"Akira, the kite flew away!!"
Shouko called out, her face a little downcast as she watched the string slip from her fingers and the kite soar helplessly into the sky. Akira, who had been sitting on a bench nearby, immediately stood up and hurried over to comfort her.
Chika Itō, noticing what happened, gently approached the two and offered her kite with a soft smile. "Shouko, you can fly mine."
Miu Matsuoka, of course, had completely vanished—probably still chasing her own kite down a hill or getting caught in a tree somewhere.
"Are you sure?" Shouko asked, clearly wanting to continue playing but hesitant to accept.
"It's fine. I'm a little tired anyway," Chika waved her off politely.
"Then… thank you!" Shouko beamed as she carefully accepted the swallow-shaped kite.
"Thanks, Chika," Akira added sincerely. If she hadn't offered, he would've had to come up with something fast.
"Just be careful, Shouko! Don't run too fast!" Akira called out as she skipped ahead with the kite in hand.
Whether she didn't hear him or ignored it on purpose, she didn't respond.
Chika pointed toward the bench Akira had just left. "Come on, let's sit there."
"Sure."
As Akira followed her, he kept glancing over to make sure Shouko was doing okay. She had the kite up on her own this time—no help needed. He finally relaxed and sat down beside Chika.
"Akira! Look! It's flying even higher now!" Shouko shouted, her voice filled with joy as the kite danced in the wind.
Akira looked up, smiling. But when Shouko turned to see if he was watching, she spotted him and Chika chatting and laughing together on the bench. (Just normal friendly conversation—but still, better safe than sorry explaining this part!)
Shouko blinked, looked back at the kite, then made a sudden decision. She reeled it in and walked over.
"Chika, I think I'm tired too. Here's your kite back," she said gently.
"That fast? Well, if you want to fly it again later, just let me know," Chika replied with a warm smile before taking the kite and heading off again.
Akira waited until Shouko sat down and said with a grin, "Tired? I'll fan you."
"Humph humph!" Shouko snorted twice, catching a glimpse of the folding fan he'd pulled out of his pocket—but pretended not to care.
"Don't be mad. It's just a kite. If you want, I'll make you a better one by hand," Akira offered, thinking she was sulking over the lost kite. A few comforting words should do the trick, he figured.
He didn't even consider that it might be jealousy. He just assumed she was still a kid—and kids got upset easily.
Shouko turned toward him, surprised. "You can make kites?!"
Any lingering pout vanished instantly.
Akira chuckled. "Yeah, I learned it in Hawaii—ah wait, I mean… I saw it on TV once."
Shouko tilted her head, unconvinced but excited. "Really?"
"Yup. We'll get the materials this weekend and I'll make you one," he said, trying to resist how incredibly cute her eager expression was.
"I knew it! Akira's the best!"
The two of them chatted and laughed together on the bench, with the kite completely forgotten. All Shouko could think about now was how to get through school tomorrow and fast-forward to the weekend.
Later…
"Shouko, wake up. It's time to go home," Akira said softly, gently shaking her.
"Huh…?" Shouko sat up and rubbed her eyes groggily, blinking as she took in her surroundings.
"Where are Chika and Miu?" she asked sleepily.
"They went ahead. You looked peaceful, so I didn't want to wake you," Akira replied, rubbing his slightly sore thigh… which now had a faint mark of her drool on it.
"Let's go then." Shouko stretched and yawned as they began their walk home.
The sunset bathed everything in warm light as they walked hand-in-hand down the quiet road.
Splash!
The sudden sound of something hitting water made Akira stop. Shouko hadn't noticed it yet—but then a loud voice followed:
"Shouya just jumped in!"
Two boys stood on a stone bridge, peering down into the river below.
"That guy's going to get himself hurt one day," said the thinner of the two. Shouko couldn't hear the words, but she got the gist from lip-reading.
"Haha! Jump in! It's not even that cold!" came a loud voice from the water. A soaked boy grinned up at the two on the bridge.
"Really?" the rounder one asked hesitantly.
"Would I lie?!"
Splash! Splash!
Both jumped down with a yell.
Ishida Shouya laughed as he saw them follow him, then turned his head—only to spot Akira and Shouko nearby.
He recognized Akira. Top of the class every year. Teachers praised him nonstop. As for the girl, he vaguely remembered someone mentioning she had a hearing impairment.
Feeling defensive, Ishida shouted at them, "What are you staring at?! Just 'cause you're first in the class doesn't mean you're better!"
Akira rolled his eyes. "Drama queen," he muttered under his breath. Then, holding Shouko's hand, he turned and continued walking.
Ishida took that as a win. "Yeah, run away! Coward! Sissy!"
Shouko clenched her fists, wanting to shout back—but Akira simply smiled and shook his head, stopping her.
"Shouko, don't let it get to you." He reached over and gently patted her head.
There's no point in arguing with people who want to act like that, he thought. Japanese insults were way too tame anyway—nothing like the rich, colorful curses from his past life in China. Not that he'd use them here, of course.
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POWER STONE!!!
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