Time passed, and before they knew it, the clock struck 9 PM—closing time.

In the staff room, Hikari, Natsuko, and Minami changed back into their regular clothes, stretching after a long day’s work.

As they stepped back into the store, Natsuko yawned and slung her bag over her shoulder. "Finally done! Let’s head home."

From behind the counter, their shop owner, Ms. Kimiko, smiled warmly. "Good work today, everyone."

"Thanks, Ms. Kimiko! See you tomorrow!" Hikari and the others waved as they exited the shop.

Outside, Minami split off in the opposite direction, waving goodbye. "See you two later!"

Hikari and Natsuko walked together toward the metro station, the cool evening breeze brushing past them. Upon arriving, Natsuko gave Hikari a quick wave. "Night, Hikari! See you tomorrow!"

"Yeah, see you." Hikari replied, watching her friend disappear into the crowd before turning toward her own path.

Her apartment was just a five-minute walk from the station. The quiet streets were lit by rows of street lamps, casting a soft glow against the pavement.

As she strolled along the familiar road, her thoughts wandered—until she finally arrived at her apartment building. Climbing up the stairs, she paused for a moment in front of her door, exhaling a small breath.

Unlocking the door, Hikari stepped inside her apartment. She flicked on the light, kicked off her shoes, and collapsed face-first onto the bed with a sigh.

Her mind wandered back to the white-haired boy from earlier.

She smiled—just a little.

Meanwhile,

Saito sat at his desk, eyes glued to his monitor as his fingers flew across the keyboard. Lines of code filled the screen—he was deep into working on his game.

After what felt like hours, he stretched his arms, cracking his knuckles. His phone buzzed.

He grabbed it and checked the messages.

Fumi: "Bro, fix the movement bug, it’s still janky."

Kuro: "And add that parry mechanic. Git gud, dev."

Saito exhaled through his nose, Tossing his phone aside, he flopped onto his bed, arms spread out.

And then—his mind drifted back to the bakery.

That moment. That girl.

He stared at the ceiling… and before he realized it, a small smile crept onto his lips.

Knock knock.

Saito snapped out of it.

Who the hell…? At this hour?

Dragging himself to the door, he pulled it open.

Standing there was his landlord, Mr. Ishida, an elderly man with a polite but slightly apologetic smile,

"Ah, Saito," Mr. Ishida started, rubbing the back of his neck. "I hate to bring this up so late, but… you do remember the building renovations start in two days, right? Everyone else has already moved out… and well, you haven’t."

Saito blinked, then let out a slow exhale.

"Yeah, I know… Sorry, I got caught up with work. I’ll move out tomorrow. Already found an apartment, so no worries."

Mr. Ishida visibly relaxed. "Ah, that’s a relief. If you need any help—"

"Nah, I got it. But thanks for the concern."

"Alright then. Have a good night, Saito."

"You too, Mr. Ishida."

As the door clicked shut, Saito ran a hand through his hair.

Tomorrow is gonna be a long day.

But somehow… his mind still wasn’t on packing.