My stomach gave a satisfying loud growl. But I didn't mind. I continued beaming as I gave Kawashita a glance over. He was wearing a thick black-framed eyeglasses. His smile reminded me of the first time we met. My heart hurt as the memory glossed over my mind.
"You didn't eat lunch?" Kawashita took my larger bag and replaced it with his hand, interlocking his fingers with mine.
I stared at our hands. His hand was as cold as ever. Then I shook my head. "You're wearing glasses."
"I am." He chuckled as he led me outside the station and to the line of taxis. "How was the trip, Reiko-senpai? Did you have a hard time?"
"No. Your directions were easy to follow," I replied as we got inside the taxi.
Kawashita murmured his appreciation, but outside caught my attention. However, the ride only lasted for a full fifteen minutes. Kawsahita dropped my hand as he paid for the fare. I insisted to pay but he wouldn't let me. I was still at a loss at the sudden desire I felt to hold back his hand that I didn't notice the surroundings.
My jaw dropped as I lifted my head and watched the taxi drove away along the path that had perfectly aligned stones. The car disappeared when it went to the corner. Three meters tall cemented wall surrounded the inn. It was almost five meters including the black clay roof tiles on top of it.
The front yard was huge with trees and immaculate manicured garden. I swallowed and diverted my eyes to the inn that we were about to go in. My knees went weak.
"This place seems expensive," I whispered to him. "I know your family might not like me staying over at your house, but do you think I can still find another inn?"
Kawashita smiled at me. "Don't worry, Reiko-senpai. My family owns this. We're not going to charge you."
I glanced at the inn again. The front was wide with the same black clay roof tiles sloped just before the second floor which had a vast balcony at the center. The main tiled roof was high and it sloped down into side with a wide rectangular structure. My eyes landed on the wooden plaque on top of the main entrance. It read Nakayama Inn.
With a crease on my forehead, I pointed at it. My question needed not to be said.
"Ah, that." Kawashita placed a hand on the handle of the shoji screen. "My father married into my mother's family who owned this inn for generations."
"Wait." I grabbed his elbow, breathing fast, my pulse racing. "Is it okay to stay here for free? Won't your parents mind?"
His hand slid into mine with a reassuring smile. "It's fine. They don't mind, and my brother was the one who suggested inviting you. They're actually looking forward to meeting you." He gave my hand a squeeze. "And if it makes you feel better, you're not technically staying in the inn."
I gulped but my heart felt like it was lodged in my throat. This was really poor planned, too impulsive and spontaneous. Not me at all.
Kawashita slid open the door, and I wanted to run. My breath hitched as I felt myself go woozy with every step until I heard a high pitched excited voice greeted us. I glanced up and breathed in, noting the difference of air and smell inside. There was a faint scent of incense, natural wood, and jasmine.
Kawashita glanced back at me and nodded. I squeezed back his hand. It was going to be okay.
The woman in a chestnut brown kimono rushed to us with a toothed smile. She cleared her throat, her face a little flushed as she sat with her legs tucked under her thighs before she bowed and greeted us once again. The woman looked young despite the way her hair was pulled into a neat high chignon, and her face donned with little makeup.
"This is my older brother's wife, Mayuki-san. They married this year."
I blinked at Kawashita before I snapped out of it and pulled back my hand, placing it together with my left hand as I bowed and introduced myself.