Wanted Criminal (4)

Sora's first impression of Kael was simply that he was a stranger.

He had unusual black hair and black eyes. Judging by his appearance alone, he looked a little younger than an adult, so he did not seem very old. Even so, his speech was stiff, and his manner was not that of a child.

Of course, Sora did not avoid Kael because of those things.

He simply seemed unfamiliar.

So she avoided him.

But there was something strange. Usually, when someone was avoided like this, that person would show displeasure. Yet he did not raise his voice. He did not reach for Sora or force her into conversation. Even so, she couldn't help thinking she should be wary. Perhaps he was still hiding some ulterior motive.

Yet even after several days had passed, Kael never asked Sora to do anything.

To begin with, he barely moved.

Most of the time, he sat cross-legged in one corner of the room with his eyes closed. Sora did not know what that posture was called, but she thought it was strange. He sat with his legs crossed, his hands resting on his knees, without moving for a long time.

At first, she thought he was asleep, but when he asked whether something was wrong, she realized he had really just been sitting there...