- I've completed most of my makeup work. Now that's a relief.
Noa glances at Ayako as they walk towards thier next class together.
- I can't seem to get a read on Ayako. She's straightforward and speaks her mind but for some reason because of that she is a mystery. Honestly she reminds me a lot of Kazumi, they both are out spoken but they are also kind and down to earth but I still get the feeling that I don't know their true thoughts.
Noa: "Aya-chan do you hate Hiro?"
Ayako: "Did he tell you that? "
Noa: "No I just happen to be there when he gave you his answer. But I wanted to understand things better."
Ayako: "Ofcourse not he is a kind and considerate. Which is what made me fall for him in the first place."
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Last year during fall. The wind blows in the last of the summer air as Ayako reads a book under a tree.
Hiro: "Hoshino-san?"
Ayako looks up. Confused at the one who called her name.
Hiro: "I'm Masahiro Kaneko we have several classes together. Does this belong to you? I noticed it near your desk last period and I figured that it may have been yours."
Ayako: "Yes! I'd been looking everywhere for it. You don't know how grateful I am. My grandmother had given me this charm. Thank you."
Hiro: "You're welcome, I'm glad I happen to notice it there. It was worth the effort now that I've seen you smile."
Ayako blushes a little.
Hiro: "By the way forgive my rudeness for asking but you always seem so secluded. Don't you get lonely? "
Ayako: "I get by on my own. I'm used to it by now."
Hiro: "Well if you need to talk to someone I'm a good listener. I know from experience that being alone can be the one of the worst feelings."
As Hiro walks away Ayako says " Call me Ayako. I wouldn't mind talking to you for a while longer."
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Noa: "That does sound like Hiro, he did the same for me when we were little."
Ayako: "Yeah, we became friends ever since. That is until I made my Kohaku (Confession). Out of embarrassment I switched classes, I thought that he might have hated me. When he finally gave me a proper answer I had a bit of relief. But still I worry that I may have ruined the relationship I valued the most and that things will no longer be the same. "
- I didn't realize that's how she felt. I think I understand her better now.
If someone were to make thier confession in the states it could be written off as a crush or something. But Kohaku historically has been considered the first step in courtship for Japanese marriages regardless of age or profession.
In the states if you told someone that you loved them before you even started dating you may be labeled as a creep or just plain crazy. Whereas with Kahaku or love confessions begin with telling someone that you love/ like them as a sign that you are committed to seeking a relationship which would ultimately result in marriage.That is also why these confessions aren't taken lightly.
Noa: "That's not true. He still wishes to be your friend too. Why don't you come study with us from now on for the mid terms next week?"
Ayako: "That sounds like fun. I could really use the change of pace. Thanks Noa for everything."