Kotoha POV
When he asked if I had plans, I told him I was going to karaoke with some friends.
…That was a lie.
The truth was, I had made an appointment at a hair and nail salon. I asked a pretty gyaru girl in my class for recommendations.
I'd never been to one before, but lately, I've wanted to try to be a little prettier. Not because I dislike myself, but… because I wanted Souta-kun to notice.
After finishing club, I headed into town. My heart beat faster the closer I got. The salon door chimed softly as I stepped inside, and the smell of flowers and sweet shampoo surrounded me. The workers were stylish and confident, and for a second I wondered if I didn't belong here.
"Welcome! Do you have an appointment?"
"Y-Yes… under Minase."
They sat me down in front of a mirror. I fiddled with my skirt, feeling nervous, but when the stylist ran her fingers through my hair, some of that nervousness faded.
"So, what would you like today?" she asked.
I thought for a moment before answering. "…I want to look… cute. Just… natural, but cuter than usual."
Her smile told me she understood. "Got it. Leave it to me."
Warm water flowed through my hair as they washed it, the gentle massage making me relax. By the time they dried and styled it into soft waves, I could already see a difference. Then came the nails.
"How about a light color? Something soft," the worker suggested.
"…Yes, please," I said, nodding.
They painted them a pale pink, like cherry blossoms. When I looked at my hands afterward, I couldn't help but smile. They looked delicate, almost grown-up.
When it was all finished, I stared at my reflection. My hair framed my face more nicely, and my hands looked prettier than I ever imagined they could.
"…Wow," I whispered without meaning to.
"See? You look adorable," the stylist said.
I thanked them, feeling a little embarrassed, and stepped back out into the evening air. My bag was light in my arms, but my heart felt heavy with anticipation.
I didn't know if Souta-kun would notice right away. Maybe he would tease me, or maybe he would just smile like he always does. Either way, that would be enough.
I pushed open the front door, the faint fragrance of the salon still clinging to my hair. Slipping off my shoes carefully, I stepped inside, my bag hanging loosely from my shoulder.
"Welcome home, Kotoha. You're a little late today."
I peeked in, fingers brushing nervously through my newly styled hair.
"Ah… I just… stopped somewhere on the way home."
Mom looked up from her phone. The moment her eyes landed on me, her eyebrows lifted in surprise.
"My, look at you…"
I froze. "…W-What is it?"
She set her phone down and walked over, her presence gentle as always. When she cupped my cheek in her palm, I felt my whole body heat up.
"You went to a salon, didn't you?"
"…M-Maybe." My voice came out smaller than I wanted it to.
Her lips curved into a knowing smile, warm and teasing all at once.
"You've grown into such a lovely young lady. I wonder… could this be for someone special?"
"I-I just wanted to try it once, that's all…"
She chuckled softly, her fingers stroking my hair without disturbing the style.
"Mm. Even if that's true, I'm glad. It's important for a girl to take care of herself. And you look beautiful, Kotoha."
Her words made my chest tighten with warmth. "…T-Thank you, Mom."
Stepping back, she gave me one last look before returning to the kitchen.
"I'll bet Souta-kun will notice right away."
I covered my face with both hands. "D-Don't say things like that…"
She only laughed gently, her tone as soothing as ever.
"All right, all right. Dinner will be ready soon."
Later that evening, steam still clung to my skin as I stepped out of the bathroom, towel wrapped around my damp hair. The warmth of the shower hadn't calmed my racing heart. If anything, it only made me think of Souta-kun more.
We did so many things today…
My first kiss…
Just thinking about it made me damp. But Souta-kun said that I'm not allowed to touch myself so I could only endure it.
Sitting cross-legged on my bed in pajamas, I held my phone tightly. My thumb hovered before I tapped a few stickers. A shy rabbit peeking from behind a door, then another of a heart beating wildly.
A few seconds passed. No reply yet. My chest tightened.
…I want to hear his voice.
Before I could talk myself out of it, I pressed the call button. The line rang once, twice, and then his familiar voice answered.
"…Kotoha?"
My cheeks went hot immediately.
"Ah… Souta-kun… I'm sorry for calling so suddenly."
"It's fine. Did something happen?"
I hugged my pillow tightly, toes curling against the sheets.
"N-No… I just… wanted to hear your voice before bed."
There was a pause, then his low chuckle filled my ear. "…You're hopeless, you know that?"
"I-I can't help it," I whispered, pouting softly even though he couldn't see me. "When I think about you, I just… feel warm inside."
"…Idiot. You're making it hard for me to sleep too."
My heart fluttered at his words, so much I thought it might burst. We talked about little things. The weather, practice, dinner.
It didn't matter what we said. Just hearing his voice, the sound of him breathing on the other end, was enough.
Eventually, his tone softened. "…You should get some rest. Good night, Kotoha."
I smiled into the dark, hugging my pillow tighter. "Mm… Good night, Souta-kun."
When the call ended, I lay back on my bed with the phone pressed against my chest. My whole body felt light, as if his voice was still wrapped around me like a blanket.
Tomorrow… I'll see him again.