Chapter 16
"Is this... an elephant?"
"Huh... You didn't «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» know?"
Koi looked more surprised than Ashley as he asked back.
"Look, it has a long trunk here. And the tail is right here too."
Koi pointed with his finger, but Ashley still couldn't accept it. How could anyone distinguish a trunk and a tail from that abstract-looking shape?
But Koi was certain. Ashley opened his mouth to say something but closed it again, inhaling deeply instead.
"...Just go inside."
At Ashley’s words, Koi nodded and replied, "Okay." Even as he turned back to head into the store, he kept glancing back as if reluctant to part.
"Bye! Come again! See you!"
Waving enthusiastically, Koi called out his farewell. Ashley returned the wave before settling into the driver’s seat. He had a feeling that if he didn’t leave first, Koi would just keep standing there. Without hesitation, Ashley started the car.
Through the rearview mirror, he could still see Koi turning back multiple times as he walked toward the store. The moment he exited the parking lot, Ashley felt both relieved and oddly empty at the same time.
It was a strange feeling.