Patrick, sitting across from them, raised an eyebrow. "Ah! You mean Haruto?" Patrick asked, his tone half-curious.
"Yes, that guy," Natsuki replied with a hint of annoyance. "Didn't we all agree to celebrate the victory of this Semester Exam? But that man has disappeared somewhere."
Lilyana, who was sitting next to Natsuki, sipped her warm tea before joining the conversation. "That's true. I haven't seen Haruto since... that time." Lilyana's voice lowered, as if she was contemplating something troubling.
"Maybe Haruto is busy?" Bellina commented while gazing out the window, her eyes following the movement of the leaves blown by the wind.
Patrick nodded in agreement, but his tone sounded uncertain. "Ah, I guess so. But it's strange, right? Haruto never said anything before."
"Hmm? How can you be so sure about that, Patrick?" Lilyana furrowed her brow, her curiosity clearly evident.
Patrick rubbed his chin, trying to recall something. "I've seen Haruto a few times leaving the Academy, looking like he was in a hurry. There was something odd about Haruto's demeanor."
"Really?" Lilyana squinted her eyes, a worried expression beginning to appear on her face.
"Yes," Patrick continued, "and the last time I saw Haruto, he was talking to some First-Year students. Haruto looked serious."
"What? Haruto was talking to First-Year students?" Lilyana asked, her voice beginning to show concern. "Is it possible that Haruto got into trouble with them?"
Natsuki immediately let out a small laugh, but her tone implied impatience. "What? That guy? That annoying man? No way! Besides, hasn't Haruto already reached Level 2? Which First-Year students would dare to mess with Haruto?"
Patrick nodded in agreement, although a slight doubt was evident on his face. "That's true. We don't know for sure how strong Haruto is, but it's clear that he's quite strong. I don't think those First-Year students would be able to cause any trouble for Haruto."
"Eh, that's true. Because Haruto is indeed very strong," Bellina added softly, playing with the ends of her hair.
"But then, why didn't Haruto join us when we invited him to gather?" Lilyana asked, her voice sounding sharper than usual, indicating a deep curiosity.
Patrick, who was sipping his coffee, suddenly stopped and looked at them in confusion. "Eh, wait. Did anyone actually invite Haruto to join us?"
That question made the atmosphere at their table fall silent. Natsuki, who had been relaxed, began to fidget in her seat.
"Natsuki!" Lilyana suddenly pointed at Natsuki with an angry look. "Didn't I tell you to invite Haruto?"
"I... I asked Patrick to invite that guy!" Natsuki stammered, trying to defend herself, her face turning red from nervousness.
"What? I never heard that!" Patrick protested, his voice full of confusion.
"I told you over the phone!" Natsuki replied in a high pitch, her eyes widening as if seeking support.
"No! You never said that!" Patrick shook his head firmly.
"I did! You forgot, right? Two nights ago, when I called you!" Natsuki almost stood up from her chair in frustration.
Patrick raised his hands in confusion. "That night? I told you I was sleepy! I even hung up before you finished talking!"
"No! You didn't hang up!" Natsuki insisted, pointing her finger at Patrick. "I thought you still wanted to talk, so I kept waiting!"
"What? I thought you would hang up if I was silent! Isn't that logical?" Patrick retorted, his voice starting to rise.
"Enough!" Lilyana's voice cut through their debate like thunder.
Natsuki and Patrick immediately fell silent, their heads bowed like children being scolded.
"Did you forget where we are? This is a café! People are enjoying their time, and you two are making a fuss like children!" Lilyana pointed around with quick gestures, emphasizing her point.
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(Note: Hello everyone! Sorry for the lack of updates over the past few days. The author has been unwell, so they needed time to rest and recover. Starting today, the latest chapter updates will resume as usual. Thank you for your understanding, and sorry for the delay!)
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