It had been agreed earlier that Kanoya would be picked up at the station, so there's no reason for Nachi to leave at this moment.
Even if something urgent came up, she would definitely inform Kanoya, not vanish directly like now.
Shouka's feeling of unease was growing stronger.
Maintaining her spiritual olfactory sense, she quickened her pace, following the trace of Nachi's lingering scent in the air.
...
On the road outside Mount Hakkoda Station.
Winter evenings darken earlier, and the sunset in the west was gradually fading; dusk descended subtly amidst the pine forest swaying on either side of the road and the mountain breeze.
A few initial stars appeared on the vast canopy of the sky, while the shadows of crows flitted and fluttered among the trees.
