Thankfully, there was still him

It's been a day since Sam was last seen.

For Sophie, this seemed like no big deal, a trivial matter that, in the past, wouldn't have merited a second thought.

After all, what impact could a Sam have on her life?

The vast world doesn't stop spinning for anyone, and up until a few months ago, the name Sam didn't even exist in Sophie's life.

So, even when she saw that empty seat, there shouldn't have been any emotional stirrings.

But to her regret and irritation, Sophie found herself glancing over at that should-be-occupied seat several times during class, a behavior she hadn't exhibited just a day before, and one she found utterly disgraceful.

Sophie even thought that having Sam join the Summer Camp Experience was a disaster.

But what was with this uncontrollable, almost expectant gaze now?

Thankfully... it seemed no one had noticed.

Until after class, when a distinctive figure appeared before her.