Part 2: Preparation & Departure
After a while, the sound of running water stopped.
One door opened.
Then another.
Kaito stepped out first, towel around his neck, shaking his hair dry. "That was quick."
Ayame followed soon after from the other washroom, her hair slightly damp but neatly combed, already composed as usual.
Akari paused her mopping and looked up at them. "Good. Don't make a mess again."
Kaito smirked. "No promises."
Ayame walked over calmly, adjusting her sleeve. Her eyes briefly shifted toward the sofa.
Haruto hadn't moved.
Still in the same position.
Still reading.
Akari followed her gaze, then clicked her tongue lightly. "…Of course."
She leaned the mop against the wall and walked toward him.
"I'm going to bathe now," she said. Then, more firmly, "Haruto, don't waste time. Go take a shower. Don't be late."
Haruto turned a page before responding. "…Yeah."
Akari narrowed her eyes slightly. "That didn't sound convincing."
"…I'll go," he muttered.
"Good."
She turned and walked off toward her room.
Kaito immediately dropped onto the sofa beside Haruto, leaning over slightly. "Still reading that?"
"…Yeah."
"How many times have you read it now?"
Haruto didn't look up. "Enough."
Ayame stood nearby, arms lightly folded. "Go get ready first. You can read later."
Haruto exhaled softly, closing the book halfway.
"…Fine."
He stood up slowly, stretching a bit before walking toward his room.
"Don't take forever!" Kaito called after him.
Haruto raised a hand slightly without turning back.
Time passed.
One by one, they got ready.
The house shifted again from quiet rest… to preparation.
Clothes were changed.
Hair was fixed.
Everything fell into place.
By the time they were done—
Evening had already arrived.
The light outside had dimmed, the sky turning cooler as the day faded away.
Inside the house, everything was ready.
And so were they.
Akari stepped out last, adjusting the edge of her sleeve as she looked at all three of them.
For a moment, she said nothing.
Just observed.
"…Alright," she said finally. "Let's go."
Kaito was already moving. "Finally."
Ayame followed calmly, picking up anything they needed before heading to the door.
Haruto slipped his book back onto the table and walked over, quieter than the others.
Shoes on.
Door unlocked.
They stepped outside together.
The evening air was cool, carrying a faint energy that hadn't been there in the morning.
The academy lights were already visible in the distance.
Bright.
Calling.
Kaito stretched his arms as they started walking. "You think it's started already?"
"No," Ayame replied. "But everyone will be there."
"Good," he said with a grin. "Makes it better."
Akari walked beside them, her pace steady. "Stay together once we get there."
"We will," Ayame answered.
Haruto said nothing.
He walked quietly, eyes forward.
The closer they got, the louder it became.
Voices.
Groups of students.
Laughter mixed with excitement.
The academy grounds were alive.
Kaito let out a low whistle. "Yeah… this is big."
Ayame's eyes moved across the crowd. "More than usual."
They passed through the gates.
And just like before—
People noticed.
Small glances at first.
Then whispers.
"That's him…"
"Haruto…"
"He's the one from yesterday…"
Kaito smirked slightly. "Famous now."
"…Annoying," Haruto replied.
Ayame stepped slightly closer. "Ignore it."
"I am."
Akari watched quietly, saying nothing.
They reached the main hall.
The doors stood wide open.
Light spilled out from inside.
Rows of seats were already filling.
Instructors stood near the entrance, guiding students in.
Kaito leaned forward slightly. "We should go in before it fills up."
Ayame nodded. "This way."
They moved together through the entrance, weaving between students.
Akari stayed close, making sure no one got separated.
After a bit of searching, they found seats together.
They sat.
Kaito immediately started looking around, scanning everything.
Ayame sat straight, composed.
Haruto leaned back slightly, calm.
Akari sat at the end, watching over them.
More students continued to enter.
The noise grew.
Then slowly—
It began to settle.
Lights dimmed slightly.
A figure stepped onto the stage.
The microphone echoed softly.
"Students…"
The hall quieted.
Voices faded.
Attention shifted forward.
Kaito leaned in, a grin forming.
"…It's starting."
Ayame focused.
Akari remained calm.
Haruto didn't move.
But his eyes were locked ahead.
The ceremony had begun.