I walked home with Mizuki after school. I was bit nervous since we actually doesn't hangout much before. We walked for a bit while chatting about typical stuff like family and routines. It was great to know more about him since I wasn't able to before.
"Hey, my house is around here. I guess I'll see you at school tomorrow," he said as we reached a corner.
"See you," I replied. I waved goodbye and continued walking. I kinda had fun that day, it was the first time that I talked that much to be honest.
As I turned the next street, I saw Shihana standing in front of a flower shop. She was looking at the window display with a fascinated expression. I watched in awe even though she just.... Standing there doing nothing. I felt weird with myself sometimes.
She noticed me and smiled while I was thinking in myself. I didn't notice then she waved her hand and called out, "Asahi, over here!" I got out from my thinking and was bit stunned.
I felt my heart skip a beat. I walked over to her and said, "Hey, Shihana. What are you doing here?"
She said, "Just call me Hana. I like flowers, remember? I was admiring these carnations. They're so beautiful, don't you think?"
She pointed at the red and pink flowers that filled the window. They looked fresh and fragrant, like they had just been picked from a garden.
I said, "They are beautiful. But why are you so interested in them?" "Well, you remember the question earlier?"
She said, "Because each color has a different meaning and symbolism. For example, red carnations mean love, passion, admiration, and respect. Pink carnations mean gratitude, appreciation, and affection. They're often given as gifts to express romantic feelings or to celebrate someone's achievements."
She looked at me with her sparkling eyes and asked, "Do you know what color I like the most?"
I felt a blush creeping up my cheeks. I said, "No, I don't. What is it?" I wanted to know it. I wanted to hear from herself. I don't wanna give an answer. I just want to listen to her voice.
She said, "It's a secret. I'll tell you later."
I..see.. sigh so many secrets
She winked at me and said, "Do you want to have some drinks with me? I know a nice cafe nearby."
I said, "Sure, why not? I still have bit of time anyway"
My heart was racing for a bit cause it felt like a date. Even though it isn't. Was it?, I'm not even sure with myself.
She took my hand and led me to the cafe. I felt a surge of warmth and excitement in my chest. She was such a mysterious and charming girl. I wanted to know more about her. I want to! (I'm screaming in my mind like crazy, was I really this talkative in my own damn mind?)
We entered the cafe and sat at a cozy table. She ordered a strawberry milkshake and I ordered a black coffee. We sipped our drinks and chatted about various topics. She told me about her hobbies, her family, her dreams. She was passionate and enthusiastic about everything. She made me laugh with her jokes and stories. She listened to me with interest and curiosity. She asked me about my love for history, my idol Napoleon, my favorite books and movies. She seemed to genuinely care about me.
I felt a connection with her that I had never felt with anyone before. She was different from the other girls I had met. She was special. I think... I (beeeeep)
We finished our drinks and decided to leave. She said, "Thank you for spending time with me. I had a lot of fun." I was genuinely happy to spend some time with her.
I said, "Me too. You're welcome." But deep down inside, I should be the one who thank her for this moments. I might forget all of these in the future but who cares, as long I'm happy at the moment.
I arrived at home and I was exhausted as it my first day of school. I saw my sister watching movie about romance, I chuckled cause she's still single (even though in her mid 20's).
My sister spotted me and asked "Where were you? You never came back home this late" and I answered with "I was hanging with some people" . She gave me a weird look "huh.. people...?" "Oh no no, I meant.. friends..? I guess I can call them that". She smiled and said "ah, great to hear that you actually made friends at the start of the semester"
I went straight to shower afterward then lay on the bed. I kept thinking about today and ended up falling asleep. I slept soundly afterward with no problem whatsoever.