When Yamamoto-sensei left, the library settled back into silence. A few more words between Yahiko and Shin hung in the air, then they packed their bags and stepped outside.

The late-afternoon heat pressed in as they crossed the schoolyard. From the football field came the sharp thud of a kicked ball and bursts of laughter. Shin walked a few steps ahead, unusually quiet.

“How could you just say yes like that?” he finally asked, his voice low but edged with disbelief.

Yahiko raised an eyebrow. “Why not? It might be nice to have someone who actually knows literature. Ishikawa-sensei wasn’t exactly a literature expert.”

Shin shot him a flat look. “Funny.”

“You should’ve seen yourself when I agreed,” Yahiko teased. “You went stiff as a board.”

Shin frowned, lips pressing together and ears reddening. “That’s not— that’s not the point!”

“Oh? Then what is it? Don’t tell me it was love at first sight.”

Shin flushed and quickly looked away, chin tilted in stubborn denial. “N-no! That’s not it at all. I just… know him.”

Yahiko stopped for a moment. “Wait—what? How?”

“When we were in the mountains,” Shin explained, a little rushed, “Ryota wandered off. Yamamoto-san found him and helped us look. Later I learned he used to be in my older brother’s university group. He even came to our house a couple of times. I just… didn’t expect to see him here. I didn’t know he’s a teacher. He never mentioned it.”

“So that’s why you froze,” Yahiko said, half-smiling. “I knew something was off – you wouldn’t react like that if he were a stranger.”

“Exactly,” Shin admitted, exhaling. “But keep it quiet, okay? I don’t want anyone thinking I’ll get easy grades just because he knows my family. And I really don’t want to be treated like a favorite student.”

“Relax. Your secret’s safe.” Yahiko smiled faintly as they reached the parking area.

Shin started his scooter while Yahiko unlocked his bicycle. “See you tomorrow?”

“Yeah. Good luck with the prep classes.”

Yahiko swung onto his bike and glanced toward the road – just in time to catch sight of a dark car, waiting near the gate. Ayato sat inside, one hand on the wheel. Their eyes met for a second. Yahiko gave a small nod before pedaling away into the warm evening.

The first school week passed quickly. Despite the bandage on his neck, nothing much had changed in Yahiko’s life. There were new schedules to learn, the same teachers and classmates to greet, and plenty of stories to hear about everyone’s summer. Homework piled up earlier than expected, and between lessons, cleaning duty, and club meetings, Yahiko almost forgot about the bandage – and the mark hidden beneath it.

Late Friday afternoon the city streets were busy. Cars rolled past in steady streams; a bus hissed to a stop and pulled away again. Shin and Yahiko walked side by side, schoolbags swinging lightly.

“They say it might rain tonight,” Shin remarked, glancing at the still-bright sky.

“Hard to believe,” Yahiko said, wiping his brow. “Feels like I’ll melt first. But I’d be glad if it really rained.”

“You’re not ice cream,” Shin teased with a quiet laugh. “You’ll survive. Too bad you have to work right after school, though. We could’ve hung out like we used to on Fridays.”

“I need to help Grandma,” Yahiko replied. “Can’t live on her support forever.”

“Right, it was your grandma who helped you get that job, wasn’t it?”

“Yeah. Her friend’s son owns the shop.”

They reached the corner store just as a man in a neat apron stepped outside carrying a box.

“Takahaya-kun, good afternoon,” Sumimoto-san called.

“Good afternoon, Sumimoto-san,” Yahiko answered politely.

“You’re just in time. We really need extra hands today.” The man gave a quick smile before turning back inside.

“I’d better go, Shin. See you tomorrow!” Yahiko parked his bike and slipped into the shop.

The shop was packed. Customers crowded the aisles, chatting while stocking up on food and drinks. The evening news had warned of a coming typhoon, and Friday shoppers – students from nearby schools among them – filled the small store with the rustle of bags and the hum of conversation.

The shop was still lively, though the sky outside had gone heavy and dark. Yahiko crossed paths with Sumimoto-san near the register.

“Why do people buy so much every time rain is forecast?” Yahiko asked.

“They like to stay home without worrying about supplies,” the man said, smiling as he handed change to a customer. “What about you, Takahaya-kun? Any plans for the weekend?”

“Not really. They say this typhoon might reach level four. I just hope I can get home before it hits.”

“That’s wise,” Sumimoto-san nodded. He glanced at the darkening windows. “Listen – if it really pours, I can give you a ride. We can load your bike in the back of my truck, but you’d have to stay until closing. Safer than riding in the rain.”

“Thank you – really. That would help a lot,” Yahiko said with a quick bow.

A sudden slam rattled the front door. Wind whistled through a gap, carrying a sharp chill.

“Oh, we need to bring that display stand inside,” Sumimoto-san said, looking toward the entrance.

“I’ll handle it,” Yahiko replied and jogged outside.

The air outside was different—sharp and cold. Wind tugged at his sleeves and scattered dry leaves across the pavement. The sky had turned a deep slate, and the first cold drops of rain stung his face.

He bent to unlock the small latch at the base of the stand and slipped the lock into his uniform pocket. Thunder rumbled in the distance, growing nearer until it cracked sharply overhead. Rain began to fall in a quick, slanting sheet.

“Let me help you,” a familiar voice called through the gusting wind.