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Returning Home to Japan – Part 04

“Hazuki.”

Hikaru didn’t know what to call the emotion welling up in his chest.

Oh.

He reflected on how different his character would be had he not met her back in middle school. In a world devoid of color, both at home and school, this person was a solitary beam of light streaming through the gap in the curtains.

So this is what nostalgia feels like.

The name of the overwhelming emotion dawned on him.

“Long time no see.”

The Japanese language felt strangely unfamiliar on his lips.

“Hikaru… Is it really you?”

“Yes. Although my outfit has changed.”

“…I see. You’ve grown up.”

“Huh. I don’t think my height has changed that much.”

“That’s not what I meant.” Hazuki shook her head lightly. “You’ve grown in more ways than one.” Her gaze shifted toward Lavia. “I’m guessing you’re the reason why.”

“I think so,” Hikaru agreed.

He looked at Lavia and returned her bewildered