Misaki Saki had already dashed up the stairs, and Haruka Yuzan quickly took two steps to catch up with the young miss. Orıginal content can be found at Nove1Fire.net
"The eggplant made by our class president today was really delicious, wasn't it!"
Looking up at the grinning boy, Chiba Shimizu coolly said,
"Instead of offering insincere compliments here, why not think about how to spend the Otome Family gathering two months from now?"
"Huh?" Haruka Yuzan was taken aback, "The Otome Family gathering in two months? I'm not aware of it, wait, why should I know about it, what does it have to do with me?"
He paused, his gaze somewhat uncertain as he looked at the pretty girl before him,
"Otome didn't mention this to me, I shouldn't be needed... I'm an outsider after all..."
At that moment, he thought he saw a sneer in the girl's cool eyes,
"I guess... probably not..."
On the first floor, the departure was imminent,
Misaki Saki reluctantly hugged Rika Onodera, her sad expression almost on the verge of tears,
"Little Rika, you have to think of me after you go back!"
"Yes! I will think of you, Sister Misaki." Rika Onodera nodded, her sparkling large eyes also filled with reluctance.
It was surprising how deep the bond between the two kids had grown in such a short time.
"Why don't you stay one more night, little Rika!" Misaki Saki was still holding the little one tightly, making one wonder if she was even more sentimental than Mrs. Onodera.
Haruka Yuzan was somewhat speechless, forcefully peeling Misaki Saki away to free Rika Onodera from her clutches,
"Move it, stop causing trouble. Auntie Akiyama has things to do tomorrow."
"Waaa! I just don't wanna say goodbye!"
Seemingly due to the atmosphere, everyone showed a hint of sorrow on their faces.
Only Roast Meat, as if curious, sat on the floor blinking his Bean Eyes, watching the scene unfold.
"Nowadays, with transportation being so convenient, you can come visit whenever you like."
While speaking, she also reached out and ruffled the little girl's hair.
This time, Rika Onodera didn't dodge. Having already bid farewell to her mother, the little girl was quite well-behaved.
"Alright, it's time to go, or you'll miss your train."
Then, Mariko Akiyama stood up and said.
Farewells are always a part of life, as they make people cherish the next reunion.
Misaki Saki and Chiba Shimizu stood at the door, watching the four people set off.
"Be sure to remember me in the future! Little Rika!" Misaki Saki waved her little hand, calling out.
Goodbye, my temporary height card!
"Yes! I definitely will!" Rika Onodera gently patted her backpack as if something was inside and nodded vigorously.
The scene was incredibly moving.
Chiba Shimizu still had no expression, as if the atmosphere hadn't affected her at all.
Roast Meat sat on the ground, eyes full of confusion, tilting his head, gazing up at the girl.
"Little Rika, what's in your backpack?"
Noticing the little girl's action, as they walked out of the villa, Haruka Yuzan curiously inquired.
He and Mrs. Onodera together would send Mariko Akiyama and Rika Onodera to the station before leaving.
"It's a present from Sister Misaki! I'll take good care of it!" Rika Onodera said sweetly.
What could she have given? Haruka Yuzan became even more curious.
"Rika, what did Sister Misaki give you? Don't just accept anything valuable!"
Reiko Onodera was startled, worry etched across her brow, and quickly spoke,
"Let mom see what Sister Misaki gave you, okay?"
It mustn't be anything expensive; they already felt quite burdened.
"No! It's a drawing that Sister Misaki did for me!" Rika Onodera sweetly replied.
Then, she reached into her small cross-body bag and carefully pulled out a folded piece of drawing paper.
The little girl unfolded the paper in the air, and the onlookers followed her gaze,
On the paper was drawn Reiko Onodera and her daughter.
The little girl sported a bright, innocent smile while Reiko Onodera lovingly looked on at her daughter,
The artist's skill was evident; though the drawing only depicted the areas above their chests,
Yet, Misaki Saki had managed to capture Mrs. Onodera's tender expression and Rika's radiant innocence on paper.
A thoughtful gift indeed.
"Sister Misaki said, whenever I miss mom, I just have to look at this drawing!"
Rika Onodera happily explained, then carefully tucked the drawing back into the bag, pained by any crease.
But she had no choice; she couldn't carry it in her hands on the trip back; that would be riskier.
Haruka Yuzan was taken aback, picturing Misaki Saki's cute little face in his mind,
It seems I might have misjudged her... Despite appearing careless, she really comes through when it matters.
Ever since learning about Mrs. Onodera's birthday, she must have been quite busy...
Including today, she didn't complain, as if, she was only casual with herself, and towards everyone else, she was polite and responsible.
"Misaki put in a lot of effort." Reiko Onodera was also moved by Misaki Saki's gesture.
Unbeknownst to Mrs. Onodera, the young girl had prepared an even bigger surprise waiting for her.
"When we get back, Grandma will make a frame, and we'll decorate the drawing Sister Misaki gave you, okay?" Mariko Akiyama too was stroking the little girl's head.