Yuto looked at Heena and a small smile played on his lips. "No," he said simply.
Heena looked at him, slightly confused. "No?"
No, I mean if you don't want to, then it's okay," Yuto clarified gently.
Heena quickly shook her head to clear the misunderstanding. "No, no... I didn't mean that. No, it wasn't like that."
So, shall we go?" Yuto asked
Yes," Heena replied with a smile. And with that, the two of them set off together.
After a short walk, they arrived at Yuto's residence. Standing before the entrance, Yuto turned to her. "We have arrived, Heena. This is my house. So, should we go inside?"
Yes," Heena smiled, and they both stepped inside.
As she entered the room, Heena was immediately impressed by how tidy everything was. "Wow Yuto! Your room is quite clean," she remarked.
Yeah, I always keep my room clean," Yuto replied modestly.
As they settled in, Heena's eyes caught a photograph sitting on Yuto's table. She walked over to look at it more closely. "Hey Yuto, whose photo is this? Is it you and your mom in this photo?"
At her question, a shadow of sadness crossed Yuto's face. He looked down and spoke in a soft voice. "Yes Heena, this photo is of my mom and me."
So, where is your mom now?" Heena asked curiously.
Yuto paused for a moment before answering quietly, "She... she is no longer in this world..."
Realizing what she had asked, Heena felt a pang of regret. She looked visibly upset. "I'm sorry Yuto, I asked you such a question."
It's okay, Heena," Yuto replied, trying to put her at ease.
They soon sat down to focus on their studies. Yuto began explaining the lessons to her step-by-step. However, Heena found it hard to concentrate on the books. She found herself staring at Yuto, completely lost in her own thoughts about him.
Yuto eventually noticed her distant gaze. "Did you understand, Heena? This question will be solved like this... What happened, Heena? Where are you lost and in what thoughts?"
Heena snapped back to reality, feeling a bit flustered. "Nothing Yuto... just thank you. Now I should go."
Okay, no problem," Yuto said, walking her toward the exit. "Definitely ask again if you don't understand anything."
Heena turned back one last time with a smile. "Yes Yuto, thanks. Thank you very, very much."
Heena left the house and started her way home. But just as she departed, a new figure appeared. Kenji arrived at Yuto's house, bringing a sudden change to the atmosphere.
[End of Chapter 4]
Next chapter upload next Sunday