With that, he walks off and disappears from view. Kiyoshi waits for him patiently, hoping he won't run off again. He has a feeling that he would rather have a broken leg than run back after him. After twenty minutes, he finally emerges with his hand full of plastic bags. He approaches Kiyoshi with cautious steps, and Kiyoshi holds out his arm to allow him access to his belongings.

"Thank you," Ryouta whispers, handing over the plastic bags. "Can I have my things back now?"

Once Ryouta has returned with his toys, he climbs the fence, and Kiyoshi helps him put them back in his bag before closing it. It reminds him of what happened last time he helped Ryouta, and he winces. Luckily, Ryouta doesn't seem bothered by it, although he gives Kiyoshi another strange look before hopping down onto the ground. He takes a step forward and pauses.

"Do you need help getting home?"

"No. I got lost before and I've been staying with some friends so I can't really get lost now."

Before Kiyoshi can reply, Ryouta takes off running and soon disappears from sight.

***

Kiyoshi is sitting under the tree in his backyard, reading a book. He knows that Ryouta hasn't come home yet and the thought is making him a bit nervous. It's not like him to be late. Maybe he fell asleep in class and missed the bus. Or maybe his parents forgot to pick him up again.