Chapter 4: Lingering Glances ( 4 )
Haruki stopped in front of the tall iron gates, gripping the strap of his bag as he exhaled slowly.
It felt strange standing there.
The house beyond the gates was massive—elegant and imposing. It was a far cry from the cramped apartment he and Satomi once called home. He had never really thought of this place as his. No matter how many times Satomi insisted otherwise, it still felt like he was stepping into someone else's world.
He pressed the doorbell.
Ting tong~
A faint crackle came from the intercom, then a voice said, "Who is it?"
Haruki cleared his throat. "Ah... it's me. Haruki."
A brief pause followed. Then—
"Oh! Wait a moment—I'll open the gate for you."
A soft click echoed through the quiet evening. With a low mechanical hum, the gates groaned as they slowly swung open.
Haruki adjusted his grip on his bag and stepped inside.