Thoughts

[Word Count: 1043]

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With Kishibe's promise to return the following week echoing in his mind, Leo reassured Chiyo that there was no need for him to visit the nurse's office. Though his body felt sore from the encounter, he believed he could carry on with his daily activities.

Concern etched on her face, Chiyo couldn't help but inquire, "Do you know that man?"

"He's a devil hunter," Leo replied.

Given Chiyo's past experience with a man in a suit who had made her feel like a hostage in her own workplace, it was understandable that she acted cautiously around such individuals.

Now that the mystery of the enigmatic man had been unraveled, Chiyo took it upon herself to accompany Leo back to class. After all, he had missed more than half of the lesson, having wandered around under the guise of needing to use the bathroom.

As Leo sat still in class, he found some relief by occasionally rubbing his sore muscles. Himeno noticed his discomfort and attempted to inquire about it, but Leo remained unresponsive, staring blankly at her.

Himeno persisted in her attempts to probe for answers throughout the day but to no avail. Leo remained silent, seemingly lost in his thoughts.

By the end of the day, Himeno couldn't help but feel a bit pouty. Leo acknowledged her presence but didn't provide any answers to her questions. It left her feeling slightly frustrated and perplexed.

As the final class drew to a close, Himeno expected Leo to swiftly head for the door as usual. However, to her surprise, he took his time to pack his belongings and exited the classroom last, with Himeno trailing close behind.

Himeno observed Leo intently, her eyes narrowed with suspicion. What could he possibly be hiding?

Exiting through the school entrance, Leo and Himeno made their way toward the gate, their footsteps echoing against the pavement. The air was filled with unspoken tension as if something significant lingered beneath the surface.

Leo remained silent as Himeno persisted in her quest for answers. Eventually, they reached the gate where Yuki stood patiently, and Shouzou anxiously tapped his foot on the ground.

Himeno dutifully reported to Yuki, while Leo continued walking ahead, seemingly lost in his thoughts.

As Yuki and Himeno engaged in a conversation about what might have transpired, Shouzou's attention was fixated on Leo. He watched intently as Leo crossed the street, deliberately avoiding the car they typically used for transportation.

Shouzou shifted his gaze back and forth between the diminishing figure of Leo and the ongoing discussion between Yuki and Himeno. Just as Leo disappeared, Yuki and Himeno reached an unspoken understanding, and Himeno bid them farewell, heading toward her own home.

"All right, let's..." Yuki began, turning her gaze to where she expected Leo to be, only to find no one in sight. She glanced at the car, but the result was the same.

"Shouzou," Yuki said in a casual tone.

"Hmm?" Shouzou responded with a hum.

"Where's Leo?" Yuki asked, her tone tinged with nervousness.

"He left while you were talking," Shouzou replied.

"Oh..." Yuki uttered.

Leo didn't have a particular destination in mind as he walked aimlessly. Perhaps being tossed around by Kishibe had put him in a contemplative mood.

Lost in his thoughts, Leo let his legs guide him wherever they pleased, his gaze fixed on the sky above.

He didn't dwell on any specific thoughts, but the sight of the sky was captivating. The clouds drifted lazily, occasionally parting to reveal glimpses of the sun's warm rays that bathed the ground below in gentle light.

As Leo continued his leisurely stroll, he found himself drawn to a nearby bench. The lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere offered a welcome respite from the chaos of his recent encounters.

Leo took a seat and allowed himself to fully immerse himself in the tranquility of the surroundings. The soft rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds created a soothing symphony that eased his troubled mind.

With each passing moment, Leo felt a sense of calm washing over him. The events of the day and the lingering tension in his body started to fade away, replaced by a newfound serenity.

He took a deep breath, savoring the fresh air that filled his lungs. The gentle breeze tousled his hair, and he closed his eyes, letting the warmth of the sun embrace him.

"What to do, what to do?" Leo contemplated.

As Leo sat on the bench, he pulled himself out of his thoughts and got a better look at the things around him. He sat on a bench perched atop a hill, overlooking the sprawling city below, a breathtaking panorama unfolds before his eyes. The scenery is a harmonious blend of nature and human creation.

The cityscape stretches out like a tapestry of twinkling lights, its vibrant pulse resonating through the cool evening air. Buildings reached for the sky, their illuminated windows casting a warm glow against the darkening sky. The city's silhouette is outlined by a network of bustling streets and avenues, alive with the constant movement of vehicles and pedestrians.

The sky above is a breathtaking canvas, ablaze with color. Streaks of orange, pink, and purple blend seamlessly, creating a magnificent sunset that paints the heavens with ethereal beauty. Fluffy clouds drift lazily, like brushstrokes on this celestial masterpiece, adding depth and texture to the ever-changing sky.

But it is not just the city that captivates Leo's gaze. Turning his head, his eyes land on the rolling hills that stand steadfastly behind him. Covered in a lush carpet of green, these hills provide a stark contrast to the urban landscape.

The tree standing next to the bench swayed gently in the breeze, its leaves rustling with a soothing melody. The hills appear like nature's sanctuary, a respite from the busyness of the city below.

It took him a while but Leo eventually pieced together where he was. In just a few years, the landscape behind him would be turned into a mass grave sight. Thousands of crosses would be placed in remembrance of what was to come in the following years.

Looking back at the city in front of him, Leo took a deep breath.

"Let's go home," Leo muttered.