On her way home, Noelle spotted Takumi crouched by the roadside, a small bowl of milk set before a stray cat. He stroked its fur gently, his voice low.
"Goodbye. See you tomorrow."
Noelle's heart skipped. A faint blush touched her cheeks as she watched him. He stood, dusted himself off, and walked away—without even acknowledging her.
Guess he didn't notice me. Thank God… it would've been complicated to explain tomorrow. And besides… it's not like I was following him. We just happen to share the same route home.
Yet the warmth on her face told her otherwise.