The mountain road was quiet as Haruto pedaled slowly toward the shrine gates. The sun had begun to set, painting the sky in soft oranges and pinks. Ayaka sat tightly behind him, her arms still wrapped around his waist, her breath warm against his back.
When they reached the wide stone stairs leading up to the shrine, Haruto stopped the bicycle and turned to her.
"Stay safe, Ayaka," he said softly, his voice thick with gratitude. "Please keep your distance from both Reina and Selena. They're dangerous. Really dangerous."
Ayaka nodded quickly, her eyes still filled with worry.
"I will," she promised. "Just come back to us soon."
Haruto gave her one last gentle smile, then watched as she walked up the stairs and disappeared inside the shrine. Only then did he push off again and start pedaling toward home.
The path felt longer now. The sky had turned dark blue, and the first stars were beginning to appear.
