COTE: The Quiet One Can Be Dangerous

Vol. 11.5 Chp. 3: Farewell

'...': Writing
'...': Sign language
"...": Text to speech

It was March 31st.

It was the last day that my brother would be at this school.

I looked at my face in the mirror and saw a somewhat dark and depressed expression. I almost didn't sleep last night.

I was trying to find a resolution to see my brother.

There was a knock at my door.

I didn't answer it as I stared at the door.

There was another knock.

I stayed silent as I walked closer to the door.

I thought the knocking would stop if I pretended I wasn't heard, but it was wishful thinking.

There was another knock.

I sighed and opened the door. Kagurazaka was standing there.

Curious, he looked at me, 'You are in your pajamas.'

My eyes widened before a cold glare appeared, "Do you want me to kick you in the face?"

'You can do that later. You need to see your brother off.'

'I will drag you out there in your pajamas.'

I sighed.

Ayanokouji's POV

I was looking forward to this special day that had finally arrived. It was the day when older Horikita would embark on his next journey. 

We had agreed to meet at noon, so I arrived early at the school's main entrance.

I arrived twenty minutes before, and the elder Horikita arrived a bit later.

It allowed me to talk with him alone, but only the two of us.

Horikita or Kagurazaka wasn't here.

"I can text Kagurazaka and see what's holding him up," I suggested.

Manabu shook his head, "It's okay, Ayanokouji. I'm sure Kagurazaka will bring her.

I looked at him and noticed he seemed to believe in Kagurazaka.

"You seem to have a lot of confidence in him."

Manabu nodded.

"Brother!" A shout came from behind me.

After hearing this voice, we saw Horikita Suzune running toward us, and Kagurazaka was walking behind her.

When elder Horikita had a surprised expression that I'd never seen before.

Did his sister's arrival surprise him?

This was a possibility, but it seemed that wasn't the case. Something else caused his surprise. I soon discovered the actual reason that the elder Horikita was taken aback.

"You..."

Horikita's hair was short.

Arriving after the appointed time, Horikita Suzune hurriedly stood at my side as she panted.

She took a step towards her brother while catching her breath.

"I'm sorry, I'm late...!" She apologized to her brother with her head down.

But why were you late?

That was the question everyone had on their mind.

"No-"