Today marks the first day of summer break, a mundane Monday. My mom informed me last night that she'd give me some cash for groceries because she'd be working late at the market due to a festival, and she won't be back until midnight. Stepping outside, the sun's rays hit my face, and I can feel my eyes adjusting to the light. Off to the store I go, though I decide to take a detour and visit the collector's shop where they sell figures and the latest manga. Social interactions aren't my strong suit, but I go in anyway.
Inside, an older lady greets me, and I do my best to avoid a group of peers my age who are browsing nearby. To my surprise, there's a girl about my age in the same aisle as me, though I don't notice her right away. I pick up a book, and when I finally realize she's there, she seems like she wants to strike up a conversation. I drift into my thoughts for a moment, but I snap back when she asks if something's wrong.
I'm feeling awkward, but she politely asks if I can give her the book I'm holding. I decline because it's the last one, and it was my intention to buy it. She leaves the aisle, slightly irritated. I reflect on the encounter, unsure of why I reacted the way I did.
After confirming the group of teens has left, I make my way to the cashier, who tells me that it's the last book in stock. I realize I zoned out again but manage to complete the purchase. The same girl walks past me on her way out, glancing at me before disappearing from sight.
Checking the time, I realize that the grocery store is closing soon, so I sprint there just in time. After buying my groceries, I make my way back home as the sun sets, feeling the summer heat.
While walking, I stumble upon a park and, to my surprise, encounter the same girl again. She asks what I'm doing there, and we both take a seat on the swings. She introduces herself as Mizuki Kiyomizu and explains that she's on vacation from the countryside, staying with her grandparents.
She questions why I don't go out more, and I share a bit about my situation. She calls me an idiot, stating that I'm the one making my own life miserable. As we watch the sunset, she notices the book I bought earlier. She asks if I'll actually read it, and I reluctantly agree to let her borrow it.
We decide to meet at the same park tomorrow afternoon. As I head home, I think about Mizuki's words, realizing that I might have the power to make choices in my life. Today was different, and I felt a sense of excitement that I hadn't experienced in years as I prepare for bed, I'm actually thinking about what will happen tomorrow