"We're back."
"Hey~ Fuck off, Reinhard~"
"Huh!?"
"...."
While the girls entered the room, Rachel remained silent and approached Brandon, who was seated.
She was sober.
Her head was clear.
She knew what she was doing.
"Hey, uhm….."
"Hey."
Brandon raised his head, meeting Rachel's gaze. The moment he did, the room fell silent.
"Ah."
Rachel flinched momentarily, but composed herself. Things really were different. Even he looked different.
'Even his hair…..'
She had to accept it. Not as if she was fixated on him, but just the thought of how different things were, especially in regards to her overall family situation, took a toll on her mental health.
She tried not to think about it this whole time. But seeing Brandon brought memories of her father, and the entire calamity.
And….
The old days.
When things were still good.
She had to accept it.