Lonely Rock for the Blind.

From Nekoyashiki Haru's perspective.

It is a cage called nothingness.

Although a tiny crack has been made, what remains before our eyes is still that suffocating colorless darkness.

In that vision, only hearing and imagination can add color to this picture.

"Xiao Qing, why are you in such a hurry?"

That was the voice of Hiroi Kikuri.

At least Nekoyashiki Haru didn't hear the difference.

A deep purple figure slowly took shape, radiating a faint golden glow in front of Nekoyashiki Haru.

"...Kikuri?"

"Yes, so why are you here, Xiao Qing?"

The figure spoke again, asking the question.

"...Shima said you were missing, so I came to find you."

"I see, haha... I just ran around casually."

The sound of footsteps could be heard.

Haru Nekoyashiki could sense her approach.

She stopped when she was about five steps away.

Why aren't we getting closer?

Nekoyashiki Haru thought to herself.

"Shima, Eliza, and I are all very worried about you..."

"I know~ Oh right, Xiao Qing, do you want to come drinking with me?"

“…You should go find Shima and the others first, or let them know you’re safe, and then I’ll go for a drink with you…it’s on me.”

"No problem!"

The figure laughed and then took out his phone.

"I told them, okay! Let's go..."

The figure walked to the other side.

It was as if she was guiding Nekoyashiki Haru with the sound of her footsteps.

Nekoyashiki Haru just stood there.

The purple figure still sways in my imagination.

Nekoyashiki Haru slowly opened her mouth.

"…Who are you?"

"... "

The figure suddenly froze.

"That's a strange question. Are you drunk too?"

"...The voice is indeed very similar, more so than any other imitation I've ever heard before...but I can tell that you're not Kikuri."

Nekoyashiki Haru clenched her fist.

"So...who are you?"

"...Seriously...Xiao Qing, your words really hurt me..."

The purple figure slowly faded away, and a pale gold figure stood tall.

“…Eliza…”

"Sorry, I was just kidding."

Eliza smiled wryly.

"…Why?"

"There's no particular reason. I just made a promise to my friend, so I have to do my best to keep it."

Click click...

Slowly clench your fist.

"...Kikuri...did you tell me to do this?"

"... "

"…Why?"

"...I cannot answer that question."

Eliza shook her head.

"Only Kikuri herself can answer your question."

"... "

Nekoyashiki Haru walked towards the apartment, passing Eliza, and headed towards the apartment.

"Xiao Qing".

"…What's wrong?"

Nekoyashiki Haru turned to look at Eliza.

"...Are you angry?"

"... "

"Why don't you just leave? I'll keep an eye on things, nothing will happen in Xiaoju Village."

Eliza continued.

"…Why?"

"I told you... I can't answer you."

Eliza lowered her head.

"... "

Nekoyashiki Haru nodded, then continued walking towards the apartment.

"Kikuri doesn't want to see you!"

Eliza suddenly spoke up.

Nekoyashiki Haru's figure paused slightly.

"...She doesn't want to...see me?"

"Ah."

"...So I'm asking you to come and distract me?"

"Ah."

"... "

Nekoyashiki Haru let go of her hand.

Snap...

The white cane fell to the ground.

"Why…"

"I cannot answer..."

"That's why I didn't ask you, Eliza!"

Nekoyashiki Haru raised her voice.

"...She doesn't want to see you."

Eliza put her hands behind her back, tilted her head slightly, and smiled wryly.

"She doesn't want to see me?"

Nekoyashiki gritted his teeth.

"I want to see her."

Then, they continued walking towards the apartment.

"... "

Eliza watched the boy's departing figure.

He squinted and smiled.

"...They still came after me..."

Eliza's hand slowly relaxed.

"Kikuri is a good girl... so..."

"Merry Christmas."

...

……

.........

Nekoyashiki Haru's pace quickened.

What emotions are you experiencing right now?

Anger? Worry? Anxiety?

Perhaps both are true.