Part 5 – The Homura District
They continued toward the Homura residential area.
The houses slowly changed.
The streets became quieter.
The Homura clan's symbol could be seen on some of the gates.
Izumi looked ahead.
"...We're almost there."
Amaya nodded.
"...Yeah."
The two girls walked beside Haruto.
The conversation became calmer now.
No more jokes.
No more classmates around.
Just the three of them walking through the afternoon streets.
The three continued walking through the streets.
For a while...
No one spoke.
Haruto quietly looked ahead.
Amaya noticed.
She tilted her head slightly.
"...Haruto?"
He looked over.
"...Hm?"
"What were you thinking about earlier?"
Haruto hesitated.
"...I didn't want to say it in front of everyone."
Izumi looked at him curiously.
"Ok Then what is it?"
Haruto looked between the two girls.
"...Do you really think Misaki has a crush on Kaito?"
Amaya answered almost immediately.
"Yeah."
"She does."
Haruto blinked.
"...You knew?"
Amaya smiled.
"It's pretty obvious if you pay attention."
Izumi crossed her arms.
"...but I guess she'll just give up."
Haruto and Amaya both looked at her.
"...Give up?"
"What do you mean?"
Izumi's expression became slightly more serious.
"Misaki hasn't really been taking anything seriously lately."
"Ever since her father passed away..."
"She's been different."
The two became quiet.
Izumi continued.
"The last time I saw her actually trying her best was during the tournament."
Haruto nodded slowly.
"Yeah..."
"That's why she managed to come 10th."
Amaya looked thoughtful.
"...You're right."
For a moment...
The three walked quietly.
Then Amaya looked back at Haruto.
"Anyway..."
"Why did you suddenly bring this up?"
Haruto froze.
"..."
Izumi narrowed her eyes.
"Wait..."
"You know something about her?"
Haruto immediately shook his head.
"No."
"Of course not."
"I was just asking."
Izumi stared at him.
"...Suspicious."
Haruto quickly explained.
"No, really."
"It's because during class..."
"Kaito was being too loud."
"I was just trying to blackmail him."
Amaya blinked.
"...Blackmail?"
Haruto nodded.
"I told him I would tell Misaki that he had a crush on someone else."
There was a short silence.
Then...
Amaya covered her mouth.
And laughed.
"H-Haruto..."
"That wouldn't work."
Haruto looked confused.
"...Why not?"
Amaya smiled.
"Because they're not together."
"Why would Misaki get angry?"
Haruto stayed quiet for a moment.
"..."
He slowly nodded.
"...Yeah."
Izumi looked at him.
"You already knew, didn't you?"
Haruto looked away.
"...Kaito already told me my blackmail failed."
That made Amaya laugh again.
"Then why did you even try?"
Haruto scratched his cheek.
"...I don't know."
"I thought it might work."
Izumi shook her head with a small smile.
"Your plan had no chance from the beginning."
Haruto sighed.
"...That's what Kaito said too."
The three laughed together.
For a brief moment...
Everything felt normal.
Just three friends walking home after academy.
Amaya suddenly looked at Haruto.
"...Wait."
"Did you tell Kaito that Misaki has a crush on him?"
Haruto immediately shook his head.
"No."
"Of course not."
"I only said I would tell her that he has a crush on someone else."
"I didn't mention Misaki at all."
Izumi nodded in approval.
"Good."
"Don't reveal something that isn't yours to tell."
Haruto nodded.
"...Yeah."
The three continued walking for a little longer.
Soon...
Izumi slowed down.
She looked toward the house ahead.
"...My home is here."
She turned back toward them.
"See you both tomorrow."
Amaya smiled.
"See you, Izumi."
Haruto waved.
"See you."
Izumi gave a small wave before heading toward her house.
Now...
Only Haruto and Amaya remained on the road.