Visiting Kazuha-nee again

"Are you waiting for me, Kazuha-nee?" I asked teasingly as the woman emerged from behind the gates, her presence unmistakable even in the dim light.

This time, she was wearing a one-piece white dress, exposing most of her flawless shoulders.

I had just escorted Hina home and, unlike yesterday, accepted her mother’s kind offer of tea before continuing on my way. That little detour probably delayed me longer than I realized, and judging by Kazuha-nee’s slightly tense posture here, it seemed like she had been out here for a while.

Looking at how she was quivering faintly, it was a clear sign she’d been braving the cool evening air, though she did her best to mask it.

“No… Hurry up and follow me before Kazu-kun returns,” she muttered, casting a glance past my shoulder as if keeping an eye out. The succinct rush in her tone couldn’t go unnoticed by me as well.