After school, Yuma returned to the classroom to get his notebook. Most desks were empty, but one seat by the window still held a blue pencil case.

He was about to leave when Saki came in quickly. “Sorry,” she said. “That is mine. I forgot it again.”

Yuma handed it to her. “Again?”

Saki smiled. “This seat is too comfortable. It makes my things want to stay.”

Yuma laughed. He had always thought Saki was serious because she answered questions clearly in class. Now she looked less like a perfect student and more like a person who also lost pencil cases.

They looked out the window. The sports field was almost empty, and the sky was turning orange.

“This is a good seat,” Yuma said.

“Yes,” Saki said. “But tomorrow, I will try to leave with all my belongings.”