"Haruki! Why do you always disappear right before homeroom starts!?"
"What's the big deal? I still make it to class."

After school, while I was studying at home, Shiho showed up at my house specifically to lecture me—even though she’d just finished club practice.

"You came back to class with Endo-san… were you together?"
"Huh? Yeah… so what?"
"N-no reason! It’s nothing…"

Shiho looked down as she spoke, seeming down. Maybe she was tired from practice. It was already dark outside. Shiho pushed herself hard with club activities this late, and she’d probably study at home afterward too. It’d be weird if she wasn’t exhausted.

"Haruki. Did you make dinner? Want me to cook something?"

My home’s a single-father household, and Dad works late. Shiho’s known since we were kids that I’m often home alone.

"Nah, I’m not a kid. I’m fine. You should head back."

I hated taking up her time. I wanted Shiho to focus on herself.

"Shiho… I… thanks. For always worrying about me."

I managed to say it honestly as she turned to leave through the genkan.