Lonely Rock for the Blind.

"Misunderstand?"

Nekoyashiki Haru paused for a moment.

"Well, I actually subconsciously feel that Xiao Qing is the kind of person who is rather detached from emotions."

Eliza explained.

Why do you think that?

Nekoyashiki Haru frowned.

"Was I really this bad when I was with you guys before?"

"Oh dear, this isn't about when I'm with Kiku and the others."

Eliza felt it was a denial.

"I was just saying... my impression of you."

"…Yeah…"

"Yes, but actually, Haru is a good girl."

"Kind and gentle, sometimes surprisingly strong, and remembers the kindness others have shown her... Xiao Qing is such a wonderful child."

Eliza swayed her head gently, seemingly pleased.

"It's embarrassing to hear you say that."

Nekoyashiki Haru sighed.

"Everyone in the band is easy to get along with now that it's over. Xiao Qing hasn't come to see us much."

Eliza continued.

"Sorry, it's actually quite far from there."

Nekoyashiki Haru pointed to her eyes.

"I really don't like going to places that are too far away by myself."

"I understand."

Eliza nodded understandingly.

squeak~

Eliza pushed off again, stomping her feet in sync with her cat, Haru.

The height difference between the two reversed once again.

"Xiao Qing, you really look like a teenager now."

Eliza smiled as she looked at Nekoyashiki Haru, who was silhouetted against the sun in the sky.

"He's not the boy who pretended to be an adult before, nor the old man who will grow old later, but now, a boy who smiles from time to time, has goals in his heart, and makes people happy just by looking at him."

"... "

"A lot must have happened after you were taken back by Manager Ijichi. A lot of things we don't know, but they can change you. You've been smiling more, Haru."

Eliza clutched her heart, a slight blush rising to her cheeks.

So I'm very happy~

"…Thanks."

Nekoyashiki Haru thanked her softly.

"Oh right, how about we go to a comic convention together sometime around Christmas?

Eliza laughed.

She knew the answer to what was to come.

"Sorry, I probably have other plans for Christmas."

"Nekoyashiki Haru said."

"Okay! I'll take a few more pictures for you, even though you won't be able to see them."

"It's okay, I'll cherish it if you give it to me."

"Really?"

Eliza nodded and then got off the seesaw.

Nekoyashiki Haru slowly sank to the ground, and then got off the seesaw.

"Where to next?"

"Nekoyashiki Haru asked."

"It's almost evening... Xiaoqing, don't you have anything to do next?"

"Ah."

"Then I'll just wander around a bit more, I don't have anything else to do..."

Nekoyashiki Haru nodded and walked beside Eliza.

"Speaking of which, Xiao Qing."

"Ok?"

Nekoyashiki Haru raised her head.

"You have paint on your eyes."

Eliza said.

"Paint? Oh..."

Nekoyashiki Haru rubbed her eyes.

What kind of pigment is used now?

"...Red dots, dark green dots, and a smaller yellow dot...the splatter on both eyes is symmetrical?!"

Eliza exclaimed in surprise.

"Actually, it's not paint... it's just a recent change..."

As Nekoyashiki Haru explained, she was thinking complicatedly to herself.

It seems the prediction was correct...

"Isn't it paint? It's a natural change... How cool!"

Eliza's eyes lit up.

"It's like a setting that appears in anime. Are you going to regain your sight next?"

"It can't be that simple."

Nekoyashiki Haru shook her head.

"It's probably just an outward appearance..."

beep!!!!!!!!

On the road, a car sped past with its high beams on.

then…

[Dazzling]

"?!"

Nekoyashiki Haru suddenly turned her head to look.

What just appeared...?

"Xiao Qing? Were you startled by the car noise?"

Eliza blinked, then stepped forward and patted Nekoyashiki Haru's head.

"Don't be afraid, don't be afraid, it'll be alright~"

"...No...that..."

Nekoyashiki Haru opened her mouth.

"Ok?"

Eliza tilted her head.

"... "

Nekoyashiki Haru clenched her fist.

"I'm sorry, Eliza, could you take me home first today?"

"Huh? That's fine, but why the sudden urge to go back?"

"I suddenly remembered something, sorry."

"It's okay, it's okay, let's go~"

Eliza pulled Nekoyashiki Haru away.

------------------

5 updates tomorrow

Chapter 271 Joy

"Alright~ We're home, Xiao Qing."

Eliza smiled at Nekoyashiki beside her, then knocked on the door.

"The door is here!"

"Yes, thank you, Eliza."

"You're welcome~ I'll be going now."

Eliza left with a smile.