Kaname-san was at the other side of the door. Homura-chan could probably see her through the video intercom if she had turned to check it. But she didn't move.
I thought Homura-chan's behaviour was very strange since I had met her. Though I did not want to meet her with the purpose of uncovering her character, or coldly analysing her, and though I tried to let it be, there was simply too much of Homura-chan that was dubious. As much as I felt threatened, I wanted to learn more about her. Even at the time, my attitude towards Homura-chan was, on the whole, trusting and warm. Because of this, I believe, we could become so close to each other. Had I been curious in an impersonal and critical way, had I regarded her as a stranger from the start, the bond between us would surely not have lasted.
"Mami-senpai? Is there anyone in?"
Hearing that, Homura-chan calmly told me, "Tomoe-san, you have a visitor."
"Since you're already there, Akemi-san, could you let her in on my behalf?"
On a whim of mischief and perhaps revenge too over humiliating me at the graveyard, I invited Kaname-san to visit at this timing. I knew she would meet with Homura-chan here. At the back of my mind, when I remembered the sight of her gazing at Kaname-san's house, I strongly felt that I ought to have the two of them meet. Otherwise, I did not think they would ever have crossed paths. This was nothing but intuitive speculation on my part. But if the alternative meant that Homura-chan was to be left alone for the rest of her life… Looking back, I do not know whether it was all worth it.
In that sense, the meeting was a bitter blessing, and an act of goodwill on my part. But I was also wary of the details Homura-chan had provided me. Who was she and what was her past like? The conversations had at that point never seemed to point to any consistent background, if anything at all. It seemed to me like she was hiding something away from me. I wanted greatly to dispel the fog that surrounded her. Then, who was Ekada-san? To begin with, I had never encountered anyone with such a surname before. And what about the house that, she claimed, used to stand where Kaname-san lives now?
I did not want to lose faith in Homura-chan. Hence, I had to put her to the test. I wanted to see if she knew Kaname-san. If she did, then she had lied to me. But there must have been a good reason why she would have to lie about such mundane matters, unless it was a compulsion of hers. I thought that if it was a lie, then I could help her. I wanted to help her.
To my surprise, she turned to me and replied, "I'm sorry. I don't think I'm currently dressed to receive any visitors. May I excuse myself to the washroom for a minute?"
It seemed like she truly did not know Kaname-san. I could not find the slightest hint of emotion on her face. She was perfectly natural, at ease. Hiding my disappointment, I directed her towards the bathroom and walked over to invite Kaname-san in.
"Please, come in."
"Ojamashimasu."
Kaname-san bowed slightly as she entered.
"Ah, Mami-senpai. Am I disturbing you? It looks like you have another visitor."
Her eyes darted over to the coffee table, flush with half-eaten cakes and sweets.
"Not at all. Just make yourself comfortable."
Like that, we sat ourselves and made small talk. In due course, she touched on Homura-chan.
"Who else is visiting you right now?"
"You'll see in just a minute," I smiled knowingly, "She's a schoolmate, if I'm not wrong. I met her in Kazamino the other week."
"If you're not wrong?"
"Well, it's rather complicated. She probably is though."
"Oh, I see. What's her name?"
Just as I was about to answer, a loud click came from the hallways. The bathroom door swung open.
"I'm sorry for taking so long."
I turned to look, and what I saw took my breath away. I thought she was a completely different person. Homura-chan – yes, I suppose this way of calling her is most befitting here – she came out with her hair in double French braids, wearing those red-rimmed spectacles that she'd bring along everywhere she went. I had always seen them by her side, but that was the first time, and perhaps the only time since, I saw her she donning them on.
The effect was almost supernatural. She looked so kind.
"Good morning," she said as she strolled up to us.
Returning down to her seat, she turned to Kaname-san and began addressing her.
"I believe you are Kaname Madoka-san, yes? Tomoe-san has told me much about you."
"Eh? A-ah, I'm flattered that you've heard of me, umm, and you are?"
"Akemi Homura. Call me Homura."
"Then, Homura-chan?"
"Yes?"
She beamed at Kaname-san. I was so stunned that all suspicion in my mind vanished. Something about her just seemed so different. Did she know Kaname-san or did she not? Which was the façade – her cold and aloof side, or this seemingly tender aspect of hers? I could not put my finger on it. But now, I know. It was love. Homura-chan was in love with Kaname-san.
At that moment, Homura-chan had a beautiful smile. But it was so beautiful, it looked to me like she was really crying instead.
