Chapter 6: Former Step-Sister

「Runa...?」

When I asked back like that, "That's right!" she laughed without reservation.

Why is she here? Such a simple question floats in my head.

Seeming to sense that, Runa began talking happily.

「You look puzzled about why I'm here. It's simple. I transferred schools.」

Runa said that as casually as if she were going to a convenience store.

「...Transferred?」

「Yeah. There were various circumstances...」

For just a moment, I thought I saw a shadow cross her smile.

I deliberately didn't pry further.

Right now I wanted to savor our reunion.

「Well anyway, let's hurry up!」

Saying that, Runa grabbed my hand and pulled hard.

──Even that soft sensation was nostalgic.

While almost losing my balance, I found myself running along with her.

Like back then, our footsteps on the asphalt overlap.

How many years had it been since I was pulled along while running?

「Hey, do you remember? In elementary school, we always used to run like this.」

With labored breathing, she spoke while looking back at me.

「Yeah, I remember everything. You always ran through weird places, so it was always a detour.」

「Ehh, was it really?」

She laughs while playing dumb.

Her habit of playing dumb when she was troubled was exactly the same, making me incredibly happy.

Exchanges like back then.

My mouth naturally relaxes.

I felt many stares.

But for us right now, such things didn't matter at all.

Except for one abnormally painful gaze.

It felt like murderous intent, as if it were stabbing my heart.

When we entered the classroom, I was met with a torrential rain of stares more intense than before.

Fortunately, Runa was in the same class.

I sit in my seat. Runa sat down beside me with a plop.

While chatting casually with Runa, I often caught bits of whispered conversations from my classmates.

「Eh, what's with that beautiful girl? She's way too cute.」

「Was there such a handsome guy in our class?!」

「I heard she's a transfer student! That's seriously crazy!」

I could understand thinking Runa was cute, but I didn't really get why they'd praise her as handsome.

Some people have interesting perspectives.

When I glanced at Runa, she was staring intently at a certain person.

Following her gaze, there was... that person.