Unraveled Ties-Chapter 54: The Walk Back

The silence between them hung just long enough to become noticeable before Sena shifted slightly on the swing and stood up.

“...Alright,” she said, brushing her hands against her pants. “That’s enough for today. Time to go home.”

Reiji blinked, caught slightly off guard by the sudden change of topic, but nodded. “Yeah.”

They began walking again, slower this time. The quiet of the night was gentle, comfortable—but Reiji couldn’t help the lingering feeling in his chest.

Trying to lighten the mood, he smirked. “So... what exactly did you tell your family about staying out this late?”

Sena glanced at him, the corners of her lips curving into a slight smirk. “Told you. My parents aren’t really around. Even if they were, I’d just say I was with Aoi.”

Reiji nodded. “Right...”

Then she shot the same question back. “What about you? What excuse are *you* running with?”

He shrugged casually. “I’ve gone out late plenty of times with friends. As long as I don’t do anything stupid, they don’t really say much.”

Sena gave a small nod, satisfied.

They reached the main road that led toward Sena’s neighborhood. Streetlights buzzed softly above, and for a few moments, neither said anything. But then Reiji turned slightly.

“I’ll walk you home.”

“You don’t have to,” Sena replied almost instinctively.

“Its okay,” he said.

She paused... then simply turned forward again and walked on. No protest.

The silence stretched again—but this time, something about it was warm. Not awkward. Just... still.

Halfway down the next block, Sena slowed down and suddenly reached out. Without looking at him, she took Reiji’s hand in hers and adjusted their grip so that it looked more like a couple’s—fingers intertwined, a little closer than usual.

Reiji looked at her, surprised. She didn’t meet his gaze.

“Remember,” she said softly, “we’re still practicing.”

Reiji let out a small sigh—not annoyed, not disappointed. Just thoughtful. “Right.”

They continued walking, fingers still laced, shadows trailing behind them.

A few minutes later, they neared her street. The houses were quiet, the windows glowing faintly. When they reached the corner just before her home, Sena gently let go of his hand.

“This much is okay,” she said, turning slightly. She hesitated for a moment, then gave him a casual wave. “See you tomorrow.”

Reiji smiled. “Yeah. Tomorrow.”

He watched her walk off until she disappeared behind her gate.

---

Sena stepped into the entryway, kicked off her shoes, and looked around.

Empty.

The lights were off. No sign of her parents, not even a note.

She walked to her room, set her bag down, and sank onto her bed. The light in her expression slowly dimmed into something more familiar—quiet, composed, and just a little lonely. But her mood instantly lights up, when she saw Aoi messages on her phone. She picked her phone up, smiles and calls Aoi instead of messaging her.

---

Meanwhile, Reiji unlocked the door to his own home.

The scent of dinner lingered faintly in the air. He saw Haru already curled up on the couch, asleep with a small blanket over her. In the living room, his mom and sister were watching TV.

“Welcome back,” his mom called out without looking away from the screen. “Did you eat?”

“Yeah,” he answered, slipping off his shoes.

But his sister looked up at him, a smug little smirk on her face. “Didn’t know your friends dressed up for study sessions.”

Reiji ignored her and headed toward his room.

In the quiet of his space, he sat on his bed, took a deep breath, and leaned back. His mind wandered—drifting over everything that happened tonight.

Sena’s laughter. Her swing swaying in the dark. Her hand in his. That easy way she spoke, even when talking about things that clearly weren’t easy.

But then... Aoi’s face floated into his thoughts.

And with it, her warmth.

And what Sena had said. About how much Aoi meant to her. What they’d gone through together.

Guilt crept back in.

He got up, grabbed a towel, and stepped into the shower. Let the water run over him, washing away the thoughts—at least for a little while.

By the time he returned to bed, his mind was

quieter.

Not empty.

But quiet.

He turned off the lights and let sleep take him.

---