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Dead Hours
The Same Side · Ch.70
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Kaito and an elderly woman stand outside a brightly lit convenience store on wet pavement, each holding a broom as they talk.
Kaito and an elderly woman sweep a slick reflective floor with push-brooms as damp leaves scatter around them.
A young man in a striped apron and an elderly woman with a broom stand outside a glass-fronted shop as leaves and scraps scatter across the wet pavement.
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Kaito and an elderly woman stand outside a brightly lit convenience store on wet pavement, each holding a broom as they talk.
Kaito and an elderly woman sweep a slick reflective floor with push-brooms as damp leaves scatter around them.
A young man in a striped apron and an elderly woman with a broom stand outside a glass-fronted shop as leaves and scraps scatter across the wet pavement.

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← The Sweep · Ch.69
Text Version A written companion to this chapter — for accessibility, screen readers, and search.

The morning after Kaito finally crossed the glass, he returns to the footpath and discovers that helping Kiku is not the same as taking over her work. As the wind scatters debris back across the pavement, he learns to value a route made passable one small sweep at a time, and Rin chooses to join them outside.

Page 1

Outside the brightly lit store, Kaito and an elderly woman hold brooms on the wet pavement. Kaito’s name tag reads “KAITO.” Kaito: “You came back.” Kaito: “I said tomorrow.” Elderly woman: “Did you sleep?” Kaito: “Not much.”

Page 2

Kiku and Kaito sweep a reflective floor near the glass storefront, with leaves scattered around them. Kiku: “Keep it low.” Kiku: “Let the bristles do the work.” Kaito: “I was letting it know who's in charge.”

Page 3

Outside the glass-fronted shop, leaves and scraps are scattered across the wet pavement. The young man in a striped apron stands facing the elderly woman, who is sweeping with a long broom. Young man: Sorry. I just undid your work. Elderly woman: Wind’s part of the route. Young man: It feels like— Elderly woman: Not a verdict.

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