Under the dry shade the umbrella provided them, the rhythm of the raindrops falling on the waterproof fabric had silence falling in between the two. Neither of them spokes and merely enjoyed the comfortable presence of one another. The whole walk under the mild rain was serene for the two.
Shizuku found it rather charming that Yuuji slowed down to match her pace, and it was a first for someone like her who had to adjust herself for the sake of others. It's mystifying how relaxed she is with a total stranger, she never seemed to understand why he doesn't seem unfamiliar.
It was like they've known each other long ago.
The peaceful walk came to an end as they reached Shikuro's house, and the boy thoughtfully opened the door's house for the girl. "Grandmother, I'm home" the boy called out, and a woman with greyish hair emerged from the living room.
"Welcome home Yuuji-Oh!"the older lady exclaimed, eyes widening as it fell on Shizuku's face. "You brought a girlfriend!"
The boy shook his head, "She's just an acquiantance, I just offered her to stay for a while since it was pouring hard outside Grandma" Yuuji stated after he placed his shoes neatly on the shoerack near the entrance.
As for Shizuku, she bowed in front of the boy's grandmother, "I-I'm so sorry for the unannounced visit! I didn't mean to bother you on such a random day!"
Delighted to see how polite the younger female acted, Yumie's smile deepened, "Oh no, you weren't being a bother at all young lady. In fact, I'm glad that Yuuji here brought a girlfriend" she chuckled, sparing her grandson a glance.
In turn, Yuuji sighed, embarrassed of what his grandma kept going on about. "I already said that Shizuku-san's not my girlfriend, grandma"
Yumie didn't listen, instead, she pushed the boy aside and approached Shizuku, "So your name's Shizuku?" her questioned was answered with a slight nod from the female, "Oh my, what a pretty name befitting of such a pretty girl!"
Even Shizuku who was used to getting compliments burned bright red about how the woman phrased her words, "T-Thank you so much, please allow me to introduce myself properly." she stammered, tucking a few strands of her jet-black hair behind her ear, "My name is Yamanobe Shizuku, I'm really sorry for the intrusion"
"Not at all! Make yourself at home Shizuku-chan!" Yukie beamed, pulling the girl further inside the house, "I'll go and make you youngsters some tea, wait for a moment okay?" she winked before she disappeared into the kitchen.
Leaving a sighing Yuuji, and a smiling Shizuku alone in the hallway.
"Grandma's usually like that whenever I bring over my friends, I'm sorry if it made you uncomfortable" Yuuji gloomily apologised, feeling bad about how much it must've surprised Shizuku.
The girl flashed a smile, "I don't mind it all, your grandmother's very kind." she replied, before turning again to face the boy, "Oh by the way, what's her name?"
The corners of Yuuji's lips turned right up, "Yumie, that's grandma's name."
"Yumie-san," Shizuku mumbled, "She really is very kind, must be nice..." her face dimmed, envious of Yuuji having a grandma as caring and kind like his.
After all, no one really cared for inside her own household, not even her family. Kikyo was the only one she could rely on there, but then, she was too young for Shizuku to depend on. A sigh escaped Shizuku's lips before she brought her head up again, pushing away all of her negative thoughts in the back of her mind.
"I would like to dry my hair Yuuji-san, do you have any spare towel?" she turned to the boy.
"Yes, please follow me Shizuku-san"
Yumie hummed a sweet tone as she brewed tea inside the kitchen, happy that her own grandson finally. She was busy placing the cups on a tray along with two slices of cake, when a voice she was all too familiar called out.
"Yukie, you've found her"
The old woman turned her head to face the window, a blue warm light shining blindingly from outside, as an extraterrestrial presence filled the whole room with a warm sensation. Unexplainable joy spread throughout Yukie's chest, "I humble myself in the presence of your majesty" she bowed, her head hung long.
The voice chuckled lovingly, "You did a good job, Yukie."
"What do you mean, your majesty? I never did anything, I haven't found anyone yet," Yukie proclaimed, but then she answered her ownself after Shizuku's face showed up inside her mind, "S-Shizuku-chan is...?"
"All is set my child. Everything will finally take place."
Tears pricked the old woman's eyes as she bowed her head again before continuing to prepare snacks for her grandson and the beloved lady that her majesty was searching for a long time. By the time she finished baking the cookies, night came with the still pouring rain falling viciously on their roof.
Thunder and lightning resounded and lit up the whole sky, but little did it bother Yukie. Clenching the tray in her grasp, the old woman headed towards the room the pair stayed in.
Shizuku wore a white shirt fitted perfectly on her body while she sat on the tatami mat comfortably, enjoying the company of Yuuji. "Your house is really nice Yuuji-san"
The boy returned a chuckle, "Oh, thank you for the praise. My grandmother preffered this style much more than the modern one." Yuuji beamed.
The mood was light and fun. Not until Yukie entered the room with quite a larger smile than before, and a mysterious thing caught Shizuku's attention.