Saeko dashed through the streets drenched by the torrential downpour, panting. Her phone was useless from the soaking rain. With no money for a taxi and the trains already stopped, her only option left was to run.
No wonder I don't have friends. She couldn't help but cringe over the happenings before. Dark thoughts flooded her mind.
The faster she ran, the faster her thoughts raced. Why do I even care about it? It's not like they were potential future friends of mine. It doesn't matter anyway.
"Come on, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially for someone like you" she replayed Kaito's words in her head. He was harsh but right. Almost anyone would have felt lucky to get such that invitation. But all she did was to coldly shake them off.
That was just so me.
But she couldn't help it.
Kaito's words echoed in her mind.
"What? You're running home because your sister's scared of the storm? At least try to come up with a more believable excuse next time," Kaito snapped at her.
Well, it was the truth. Her little sister really did get scared of storms. She needed to be there for her. But, there was no way they could know the reason for it.
Still, I should have waited for Sota instead of just running off.
She realized she had inadvertently stopped running and turned back toward the concert venue, I thought I have run farther, but it's still close, shifting her weighting from one leg to another, as if hesitating, when a motorbike pulled up next to her.
She instinctively jumped in a defending posture, ready to attack if the guy tries anything weird.
"Sorry for taking so long, but I was parking a bit away," the man on the motorbike shouted to get thorough despite the rain.
It was Sota.
"Why are you here?" she gaped.
"To give you a lift, obviously. I can't let you go home in this weather," he said, not even sounding offended or surprised that she had just left like that. In fact, it seemed like he'd expected it. She gaped. Was this his plan all along? Was this why he rushed off—to grab his bike and bring me home?
"But what about the after-party? Everyone was so excited about 'drinking and eating until dawn,'" she asked, puzzled. They had all been talking nonstop about how Yumeko's mom's restaurant was reserved just for them to celebrate after the concert.
"It's fine… I don't mind skipping it once in a while," Sota answered, "Afterall, I never drink alcohol. And I don't even eat anything after 6 pm, to keep fit for my job. So, I really don't miss much."
That's curious. Who would have thought that such an easy-going guy like him would maintain so strict and responsible habits. Saeko looked at him speechless.
"Any other excuse or concern why I shouldn't bring you home?"
"Isn't it dangerous to ride a motorbike in such weather?" she immediately regretted her words. She really sounded like a scaredy-cat. Not that she wasn't anxious about riding it, but at least didn't want to appear that way.
Sota, however, did not laugh at her. He looked at her seriously, reaching a helmet toward her.
"Don't worry, I will get you home safe," he said, his voice dispelling all her doubts.
Her heart was racing. She had never ridden a motorcycle under normal circumstances, let alone in a storm. Her fear evaporated quickly, leaving only an overwhelming excitement behind. Her senses were heightened, taking in everything all at once. He wasn't speeding, yet it felt like flying. The rain was icy, but somehow exhilarating.
I'll never forget this, she thought, trying to absorb every moment of the experience.
Sota pulled up to the house she had pointed out. He did bring me home safe. She sighed from relief, clutching to him.
He stopped the engine and waited for a few seconds. No movement. Saeko was still hugging him tightly, just as before.
"We've arrived," he said, but there was no response.
"Hey," he called out, as her body began to sag. He caught her just in time.
Is she unconscious? He checked.
No. Just asleep. He carefully lifted her, holding her gently in his arms.
"Gosh, how can you fall asleep like that?" he whispered, gazing down at the drenched, sleeping woman in his arms.
"You must've been exhausted, huh?"
He made his way to the door and knocked, hoping her parents would answer.
Yet it was a boy who peeked out from the doorway. He glanced at her and sighed.
"Saeko's back," he announced.
"Finally! I've been so scared!" A young girl around six began jumping around with excitement, but then noticed Saeko was in a stranger's arms.
"What's wrong with her?" she asked, her joy turning to concern.
"She's sleeping," Sota replied. The boy looked at him, unbothered.
"Can you help put her in her bed?" he asked, flatly.
"Sure," Sota said, stepping out of his shoes. He looked around but didn't spot any adults. He followed the boy, who led him to a simple, but well-kept room.
He gently laid her on the bed, where the little girl was already cuddled up, waiting for her sister to join her.
Sota's gaze drifted to the desk. A planner sat in the middle, its pages filled with jumbled schedules, shifts, side work, studies, and household chores. It was a lot for even two people to handle. Then he recognised the list he gave her was lying on the desk too, with new marks on it. There were a few items with a tick referring she already tried them. He stared at it, stunned, when suddenly a towel landed on his shoulder.
"Wait outside and get dry," the boy instructed, before going to dry his sister.
Sota stepped out into the hallway and started drying his hair. As he did, his eyes caught sight of a shrine. On the wall, there was a picture of a woman who resembled Saeko. Sota froze, staring at it, unsure how long he stood there.
Only when he noticed the boy's presence did he snap back to reality.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to pry," Sota mumbled.
"Lucky for you it's not Saeko who caught you with that pitiful expression. She'd have kicked you out on the spot," he said, completely unfazed.
He gestured toward a door on the opposite side. "You can take a bath there." Then he opened another door, stepping into what seemed to be the main bedroom.
"And you can sleep here."
"Is it okay if I stay?" Sota asked hesitantly.
"Saeko would freak out if I let her friend go home like this and catch a cold," he replied.
Well, I don't think she'd call me a friend, but let's not go there…
"What about your dad? Won't he need the room when he gets home?" Sota pressed.
"Don't worry about that," the boy said curtly, disappearing into the hallway without further explanation.