line written below: [Handmade Candies · Shop Exclusive]
Inside the glass display case, colorful candies were neatly arranged—some shaped like little cats, some engraved with blessings, some wrapped in gold foil... each one as exquisite as a piece of art.
Rin bent down, her gaze carefully searching through the pile of candies.
Suddenly, her gaze stopped moving.
In the corner was a small box of candies, wrapped in light blue paper, tied with a white ribbon.
On the front of the box, written in gold foil lettering.
[For the Most Important Person]
She stared at those words for a while.
Then, she straightened up and nodded towards the shop's proprietress.
"This one, please wrap it up for me."