It's now 3:25 PM. I begin packing my bag and head out into the corridor. School's finished for the day, so I decide to head to my usual café. First, I stop by Mari's classroom to invite her, but she tells me she's already promised to go with a friend. I'll just invite someone else.
"Ran, are you free after school?" I ask, hoping she won't misinterpret my invitation—it's not like I'm trying to hint at anything more than friendship.
"Eh, it's rare to see you invite someone to accompany you. Anyway, I'm free," she answers with a wide smile. I'm glad she doesn't read too much into my intentions.
"That's what I expected from 'second rank'," I tease with a smirk.
"T-that's evil of you, Caes!" she mutters, her face flushing with mock indignation. I can't help but smile. I always got first rank in class while she landed second—though in all honesty, I shouldn't be so harsh. Just kidding.
"Anyway, let's go. I know a pretty good café nearby," I explained.
It doesn't take long before we walk together to the café. For many, this might seem like a romantic outing, but for us, it's just hanging out as friends! We arrived about 20 minutes after leaving the school gate; it's close enough that we could have run if we wanted to.
We enjoyed our time there. We sample each other's coffee and pastries, and we even play board games. For a moment, it almost feels like we're destined to be a couple—even though we know we're just friends.
"It's getting pretty late now. Thanks for today, Ran," I murmur, reluctant to let go of the pleasant time even as reality beckons.
"Okay, see you tomorrow, Caes," she replies with a wide smile. I'm glad she enjoyed our time together.
I start walking home. It isn't too far, so it should be fine—until I hear a car accelerating toward my place. I'm not completely shocked, but my instincts kick in. I calculate that I have about six seconds to react. Summoning every bit of energy, I break into a sprint. Six seconds later, as expected, the car crashes into a skyscraper instead of hitting me—an unusually dramatic night view.
I eventually arrived home. It isn't considered late by my usual standards. Dad is rarely around, so I typically share the house only with Mari. By now, she should be here. I head to her room and find her reading a romance comic—typical of that mischievous "criminal." I opened her door.
"Mari, have you had dinner?" I ask, worried creasing my face.
"Calm down, Caes. I can take care of myself—I had dinner earlier," she replies. I feel relieved.
"Sorry to interrupt," I murmur as I close the door and head off for a quick shower.
I return to my room and finally settle in for the night, ending the day's journey.