"You went on a date?!"
"Shhh! I told you it's not a date," I covered Haru's mouth with my hand. "Don't be so loud, others will know. Besides, Iwasaki was with us."
"Okay, okay… but, did you make any progress?"
"That's a good question…" That's a reaaally nice question.
Haru sighed at my response.
"It's finee, we're not in a hurry, right? Plus, I already have a present for her." I made sure to speak in a voice that only Haru could here.
"Yeah, I guess. Make sure to give it in time, though."
"That's why I came to you."
"For what?" Haru gave me a dubious look.
"I figured you'd be able to help me."
"…Help on what exactly?"
"You know I can't give it to her straight up, right?"
"Then how would you give it then?" Haru's expression grew even more confused. Don't give me that look—you're the one asking me to be friends with her in your place.
"I mean, I need you to help me find the perfect opportunity…"
"Perfect opportunity doesn't exist…" He tightens his eyes.
"Come on, don't be like that…"
"Hmmm..." Haru was looking at me with eyes of doubt while tapping the desk with his finger.
"…Please?" I pressed my hand together and then bowed at him, begging for help. I knew it would come to this.
"Fine…fine," Haru let out a sigh. "It would be easier to just give it, though," He added.
"You know I can't do that."
Huh? Crap, I didn't bring an umbrella. It suddenly started raining before class could even begin. I'm quite early today because Haru here wants to know all the details about yesterday's trip. I did remember that the forecast said it has a good chance of pouring today, but I was so in a hurry, I didn't even bother taking one. I hope it wouldn't rain all day… it wouldn't, right?
"What's with that look? Don't tell me…"
"Yeah, I forgot."
"Even though it said on the forecast that it would rain?"
"They said 'it has a good chance', they didn't technically say that it would."
"Hey Kenji-kun, did you get enough sleep last night?"
"Huh? Actually, not that much. I'm feeling pretty sluggish right now."
"That explains it."
"Explains what?"
Haru refused to elaborate. Well, it's fine. Not that I care that much, anyway. There is a vacant seat beside my desk, so Haru decided to sit there permanently, which is good because I have someone to talk to, and it's not that lonely anymore.
The class went on as usual, no, it was even more boring today. I feel like sleeping throughout the whole day, but didn't manage to. Unfortunately, the rain showed no signs of stopping and our final period was already over. To top it all off, I was assigned to clean up. How lucky.
"Hey, take this,"
I directed my gaze behind me to see Haru, who is handing me his umbrella.
"Huh?"
"Mother said that she'll be able to stop by and bring me an extra."
I looked at him, puzzled for a moment.
"Come on, take it already."
"Oh, yeah… thanksss, Haru-kun. You're a lifesaver," I took the umbrella and bowed.
"Don't mention it. I'll be going now."
"Be careful out there! See ya tomorrow," I waved my hand repeatedly.
It wasn't long before I was the only one left in our classroom. Guess I should finish this quickly. Cleaning wasn't too taxing today. Maybe it has something to do with the rain because the whole class we're a whole lot less lively, which is great, for me, at least. There were only a few pieces of paper rolled into a ball that failed to 'kobe' itself inside the thrash. Not gonna lie, I am quite enjoying this ephemeral scene that I've been blessed enough to experience. I didn't even noticed that I started humming somewhere along the way.
By the time that I finished up, it was already quite dark despite it not being that late. I guess winter is coming. I packed my things and went towards the hallway. Just as I was walking towards the exit, I saw a small figure standing at the edge of the exit. Long beautiful hair gently swaying in the wind. My body froze for a moment, refusing to make a single move. Thoughts came running through my mind. A g-ghost? It's not entirely impossible for ghosts to appear at this hour… the fact that I can't see any students nearby is not helping one bit.
I stood there like a statue, my heart gradually beating faster and faster. Moving was the last thing I wanted to do, until a thought came into my mind and slapped me back to my sense. What if it's a student? But at this hour? What if she too, forgot her umbrella? That's a possibility. Well, I wouldn't know if I won't ask. Besides, who am I kidding? That figure being a student is the most realistic thing to happen.
I slowly made my way towards the figure, making sure any of my step wasn't making any noise. I wasn't scared, okay? I just don't want to startle her. It was becoming clearer every step of the way. When I was close enough, my theory of it being a ghost was quickly debunked. I didn't even believed it in the first place.
"A-Amano-san?"
The figure that I've been suspecting to be a ghost turned out to be our country's national treasure. Forgive me for my sin.
"Oh, Tanaka-kun, why are you still here this late?" Amano turned towards me.
"…Ah, that… I just finished cleaning our classroom. What about you, Amano-san?"
"I'm waiting for the rain to stop," she paused. "However, it shows no sign of stopping just yet." She looked at the dark sky and sighed. Everything she does is so cute it's unfair.
It looks like I'm not the only one who forgot to bring their umbrella. I couldn't leave Amano here like this, though--
"--!"
Eh? Maybe it's because of my lack of sleep, but my body suddenly felt light for a moment, I almost lost my balance. The sudden movement caught Amano's attention.
"Tanaka-kun?" She looked at me, puzzled.
"It's nothing, the air is just too calming, I almost fell asleep."
"Don't sleep while standing. The air is really nice, though."
After thinking for a while, I finally made up my mind. This is also for the sake of progress and my pride for being a man.
"Here, Amano-san, take this." I handed Haru's umbrella to Amano. "My house is pretty close. Plus, I have a bike, so I figured you needed it more."
"You don't have to, I'll just wait for the rain to stop."
"Who knows when'll stop. It's already getting late, it'll be bad if you caught a cold."
"And you won't getting soaked? You really don't have to, I can manage."
"I already told you, my house is nearby, I can just take a shower when I arrive."
"You don't have to, I'm perfectly fine right here."
I instinctively pulled Amano's hand and forcibly placed the umbrella in her palm. I didn't even know why I did it. Is it because she's so stubborn? Her hand is really soft... this is the first time I touched it. Wait?! What have I done... After realizing what I just did, I quickly let go of Amano's hand.
"I-I didn't mean to." I couldn't take the embarrassment,, so I averted my eyes. Come on Amano, say something…
"T-thanks…"
Amano said a word in a super quiet voice, which I didn't hear. When I was about to ask her to repeat, I saw a light tint of red on her cheeks. Is it because of the cold weather? This is a new side of Amano that I've never seen before. She's super cute, I almost wanna pinch her cheeks. Never mind that, this is too embarrassing, I couldn't stand it. The atmosphere is too tense, even breathing takes effort. Amano was just standing still in front of me, fidgeting her long ebony hair. She didn't return the umbrella though, which is nice.
"See ya!" I ran towards my bike at full speed, not looking back. I thought I heard something behind me, but I didn't bother to look. After getting on the bike, soaking wet, I made my way home.