By the time Kotoha came home, the sun was dipping low, painting the sky in streaks of orange and crimson. The evening breeze carried a faint chill, but her steps were light, almost dancing as she made her way up the familiar street.
Today had been perfect. Her first day of school couldn't have gone any better.
Why?
Because Souta-kun was cool—so unbelievably cool.
Her cheeks warmed as memories from the day replayed in her head. The sight of his abs in the morning when he teased her about changing. The way he shielded her through the crowded hall so she could walk without bumping into anyone. Their lunch together on the rooftop, just the two of them. Him waiting at her classroom door after school, like it was the most natural thing in the world. Even… even him catching a glimpse of her panties.
Kotoha pressed her hands to her cheeks, feeling the heat rise.
She had worried about Souta for so long. They'd grown up side by side, playing in his backyard as children. She remembered vividly the day of his parents' funeral—the way his eyes looked hollow, his expression empty.
She had loved his parents too. Their loss cut her deeply, but she knew Souta's pain was far greater than hers. That was when she made up her mind.
I'll smile for him. If it hurts this much for me, then it must be ten times worse for him. I'll be his light.
Since that day, she had realized her feelings for him. She liked him. But Souta closed himself off, pushed people away, tried to bury his grief in solitude. She couldn't reach him then, no matter how hard she tried.
But today was different.
Today, he wasn't the boy who kept everyone at a distance. He was brighter, warmer, more like the Souta she'd first known.
If Souta-kun is like this, maybe… maybe I can start making my move now.
He asked me to make a bento. That means he wants something from me. What else can I do?
Hold hands?
Her heart skipped at the thought, beating too fast. N-no, I'd faint if I tried that.
Then… tomorrow, when we walk together, what if I walk just a little closer? Would he notice? Would he step closer too?
Her face glowed red as she spun in little circles on the pavement, lost in her thoughts.
Before she realized it, she was already standing at her front door. A glance upward showed Souta's room light glowing warmly across the way.
She pulled out her phone, thumbs trembling slightly as she typed.
[Souta-kun. I'm home.]
The read mark appeared almost instantly.
She bit her lip, nerves sparking. Should I… be bolder?
Her fingers tapped quickly.
[Souta-kun. Look out your window.]
Seconds later, his head peeked from the frame. Kotoha bounced on her toes, waving up at him with all her energy. Souta lifted his hand, giving her a small, quiet smile.
Her laughter bubbled out, soft and giddy, before she dashed inside.
"Mom! I'm home!"
"Welcome home."
As usual, her mother's voice came from the kitchen, warm and steady.
"Are you hungry? Dinner's ready."
"Uh-huh!"
Kotoha slipped off her shoes and hurried into the kitchen.
"What's for dinner?"
"Curry. Souta-kun helped me make it today."
Her eyes widened, her heart leaping. Could this day possibly get any better? She would get to eat Souta-kun's cooking tonight.
"Why didn't you invite him to eat with us?"
"Ah, he left before I could invite him."
"Please invite him next time!"
"Aren't you his friend? Why do I always have to do it?" Hikari teased, smiling knowingly.
"I-I can't! Do it for me, Mom."
"Should I text him right now?"
"Text him tomorrow. I-I don't want him to know I asked you."
"Overthinking again."
"Stop teasing me! Let's eat already. Thanks for the meal!"
"Thanks for the meal."
Kotoha clasped her hands together and smiled. Today really was the best. Tomorrow could be even better.
The next morning came with a crisp, cool air and the pale glow of sunlight spilling through the curtains. Souta's knocking alarm—her own voice—was replaced this time by the soft patter of Kotoha's steps approaching his door.
She had woken up early. Too early.
But it's fine since she spent the morning making the bento for them both.
She'd spent the whole night turning over in bed, hugging her pillow, thinking about him. Every little memory from yesterday—his smile, his words, even the embarrassing moments—kept replaying in her head until her heart wouldn't let her sleep.
When Souta opened his door, she was already waiting, standing with both hands clasped tightly in front of her skirt.
"Good morning, Souta-kun."
Her voice cracked faintly, but her smile was bright, genuine.
"Morning, Kotoha-chan."
They started walking together, side by side as always. But Kotoha's heart was pounding so loud she could barely hear her own footsteps.
Yesterday, she had promised herself she would try. Try to walk closer. Just a little.
She stole a glance at Souta from the corner of her eye. His stride was calm, unbothered, but every time his arm swung near hers, she felt her stomach twist with nerves. She inched closer.
Barely a step.
She held her breath, waiting to see if he would notice.
He didn't move away.
Her cheeks burned. That was enough to send her mind racing, but she wanted more. She told herself, I'll just try a little harder.
This time, she let her shoulder brush lightly against his arm. The faintest touch, but it made her entire body stiffen.
Would he think it was an accident? Should she apologize? No, no, that would ruin everything. She forced herself to keep walking, pretending it was nothing.
"Why are you so close? Am I warm?"
"Like a heater."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah!"
"How was club yesterday?"
"Really fun! The seniors are so nice."
"Good to hear."
Silence followed, but it wasn't heavy.
Kotoha's lips curled into a shy smile as their shoulders brushed again. She liked this—walking together like this, close enough to feel him, close enough to pretend their hands might touch.