huguruma

At Tokyo Magic High School, everyone had become accustomed to Rei's occasional disappearances. Sometimes he'd leave after class and return only at lights out, sometimes he'd disappear for a couple of days—and then, as if nothing had happened, he'd sit through lectures, as if he'd never been absent. The teachers would frown, the students would whisper, but Rei would simply dismiss it: "I have things to do."

At first, Nanami Kento didn't pay much attention. There were plenty of other things to do at school: training, missions, debriefings after yet another curse-busting raid. But over time, these disappearances began to unsettle him. There was something too systematic, too deliberate about them—as if Rei wasn't simply running away, but following some strict routine.

One day, after a particularly difficult day, when the students barely managed to escape a low-ranking curse, Nanami noticed Rei, without even entering the dorm, turn toward the city streets. He moved quickly, confidently, as if he knew exactly where he was going. And then Nanami decided to follow him.

He kept his distance, hiding in the shadows of high-rise buildings, crossing streets so as not to lose sight of the boy. Ray walked for a long time, through neighborhoods where there were almost no mage students—where the city grew quieter and the air seemed thick with alien energy. Finally, he stopped at an old building that looked more like an abandoned training hall than a residential building.

Nanami lurked around the corner and waited. Twenty minutes passed before the door opened slightly and Higuruma appeared. Tall, collected, with that look that immediately betrayed a high-level mage. He didn't shout or wave his arms—he simply stood and watched as Rei approached. Then he hugged him. Not in a friendly, formal way, but the way one embraces family they haven't seen in a while.

"You're late again," Higuruma said as they walked inside. "I was starting to worry."

"Sorry," Ray replied, lowering his head. "There was a lot going on at school today. And… we were trying to keep an eye on you. I had to make a detour."

Higuruma nodded, as if that explanation cleared everything up.