Rich Girl Caretaker Vol. 3 Chapter 3

Becoming a True Student of Kiou Academy

On this day, campus life at Kiou Academy proceeded as usual.

This is Japan's #1 elite school, attended by the children of the upper class—corporate presidents, political leaders, and the like. The school has vast funding, sprawling grounds, and endless facilities. Students can freely use these resources to develop their talents.

I've gradually gotten used to this environment... but for the first time in a while, I felt the same nervousness I did on my first day.

Before morning homeroom, I approached a boy sitting at his desk.

"You're Kita-kun, right?"

He seemed surprised that I was talking to him and looked up with wide eyes.

"Ah, yeah. What's up...?"

"I'm Tomonari."

He probably already knew, but I introduced myself again. I carefully stated my purpose, trying to keep the nervousness from my face.

"Actually, I have something I'd like to discuss..."

I recited the lines I had prepared, my mind flashing back to last night—

◆

"Let me confirm. You wish to be able to interact with Ojou-sama at school without it seeming unnatural, correct?"

After I'd shown my resolve to enter Kiou Academy's social sphere, Shizune-san re-confirmed.

"Yes. I don't want to destroy Hinako's image, but I at least want to be someone who can stand next to her as a classmate without it being weird."

After all, outsiders can't know how close Hinako and I are at home. For example, we'd have to keep hiding our lunches. No one could see me feeding her, or letting her use my lap as a pillow.

"And... I want to solve Narika's problem, too."

"Miyakojima-san?"

Shizune-san tilted her head. Right, I haven't told her about that. I explained how Hinako and I were trying to help Narika make friends.

(If I'm going to help her, I need to be able to make friends myself...)

Helping Narika was a chance to reflect on my own situation. I planned to solve both problems at once. Both Narika and I needed to integrate better into Kiou Academy.

"In that case, your first goal should be to make a new friend."

Shizune-san suggested. Not Hinako, Tennouji-san, Narika, Asahi-san, or Taisho. I needed to make a new friend. Expand my social circle. By doing so, I should get to know Kiou Academy... and Class 2-A... better. I nodded.

"Do you still have the student roster I gave you?"

"Ah, yes. It should be around here..."

I picked up a stack of papers from my desk. It was one of the documents Shizune-san gave me when I first enrolled. I remember being so overwhelmed I read it in the bath.

"Let's find someone on this list who might be easy for you to talk to."

This is... a very careful approach. It's a good one, but it's more cautious and steady than I expected.

"It's easy to forget, but the students here are all from the upper class. It's not just us; they are also careful about who they associate with. This process might seem exaggerated to you, but many people do it."

I see... I hadn't forgotten, but I'd gotten numb to it. I'd gotten comfortable with my small, fixed group of friends. But if I want to build new relationships, my old behavior won't work. I have to remember they are Kiou Academy students.

"Depending on the family, some people will hire private investigators just to make one friend."

"It goes that far...?"

"That's an overprotective example. But the point is, that level of caution isn't considered strange."

Hearing Shizune-san say that, I had to reflect. Kiou Academy isn't a normal school. Normal social skills might not apply. The best example was that boy who was so cold to Narika. He was wary of her because her family is powerful. That's a value system that didn't exist at my old school. I have to fully grasp that.

"For example, what about him?" Shizune-san pointed to a name. His name is...

"...Yusuke Kita."

"He's the heir to a mid-level IT company... Your cover is also an IT company, so you have similar backgrounds. It should be easy to talk."

"But I don't really know IT. We might not have much to talk about..."

"You'll have to make up for that by studying."

I nodded.

"Right."

"You should have studied IT when we decided on your cover, no?"

"Yes, but just the basics. It's not enough."

"Indeed."

I only learned enough to not get caught. But my goal now is higher. This will take long-term effort... I worried.

"...Why don't you actually go work for an IT company in the future?"

"Huh?"

"You've worked diligently as an attendant. If you're worried about your future, I'm sure the Konohana Group can open doors. We can get you a recommendation."

"I-I see..."

"Assuming you don't mess up from here on out."

The possibility isn't zero. I've already taken so many risks...

"Putting the future aside... if you at least have that mindset, it'll be easier to talk, and you'll be motivated to study."

"...Yes."

If I were to work in IT... it does make studying easier. But the most important thing is to be able to talk to Kita-kun on his level. He's the real deal.

"Please lower your awareness of 'acting'."

Shizune-san said, her face serious.

"To solve your problem, you can only become a true student of Kiou Academy."

"Yes."

Become a true student. She emphasized it again.

"Relationships can't be faked. But conversely, you no longer need to act."

Meaning, I have to face this as myself.

"Please act based on your own thoughts. I can't give you the right answer, but I will support you. Let's get through this together."

Her words were full of kindness. I was happy, but I couldn't help staring at her.

"What is it?"

"No... I just feel... you're really into this."

She blinked, surprised. She hadn't realized.

"...It's because you've truly become irreplaceable."

Shizune-san said, as if sorting her own feelings.

"If we were to hire another attendant... I doubt we would find one who would devote themselves this much to Ojou-sama..."

I sensed an unspoken "...probably not" in her words. But her comment bothered me. I'm not doing this just for a job.

"...I barely feel like this is a 'job' anymore. I'm doing this because I want to."

I probably didn't need to say it. But I didn't want it to be summarized as just "work." Shizune-san gave a slow nod.

"I know. That's why I want to help, not as your superior, but as your friend." She said, smiling gently.

"Is there anything you need? I will arrange it."

"Uh~ well, I'd like to brush up on IT..."

"I have just the materials."

She left my room and returned pushing a cart stacked with textbooks. She was already prepared.

"Also, if possible, could you arrange a computer? Just reading has its limits..."

"I will arrange it."

Shizune-san nodded immediately.

"If you have any other problems, please consult me. I will support you fully from now on."

That was the most reliable thing I could hear. To have someone as competent as Shizune-san backing me... It felt like I could do anything.

"Shizune-san..."

"What is it?"

"Shizu-emon..."

"If you ever call me that again, you're fired."

I haven't heard that in a while. I'd gotten carried away. I nodded silently.

(I've always treated Kiou Academy as someone else's problem.)

A school I had to attend for my job. A school I'd never belong in. I lacked an insider's awareness. But not anymore.

(From now on... I need to learn more about Kiou Academy and its students.)

I will be a true student.

"Well, let's start tomorrow."

"Yes."

I immediately started studying.

◆

"So, what did you want to discuss?"

Kita asked, looking at me. I opened the textbook Shizune-san gave me.

"I heard you know a lot about IT... Can you solve this problem?"

By the way, this wasn't just a conversation starter. I genuinely didn't understand it. Even Shizune-san, who is usually all-knowing, was an amateur here...

"Oh, this? This is—"

Kita explained the answer flawlessly. He was confident and easy to understand.

"I see... Thank you."

This is what they mean by "a pro."

"This is from the Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Exam, right? Are you taking it?"

"Yeah. My family's in a related industry."

This was the plan. I'll get a national IT certification as a short-term goal.

"Have you passed it already?"

"Mhm. I'm studying for the Applied Information Technology Exam next."

That's the next level up. It's usually something you get after starting work.

"Is there anyone else like us?"

"Not in Class A. But there are in the other classes."

"Oh,"

I said. Kita has his own network of people with similar backgrounds. This... is what I've been ignoring. I can't just talk to Hinako, Tennouji-san, and Narika. I've been neglecting the rest of the school.

"I'm a little surprised, though. I didn't expect you to talk to me."

He said with a wry smile. Can I dig deeper? No, I must.

"I wanted to ask... honestly, do I stand out?"

After I gathered the courage to ask, Kita looked awkward.

"Uh... yeah. I can't really deny it..."

"...I knew it."

I hung my head.

"I didn't mean to... How do I look?"

"Hmm... Well, when you transferred, you were touring the school with Konohana-san, and then you had that tea party with Tennouji-san... I just assumed you weren't interested in 'normal' people like us."

"That's not true at all..."

You're not 'normal' to me... Kiou Academy students are fundamentally good people. So even if there's friction, it doesn't turn into bullying. But that also makes it hard to know what they're thinking. That Class B guy who was rude to Narika was a rare, emotional case. If not for him, I'd never have realized this.

(That was close... If I'd stayed oblivious, I would've become an object of jealousy.)

I get it. If you only hang out with the celebrities, people will naturally dislike you. I have to interact with everyone. I hope Kita is the first step. I nervously opened my mouth:

"If it's okay... could you teach me more after school today?"

"Huh?"

He looked clearly flustered. Crap, did I push too hard...? I'm telling Narika not to, but I'm doing the same thing. But, to my worry, Kita—

"...Mhm. If I can help, sure."

He agreed, his panic gone.

"Uh... is it okay?"

"Yeah. I was just surprised..."

Kita said, choosing his words.

"But I see you with Taisho-kun a lot."

"Taisho-kun?"

"Mhm. I was in his class last year. We still talk... He said you know a lot of... 'special' knowledge."

I get it. Kita trusts me because I'm friends with Taisho. I'm—being helped by Taisho's popularity.

(Taisho, thank you...)

Though, that "special" knowledge was probably... "Splitting the bill," "mooching," and the "three-second rule"... which makes me feel complicated. Come to think of it... Do Taisho and Asahi-san... know how people see me? They're so well-connected. They must have heard rumors.

(I'm glad I became friends with them first...)

They didn't let rumors stop them. Taisho's family is a major moving company. Asahi-san's is a major electronics retailer. They're both B2C. Maybe it's their upbringing, but I'm impressed by their consideration.

"Well, I'll see you after school."

Kita nodded.

"Mhm."

◆

After school. I waited for the classroom to empty, then approached Hinako. No one was around.

"Hinako."

I spoke quietly.

"Sorry, but you'll have to go home ahead of me today."

"...But I was going to help with Miyakojima-san's thing...?"

"No, it's not Narika. It's... my own thing..."

It would take too long to explain. As I was wondering how to convince her, she nodded.

"...I understand."

She agreed, without a single word of explanation.

"Because... I trust you. Mostly..."

"Mostly...?"

"Except for the flirting part..."

What does that even mean!? As I was reeling, she stared at me.

"...Is there anything I can do to help?"

She tilted her head. I didn't expect that. I froze.

"I... want to help you."

That... made me incredibly happy. I tried my best not to break into a stupid grin.

"Thanks. If I need help, I'll ask you."

"Mhm... Leave it to me."

Hinako said, and turned to leave. But she turned back one last time.

"You... come home soon, okay."

She said, looking a little lonely. I walked her to the gate, saw her get into the car, and met Shizune-san's eyes in the passenger seat. I'd already called and told her. I gave a slight nod and went back to the classroom.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

I said to Kita. I took out my textbook.

"Well then, Tomonari-kun, let's continue."

"Please."

I bowed my head. Kita laughed... I felt like we'd gotten closer. He taught me a lot.

(Studying IT... is more fun than I thought...)

He explained binary, logic circuits, the basics. I'm from a poor family, so I'm not familiar with modern tech. That's why I'm interested.

"Anyway, that's the gist. The morning exam is just memorization, but the afternoon exam needs a solid foundation."

"Got it."

He's being polite, but I'm still lacking. I need to study hard. Kita knows so much... Are all Kiou students this smart?

"Kita-kun, do you want to be a CEO or something?"

"No, I haven't thought that far. But, I want to have technical skills, not just business sense. I don't want to be 'the boss's son'."

He's thought about his future. Just then, Kita checked the clock.

"Sorry, Tomonari-kun, I have a curfew. I should get going."

"Thank you for teaching me so much."

Kita grabbed his bag and left. I was the only one left.

(My concentration's gone... I should go too.)

Kiou Academy is tough. My brain is fried. But to catch up... normal effort isn't enough.

(...Just a little more.)

I'm starting to like IT. I tried to re-solve the problems he taught me.

"...Tomonari-kun."

Someone called from behind. I turned. It was Kita.

"Huh? Didn't you leave?"

"I just went to the bathroom... You know what, I'll stay a bit."

"Huh? Is it okay?"

"Mhm."

He sat back down across from me.

"Seeing you... makes me feel like I need to work harder."

Kita said, opening his textbook. If he works harder, I'll never catch up... But I was happy. We focused on our books again.

"By the way, Tomonari-kun, the sports festival is soon..."

After an hour, Kita said, stretching.

"...Honestly, how's it looking? Are you confident?"

Kita asked, worried.

"Not at all."

"Me neither..."

We shared an awkward laugh.

"I'm a total bookworm. Give me books or a computer, I'm fine. But sports? Not so much."

"I'm not bad at sports... but the kids here are serious. I'm worried I can't keep up."

"You're good at sports, though. If you're not confident, what am I supposed to do...?"

"At this school... just 'being athletic' doesn't mean anything."

Shizune-san said some practice with corporate teams... I just have to pray I don't get matched with them.

"Mph... Itsuki? Is that Itsuki!"

A familiar voice from the hall. I turned. It was Narika, grinning.

"Narika?"

"M-Miyakojima-san...?"

Kita jumped, surprised. Narika, her view blocked by the wall, hadn't seen him. She walked in.

"Itsuki, you're still here? You're not with Konohana-san?"

"Yeah, I'm studying. You?"

"Family asked me to check on the PE equipment..."

She trailed off, finally noticing Kita.

"Ah."

Narika's face went bright red. The next second, she put on her "scary face" to hide her embarrassment.

"H-Hello. I'm... uh... Narika Miyakojima."

"I-I'm Yusuke... Kita..."

They were both so nervous. But this is a chance for Narika. I remembered our earlier conversation.

"Narika, how do you think we can get good results at the sports festival?"

"Ngh, I-I think you just have to practice... but personally, I don't think you need to worry about results."

She was flustered, but she was slowly calming down. Her answer was unexpected.

"Besides, sports aren't about getting results. Only a handful of people can make a living off it. But there's no downside to enjoying exercise."

Narika was on a roll. Before I knew it, Kita and I were listening intently.

"There are all kinds of sports. Tennis, soccer, baseball... think of them like game cartridges. And your body is the console. The more you train your body... the better your console... the more games you can enjoy."

Narika was starting to have fun.

"You can play all kinds of games just by training. In life, there's no better deal... And if you have a desk job, it's a great way to clear your head."

Her opinion was valuable and persuasive.

"Ah!? S-Sorry, I have to go!"

Narika suddenly panicked and ran off. Kita and I watched her go.

"...So cool."

Kita whispered.

"Kita-kun?"

"Ah, no, nothing!"

He shook his head, flustered.

"B-By the way, you called her by her first name..."

"We're actually relatives."

"Huh, really!?"

It is surprising... I was surprised when I found out, too.

"...She's easier to talk to than I expected."

My eyes widened. Kita gave a wry smile.

"I like video games. I even make them sometimes. So that comparison was really easy for me to understand."

Everyone else who'd talked to Narika had been confused. Kita was the first person... to have a positive reaction. This... I can push this.

"Her family runs a dojo, too. People who are bad at sports come to learn. I bet she was speaking from experience."

"I see..."

Kita looked interested.

"...I'll try my best at the sports festival."

I mentally threw a victory pose. In this moment, it wasn't me making a friend. It was someone accepting Narika. Why did it work this time? It's always failed before...

(...Is it because of me?)

Just as I was accepted because of Taisho. Is Narika being accepted because of me?

(I see... If I, the person next to Narika, am accepted... then she will be, too.)

Narika has amazing strengths. The problem was just that no one knew them. Then, I'll be the one to tell them. By having people trust me, I can clear up the misunderstandings about Narika. Operation: Make Narika Not a Loner... finally has a path forward.

◆

A few days passed since I became friends with Kita.

"Ah, Tomonari-kun."

It was the break after third period. I passed Kita in the hall. He was with another boy I didn't know.

"This is the guy I was telling you about, from Class B. Same background as us."

"Hello."

The boy with glasses greeted me cheerfully.

"Hello,"

I bowed.

"Hm? You're Tomonari... Are you the one who's friends with that Miyakojima-san?"

"That's probably me."

I smiled wryly. "That Miyakojima-san"... he must not have a good impression of her. But Kita jumped in:

"Miyakojima-san isn't scary like the rumors."

"Huh... No way."

"It's true. Tomonari-kun told me. She likes junk food."

"...Miyakojima-san... eats junk food."

"Mhm. And she's reliable... Once you get to know her, she's not scary. She's just... sharp, and cool..."

Kita said, looking a little dazed.

(Narika's image is definitely improving.)

Though Kita seems a little too enthusiastic... And, I'm expanding my network.

"You're studying for the Fundamental IT exam?"

"Yeah. No idea when I'll take it..."

"I see. I'm planning to start my own business, so if you want to know about management, just ask."

The boy smiled. Starting a business... A lofty goal, but for a Kiou student, realistic. I said goodbye and went back to class, looking at Hinako. She was surrounded, smiling elegantly. The students around her were all good-looking. They had a different aura. Even from far away, you could tell they were the elite.

(It's time... Can I talk to her?)

I felt nervous, swallowing. It's like the boss battle. But I can't back down. I'm not here just to get by. To stand by Hinako... I need their approval. But I must remember—Kiou Academy is not a normal school. At my old school, the top were the jocks, the beauties, the class clowns. Here... it's family background and "class." I can't change my family. "Class" isn't learned overnight. I don't need to be flashy. I just need... to make them recognize me.

"Konohana-san."

"Hm?"

Hinako made a weird noise.

(She just slipped...)

The students around her looked confused, "...Did I hear that right?" I cut in before she blew her cover.

"The tea you recommended was delicious. Thank you."

Hinako immediately slipped into ojou-sama mode.

"I'm so glad. If I find any more, I'll let you know."

She smiled, a smile that could disarm anyone. The students around her were staring at me.

"You're Tomonari-kun, right? Are you and Konohana-san friends?"

A girl asked.

—Here it is. The moment I connect with the top of the pyramid. I can't miss this.

"Yes. Well..."

I hesitated. My fear of failure was making me nervous.

(Calm down... Remember what Tennouji-san taught me. Confidence.)

I remembered her posture. Her brutal lessons. It's burned into me. I calmed my nerves.

"...My family's company has a relationship with the Konohana family. We've known each other for a long time."

"Oh, is that so?"

The girl's eyes widened.

"My apologies, I should have introduced myself sooner."

"No, not at all. It is our fault for not knowing."

This overly formal apology... is normal here. But... the atmosphere is good. By clarifying my relationship with Hinako, the suspicion is gone. Now it's up to me.

"We were just talking about a tea party. If you'd like, what are your recommendations?"

"I see, well..."

It's too soon to be invited. Even if I was, I'd panic. I named a few teas I liked. They thanked me.

"By the way, you're very composed."

"Am I?"

"Yes. You're different than I thought."

If I wanted to be witty, I'd ask, "What did you think of me?"

But this is Kiou Academy. I just bowed my head.

"Thank you. I've been attending more social functions lately and am learning etiquette."

They looked impressed. It wasn't a lie. I am learning... from Tennouji-san.

"I am still inexperienced. I look forward to learning from you all."

I said, then excused myself.

◆

Lunchtime. I went to the old student council building. Hinako was already there.

"...Itsuki."

"...Hinako."

We looked at each other—

"Yay..."

"Yay."

—and high-fived.

"Was that okay...?"

"...It was perfect. You helped a lot."

Actually, that conversation... was planned. People who don't know Hinako think I'm a suck-up. But the top-tier students... they do talk to Hinako. They're the ones who don't think I'm a suck-up. So—it's okay to ask Hinako for help. She'd offered. We have one thing in common with the top tier: Hinako. So I'm using Hinako to connect... The reaction was good.

(But, now others might think I'm sucking up to them...)

I'll have to deal with that. I'll talk to Kita later.

"But I didn't know the timing... so I almost slipped."

Hinako said, apologetically. It's true, she was surprised.

"Should I... not talk to you like that?"

Was she startled? She shook her head.

"Even when I'm 'acting'... I'm happy to talk to you."

"...I see."

I was relieved.

"If you're happy, then it was worth it."

Today was planned... but someday, I want it to be natural. We ate our lunch, relaxed, and left.

"Itsuki!"

Narika called out.

"Narika, what's up?"

"Listen! S-Someone just talked to me!"

Hinako and I looked at each other.

"I think he's... friends with that guy you were with yesterday."

The boy who wanted to start a business. Kita must have cleared up the misunderstanding.

"That's great."

"Yeah! I'm so happy...! I feel... human kindness...!!"

Narika was on the verge of tears.

"You two! Next holiday, you have to let me thank you!"

I'd love to. I want to practice tennis. Seeing Narika so happy made me happy. I went back to class, feeling fulfilled.

◆

That night. I was fulfilled... but I had regrets. I finished my work and reviewed the day.

(For Narika, we're making progress...)

My only worry is the sports festival. We're on the right track... but we're running out of time. Still, we're doing what we can.

(And... me?)

I'm making friends. I spoke to the top tier. Honestly, the impression was good. But—

(I'm not... trying to climb the social ladder...)

That's not me. I prefer a noisy, relaxed place. I'm adapting... but I'm still me. Hinako is probably the same. To stand by her, I have to talk to the top tier. But to the "lower" tier, that looks like sucking up. It's a dilemma. If I try to be friends with everyone, I look like a brown-noser.

(...I never worried about this at my old school.)

I didn't care about the 'pyramid' then. Why am I so worried now? It's stressful. I'm exhausted. ...I'm doing this for Narika. And... for Hinako.

'I don't want... you taking care of... anyone but me.' Her words from the tennis court. They're still stuck in my head.

(How... do I see Hinako?)

I had no answer. Just then, a knock.

"...Itsuki."

"Hinako?"

She came in. She looked sleepy and immediately flopped onto my bed. I saw Shizune-san in the hall. She bowed silently and closed the door.

"Hinako, what's up?"

"Nothing..."

She wasn't here for a reason. Just... usual.

"Are you... studying?"

"Yeah... about that..."

My IT notes were on the desk, but I was just worrying. But... because I was just thinking about her... I wanted to talk.

"I was just about to take a break. What's on your mind?"

Hinako just "mhm"-ed. We talked for a while... school, the manor, Narika... just lazy chatter.

"You haven't collapsed lately."

"...From 'acting'?"

I nodded.

"Because Itsuki is here... it's easy."

"Is it?"

"Mhm... this time is... precious to me."

Her stress-induced fevers have mostly stopped. It's good. I'm her stress relief. That's good.

"Huah..."

Hinako yawned.

"If you're sleepy, I'll take you back."

"You're not sleepy...?"

"No, I'm getting sleepy, too."

I stretched. Hinako patted the empty space on the bed.

"Just... sleep here together."

My heart skipped a beat. I looked away.

"I'll pass."

"Mph~..."

Because Shizune-san will murder me. She pouted and stood up.

"Come here..."

"No, no, I said..."

She grabbed my hand and pulled me to the bed. Her arms are so thin... I feel bad pulling away. She grabbed my hand... and fell backward onto the bed. And my hand... was pulled with her.

"Whoa!?"

I fell forward. I froze, realizing... ...I was on top of Hinako.

".........Mh, eh?"

Hinako made a strange noise. Time stopped. I've been close to her before. Lap pillows, leaning... But this... was different. Her warm breath fanned my face. My arms supporting me weakened, and I slipped an inch closer. I tried to pull away... but... I had to ask.

"...Hinako."

I asked the wide-eyed girl:

"How... do you see me?"

My reflection in her eyes... looked so serious. It was a stupid question. But I'd already asked. I waited.

"I..."

Her lips slowly moved:

"I... see you... as..."

"As?"

I held my breath. But her eyelids... closed.

"Zzz..."

"You fell asleep!?"

How!? Why now? But... this is Hinako. Of course she can. I was so shocked, the weird mood vanished. Which... is probably good. I looked at her sleeping face, and calmed down.

(...Well, I figured out one thing.)

I know my own feelings.

"Hinako."

No response. This is just for me, then... but I had to say it.

"I... will work hard to be worthy of you."

Not 'I have to be' by her side. I want to be. I finally, clearly, thought it. I gently pulled the blanket over her. ...I should take her back... but I'll let her sleep.

◆

Thank goodness I'm good at 'acting'. Hinako thought, pretending to be asleep, desperately faking her calm. She rolled over, turning her back to him. I can't take it. My face is so hot. My heart is so loud.

'I... will work hard to be worthy of you.'

Hinako replayed his words. Every time, her heart swelled.

(I'm... weird... this is so weird...)

The feeling wouldn't stop.

(What is this... what...!? I can't suppress... this weird feeling...!)

She wanted to roll around. She wanted to do something. If she didn't, she'd explode. Hinako gripped the blanket. She peeked. Itsuki was at his desk, his back to her. She wanted to touch him. Must... endure. If she moves now... she'll stop being "her."

(I...)

She remembered his question.

(How... do I see Itsuki...?)

My important attendant. I'm happy when I'm with him. That's what she thought. But... is that all? This palpitation... is it that simple? She couldn't find an answer. And she stayed there, worrying, until he called her name again.

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