Yumix; Unveiled Chapter 35: Reunion

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The Original Web Light Novel Project Volume 02, Chapter 18: [ Reunion ] Original work. By the author 'Pili.' (Italic dialogues represent character inner monologues) The cafeteria noise slowly faded into the background. A few remaining people in the hall were slightly stunned by Ayuri's unusual arrival. "…She’s here." Yoru followed her gaze. Kenji stood still. "Oh… Speak of the devil." Ayuri walked calmly, her steps were steady, and her posture was straight. No rush or hesitation. Her expression was hard to read. She stopped in front of their table. For a moment, no one spoke. Ayuri was the first to break it. "It has been a while since we had a conversation. First and foremost…" "…I owe you all an apology." That alone was enough to confuse them. "Huh?" Kenji was choked. Yoru straightened slightly, her shoulders tensing a bit. Ayuri lowered her head just a little, enough to show her intent. "I didn't mean to make things difficult at all," Her eyes shifted slightly toward Yoru. "Especially for you, Yoru." She didn’t reply right away. "Tch… You were really acting strangely quiet that time." She let out a sharp breath while looking away for a moment. "…I know." Ayuri didn’t deny it. She turned her gaze to Hiroki this time. "I know that I haven't been around lately. And I know my absence caused a rift." "Is that what you call it…?" Yoru let out a sharp breath. "I sincerely apologize and offer my condolences… about what happened to Amaya." Ayuri paused for a moment before carrying on with a softer tone. "I didn't want everyone to misunderstand me. I just… had my own missions to handle." "Things you couldn't trust us about?" Yoru retorted, her tone reflecting annoyance and fatigue. "I mean, after all we are a team, aren't we, Ayuri…? Or at least this is what I wanted to believe." Hiroki watched Ayuri's face closely. She seemed different today. Usually, she carried herself with an unshakable confidence. Today, she looked grounded. Almost… human. He started feeling the tension in his shoulders ease a bit. "Ayuri…" Hiroki started, but Yoru didn't even let him finish. "You just… can't just walk in here and expect things to be fine just because you said sorry." Yoru's voice tone became less biting. She crossed her arms, tapping her fingers against her bicep. "Do you even realize what our circumstances were like all that time? I thought… You didn't care about it at all in the first place…" "I would never do or think about such a thing," Ayuri replied immediately. "Not to you guys… At all!" Silence fell between them once again. Kenji looked towards them, sensing the ice breaking. Some people around them started to glance over. Whispers here and there. A few chairs scraping. Kenji rubbed his back hair. "Uh… this is getting kinda awkward, don’t you think?" Yoru exhaled slowly. "…Yeah. I guess it is." "Well, at least she's here now with us, right?" Kenji offered a lopsided smile, trying to lighten the mood. "Like, come on, Yoru. She doesn't usually bow her head like that. It must have been serious." Yoru stayed silent for a few seconds longer while staring at the table. Then, she let out a long, exaggerated sigh as her shoulders slumped. She looked back at Ayuri. They both avoided direct eye contact. "Listen… I overreacted too," Yoru admitted softly. "I shouldn’t have said that much." Ayuri’s eyes widened slightly. "…Thank you for understanding." Yoru grumbled a little, crossing her arms again, "But hey, don't think I'm letting you off the hook that easily. Next time, you should tell us before you disappear again." Ayuri’s lips curled into a small, relieved smile. "I promise." A wave of relief washed over Hiroki. "I didn't expect things to get better between them so quickly. Anyway, finally, I feel a sense of relief from the heavy atmosphere that has hung over us for days. This could be a sign of the beginning of something better." "It's good to have you back, Ayuri." Hiroki smiled genuinely as he moved forward. "Finally," Kenji agreed hurriedl