I walked toward the temple entrance, letting the cool morning breeze brush gently against my face. While waiting for Kaori, my eyes landed on Tom, who was still working in the garden. His movements were precise, meticulous. What really caught my attention was the way he trimmed the bushes—he was shaping them, almost like they were living sculptures. Some already looked like birds, others like simple yet elegant geometric forms.
Curious, I stepped a little closer and asked:
—Hey, Tom… who taught you to trim and shape the bushes like that? It looks pretty professional.
He lifted his eyes slightly without stopping his work, and with his usual calm tone, replied:
—My mom did. She always taught me how to take care of and trim these kinds of plants. For her, it was a form of meditation. She used to tell me that when you cut something with care and purpose, you're also shaping something inside yourself.
I listened closely. It surprised me how serene Tom sounded whenever he spoke about his mother. I smiled a little and said:
—Wow… those cuts really look natural, almost like they grow that way on their own. By the way… sorry if this is a personal question, but… how did you end up here, Tom?
He set the pruning shears aside for a moment and turned his head to look at me. His gaze didn't show annoyance—only understanding. I quickly added:
—N-no, I don't mean it in a bad way. I don't want to cause any trouble or make you uncomfortable…
Tom let out a small, relaxed laugh.
—Don't worry, Leo. I don't mind talking about it. You see… my mother belongs to a clan of swordsmen. A lineage that has practiced ancient techniques based on agility and wind control. Everyone in that clan is born with a special affinity… and I inherited that gift.
He paused, turning his gaze back to the bushes as he continued speaking.
—But when I was younger, my power was… unstable. I couldn't control it well, and that worried my mother. So she sent me here, to train under the master. To learn discipline and gain control. I've been here for almost three years now… and honestly, I feel at peace. I get along well with my mother now—we write to each other sometimes. Thanks to this place… I found my balance.
His words left me speechless for a moment. Seeing someone so calm, so centered, with such a deep story made me reflect.
—Wow… I had no idea you belonged to a clan, Tom. That's impressive.
He just laughed humbly, lowering his gaze as if it wasn't a big deal.
Then I remembered something important and said:
—Ah, by the way… if you see the old man, could you tell him I went out with Kaori?
Tom nodded without hesitation.
—Of course, Leo. Don't worry, I'll let him know.
I bowed slightly in gratitude.
—Thanks, Tom.
I turned toward the stone path in front of the temple, and right then I heard a soft, familiar voice behind me:
—I'm ready now, Leo.
I turned slowly, and there was Kaori.
Her steps were calm yet confident, and her presence stole my breath away.
Kaori walked toward me with a gentle smile, while the soft breeze played with her long hair, making it sway delicately. She wore a simple white shirt paired with a long beige dress that highlighted her figure in an elegant yet natural way. In that moment, she looked like a living painting.
She stopped in front of me and, with a coquettish expression, asked:
—So? How do I look, Leo?
She slightly extended her arms, showing me her outfit with a mix of shyness and pride. Without thinking, I replied immediately, carried away by the sincerity of the moment:
—You look beautiful, Kaori.
As soon as the words left my mouth, I noticed her face turn an intense shade of red. She lowered her gaze for a moment, and with a small nervous smile, said:
—A-ah… well… thanks, hehe…
There was a small silence—warm but light. Then, as if she wanted to break the tension, Kaori lifted her eyes with a playful spark.
—Hey… how about we race?
—A race? —I asked, blinking in surprise.
—Yup —she nodded enthusiastically—. From here to the forest's exit. What do you think?
I felt my competitive spirit wake up. I cracked my knuckles confidently and grinned.
—Alright… I'm ready. I'm not losing.
Kaori took a few steps forward and began counting playfully:
—Three… two… one!
The moment she said "one," she shot forward like lightning. She didn't even give me time to react! In an instant, she left me behind, and all I could think was: What the heck? How is she so fast?
—Hey! That wasn't fair! —I shouted as I started sprinting with all my strength.
Little by little, I began closing the distance, pushing myself as much as possible. My breathing grew heavy, my legs burned, but I refused to give up. When I finally got close enough, Kaori seemed to notice… and suddenly sped up even more.
—What the hell…?! —I said between laughs and gasps— Kaori, you're a beast at running!
—You have to try harder, Leo! —she shouted without looking back, teasing me.
A rush of adrenaline and excitement went through me. I refused to stay behind. I pushed past my limits and started catching up again. We were practically neck and neck, about to reach the forest's exit…
And just when I thought I was about to pass her, Kaori leaped forward, stopped abruptly, and raised both arms triumphantly:
—I win!
—Huh?! —I yelled, unable to stop in time.
My momentum betrayed me. I shot past her completely out of control. A tree appeared in front of me… and even though I tried to dodge it, it was useless.
—Why is there a tree here?! —I shouted a second before crashing into it.
I bounced off the trunk, fell on my back… and then rolled downhill until I landed headfirst into a small children's sandbox, sending sand flying like a burst of golden dust.
Kaori ran over, laughing so hard she could barely stand.
—Leo! Are you okay? —she said, clearly trying to hold back laughter—. I told you! You couldn't beat me, hehe.
From the sandbox, covered in sand—even in my ears—I raised a hand in victory… or surrender.
—I'm fine… only my dignity is buried somewhere around here… —I muttered weakly.
Kaori couldn't hold it in anymore and burst into laughter, offering me her hand to help me up.
And as I took her hand, I couldn't help but smile. Even though the race cost me a scrape and some pride, this was definitely one of the best mornings I'd ever had.
I brushed off all the sand on me, from my clothes, hair, even my face. I could feel grains slipping into the folds of my shirt. Kaori, still amused, stepped closer and said:
—So? Are we getting ice cream first, or did you have some last-minute plan?
I chuckled, rubbing my sore face.
—Let's go for ice cream… hehe… ouch —I said, rubbing my forehead.
She frowned when she noticed the scrape on the upper part of my forehead. Without hesitating, she gently reached out and touched it carefully.
—Don't move, okay? Just look at this scrape, Leo… —her voice sounded worried, but also sweet.
—Hehe, don't worry. It doesn't hurt much —I said honestly.
She let out a small sigh and smiled.
—Alright, it's done. You've got a tiny scar… but don't worry, it's barely noticeable.
After that, we walked to a nearby park. The atmosphere was calm and warm; children laughed while playing, the wind gently rustled the trees, and street vendors sold ice cream along the path. We chose one of the shaded walkways, enjoying the spring breeze.
As we approached one of the ice cream carts, I couldn't help wanting to know more about her. So, a bit unsure, I asked:
—Hey, Kao… I want to know something about you, if you don't mind.
She looked at me from the corner of her eye, smiled, and replied calmly:
—Of course, ask whatever you want, Leo.
I took a deep breath.
—Before we met… before we became a couple… how did you see me at the university?
She glanced up at the sky, as if searching for memories among the clouds.
—I saw you as a shy guy… reserved. Someone who only spoke when necessary. Always quiet, but with a look that said more than a thousand words. Even so, you knew how to make friends… the kind who stay with you no matter what. —She paused, then added with a small laugh—. Though I also thought you were… a little slow.
I stopped walking and stared at her, offended.
—Wait, wait! What do you mean "slow"? I have good grades! My scores are between 80 and 90, that's not low!
I said it proudly, and she laughed.
—Hahaha, alright, alright, genius. But you've still got a ways to go before catching up to me. My best score was a 98. I was just two points away from a perfect 100%. So… when you reach that, we'll talk.
After some playful teasing, she sighed, and her voice softened.
—But you know, you were different. You were… someone special. A guy who cared about others, even when he didn't get anything in return. Always willing to help. But also… —she paused—. I also saw something else in your eyes. That maybe, at some point, you wanted to disappear from this world. I could tell by your gaze. I knew that look well.
My steps slowed. Her sincerity disarmed me. I didn't know what to say. We walked in silence for a moment that felt long.
Then, as if sensing I needed a break, she added:
—But after that dream… something changed in you. You left that desire to give up behind. Now you're someone willing to fight, even against powerful or grotesque creatures. Your courage has saved you more than once… and life, somehow, has given you a second chance.
A knot formed in my throat. Those words weren't just casual remarks—they were truths from the heart of someone who knew me better than I realized. I couldn't say anything… just walk beside her in silence, grateful she was there.
—That's how I saw you back then —she said softly—. But now that we're together, I realize you're still the same person… though now you joke more and talk more. Still, back then, I had some thoughts about you… and I hope you can forgive me for what I'm about to say.
I felt confused. What kind of thoughts did she have? For a moment I thought maybe she had misunderstood me, like thinking I was a pervert or someone with bad intentions. But remembering my mother's teachings, I smiled nervously and replied:
—Go ahead, tell me. But remember, I won't get mad hehe.
Kaori let out a soft sigh before speaking sincerely:
—Honestly… I thought that if you ever got comfortable enough, you'd be one of those guys who say curse words to look cool… or who brag about pointless things.
I stayed silent for a moment, then let out a small laugh. Her comment, though unexpected, didn't offend me.
—You really thought that about me? Hahaha. Well, I don't blame you. You're not the first person to think that. A lot of people have told me that before meeting me, they thought I was like that. But you see, you never really know someone until you actually spend time with them.
Kaori relaxed when she heard my response, let out another small sigh, and then, with a bright smile, suddenly changed the topic:
—Look! Let's go over there— they sell the best ice cream in town.
Without giving me time to react, she grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the park. I was still confused. There were many street vendors back there with great reputations and long lines of customers enjoying their ice cream. But she didn't stop. She kept walking with determination, still holding my hand, and that alone made my heart beat a little faster.
We crossed the street and arrived at a fairly large shop, with a pastel-colored façade and floral decorations on the windows. As soon as we stepped inside, a cheerful voice welcomed us. We walked straight to the counter, where a young man in a clean uniform and apron greeted us politely.
—Good afternoon. What can I get you?
Kaori looked carefully at the options, and after thinking for a moment, she said:
—Can you make me a chocolate mint ice cream mixed with cookie flavor, please?
—Of course —the young man replied with a smile—. And for you, sir?
—I'll have a cookie-and-chocolate one, please —I said calmly.
—I'll prepare them right away —he answered as he turned toward the ice cream machine.
While we waited, I looked around the place. It had a cozy style, with warm lights, wooden tables, and a sweet aroma floating in the air. I pulled out my wallet to pay. I took out a couple of bills, but before I could do anything, I felt a soft hand covering mine. I looked up—it was Kaori. She gave me a small nod and whispered quietly:
—Put it away.
I stared at her, not fully understanding.
—Huh? Why?
But before I could insist, Kaori had already taken out her wallet and was preparing her own money. I stayed silent, staring at her like an idiot for a few seconds.
—Hey, but… let me pay. You don't have to spend —I muttered softly, still a bit surprised.
She looked at me gently, without saying a word, and simply smiled.
At that moment, the guy came back with the ice creams.
—Here you go. One chocolate mint with cookies, and one cookie-and-chocolate.
He told us the price, and Kaori paid without hesitation. She received her change, handed me my ice cream, and the young man added:
—Thanks for your purchase. Please come again soon!
We left the shop, each with an ice cream in hand. The wind was blowing softly and, for some reason, the moment felt special. It wasn't just the ice cream or the place… it was her.
I asked with a slightly serious tone, though still smiling:
—Hey, why didn't you let me pay for the ice cream? Remember, I'm the one who invited you on this date.
Kaori shrugged and answered in a calm but firm tone:
—I did it because I wanted to, and because I wanted to treat you a little after everything you've been through lately… Besides —she said, leaning a little closer to me with a somewhat mischievous smile—, if you feel guilty… remember I can charge you tonight, in a special way.
When I heard that, my brain took a few seconds to process what she had just said. "Tonight"? Charge me how…? My mind jumped straight to the most obvious misunderstanding, and when I turned to look at her, I noticed her mischievous expression, a wicked smile, and eyes shimmering with both amusement and mischief. To top it off, she burst out laughing.
—Hahaha! Look at you, you turned red like a tomato. It took you a few seconds to get it, and the moment you did—you thought exactly that! —she laughed, pointing at me.
Trying to hide my face, which felt like it was about to explode from how red it was, I took a spoonful of ice cream to cool myself down and muttered in defeat:
—You're such a pervert, Kaori…
She held her stomach laughing, still unable to stop.
—Hahaha! You only thought of that! And you turned red like never before! Also —she added, regaining a bit of composure—, it was about time, wasn't it? At least once… we need it.
—Hey, hey… you're going too far —I said, straightening my posture, trying to look serious even though my face was still burning—. Are you planning to steal my virginity by force? No, madam! That will happen only after the wedding —I added, crossing my arms like a knight defending his honor.
But Kaori just looked at me amused, and without losing her mischievous expression, she said:
—Look, Leo, I'll just say this: if it's not by the good way, it'll be by the bad… and if it's not by the bad, then by the worst. So you cooperate… or I cut your throat —she said laughing, with that wicked smile that was starting to give me heart palpitations.
Completely speechless, I just kept eating my ice cream like a frightened child and said with a trembling voice:
—O-okay…
Kaori nodded, satisfied, giving another lick to her ice cream as she said:
—Good, that's how I like you.
Then she pointed with her head toward one of the streets leading out of the park and said:
—Let's go that way. I know a really pretty spot where we can sit for a while.
I let out a deep sigh, almost as if speaking to the sky.
"Please, you up there… don't let anything happen today… I'm not ready to die yet," I thought dramatically as I looked up at the sky, begging for mercy.
I took out my phone and checked the time. It was only 3:15 p.m. It was still early, which meant… there was still a long way to go with Kaori and her double-meaning jokes. I could only smile in resignation and keep walking by her side, enjoying my ice cream while the sun bathed us in a calm warmth. Even if she made me tremble with her words, I couldn't deny that with her… every second was unpredictable and exciting.