Maya stood by the school gates, her heart thudding nervously as she waited for Kaito. Though they had agreed to meet here, she couldn't shake the unease gnawing at her. She wasn't used to outings—not with anyone, let alone someone like Kaito.
When he arrived, hands casually tucked into his pockets and a warm grin on his face, her nerves eased slightly. "Ready?" he asked, his voice light.
"Yeah," she murmured, unsure if she meant it.
Their first stop was a nearby arcade, its bright neon lights and bustling atmosphere almost overwhelming for Maya. Kaito led her confidently, pointing out his favorite games. "You ever tried this one?" he asked, motioning to a claw machine.
She shook her head. "I've never been to a place like this before."
Kaito blinked, then smiled. "Then let's change that."
He handed her a few tokens, showing her how to work the machine. Maya tried hesitantly, her hands trembling slightly, but Kaito's encouragement made her laugh at her own clumsiness. When she finally managed to snag a small plush toy, her eyes lit up with genuine joy.
"See? Told you it wasn't so hard," Kaito said, grinning.
Next, they headed to a quiet park, the cool breeze contrasting with the lively buzz of the arcade. They sat on a bench near a pond, watching ducks glide across the water.
"I never realized how peaceful this could be," Maya said softly, almost to herself.
"You just have to slow down sometimes," Kaito replied, leaning back with his arms stretched along the bench. "There's more to life than what's inside those school walls."
Maya glanced at him, her heart fluttering at how easily he seemed to navigate the world. She envied his carefree attitude but also felt inspired by it.
Their final stop was a small café tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. The warm lighting and the smell of freshly brewed coffee created an inviting atmosphere. Kaito ordered something for both of them, surprising Maya with a dessert she hadn't tried before.
"You've really never done any of this?" he asked after a few moments of quiet.
Maya hesitated, then shook her head. "I've always kept to myself. It's just easier that way."
Kaito frowned, resting his chin in his hand as he studied her. "You're missing out, you know."
"I guess I never had someone to show me," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kaito's expression softened, and he reached across the table, tapping her hand lightly. "Well, now you do."
Maya felt a warmth spread through her chest, a mix of gratitude and something deeper she couldn't quite name.
The next day at school, the whispers started almost immediately.
"Did you hear? Kaito and Maya went out together!"
"No way. He's way out of her league."
"What does he even see in her?"
Maya could feel the stares and hear the muffled laughter as she walked down the hall. Her chest tightened, and her grip on her books grew white-knuckled. She kept her head down, trying to will herself invisible.
Kaito, however, seemed completely unfazed. He leaned casually against her locker when he spotted her, waving her over. "Morning," he said cheerfully.
Maya looked around nervously. "Kaito... people are talking."
"Let them," he said with a shrug.
"But—"
He cut her off gently. "Maya, gossip only has power if you give it power. People are always going to talk, whether you're doing something good, bad, or nothing at all. You can't let it get to you."
She hesitated, still unsure.
Kaito smiled reassuringly. "You know who you are, right? You know what's true? Then that's all that matters. The rest is just noise."
Maya felt a lump rise in her throat, but instead of the usual anxiety, it was a feeling of comfort. Kaito's words settled over her like a warm blanket, and for the first time, she didn't feel so alone.
Later, as they walked home together, Maya glanced at Kaito. "Thank you," she said quietly.
"For what?"
"For... today. For being my friend."
Kaito smirked. "Don't thank me yet. You still owe me another round at the arcade."
Maya laughed, the sound surprising both of them. It was light and unburdened, and Kaito couldn't help but smile.
"See?" he said. "Told you the world isn't so bad."
For the first time in a long time, Maya believed him.
__________
The morning light filtered through the classroom windows as Maya walked in, her heart thumping louder than usual. She caught sight of Kaito leaning back in his chair, chatting casually with one of his friends. Normally, she would have passed by unnoticed, but today was different. Today, she wanted to say something first.
Taking a deep breath, she walked up to him and said softly, "Good morning."
Kaito looked up, a bit surprised at first, but then his face broke into a warm smile. "Morning, Maya. You look really nice today."
Her eyes widened, and she instinctively reached up to touch her hair. She had tied it back differently, something her mother had suggested that morning. "Oh, um, thank you," she stammered, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink.
Kaito chuckled at her reaction but didn't push further. Instead, he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his desk. "Hey, during break, can you show me your sketchbook? I've been curious about your drawings."
Maya blinked, caught off guard. "How...why?
"Well I just wanted to see how good you really are. Please? Kaito asked.
She hesitated, her hands gripping the straps of her bag. "I'm not very good..."
"Come on," he said with a reassuring grin. "I'm sure you're amazing. Break time, okay?"
After a moment's pause, Maya nodded reluctantly. "Okay."
When the bell rang for break, Kaito found her sitting under the tree in the courtyard, her sketchbook clutched tightly in her lap. He approached her with a smile, plopping down beside her.
"Alright, let's see what you've got," he said, gesturing to the book.
Maya hesitated for a moment longer before slowly handing it over. "Don't laugh," she whispered.
Kaito opened the book, flipping through the pages carefully. His eyes widened as he took in the intricate drawings. Each piece was filled with emotion, with subtle details that told entire stories.
"These are incredible, Maya," he said, his tone sincere. "You're really talented."
Her blush deepened, but she managed a small smile. "Thank you."
One drawing in particular caught his eye—a tree standing alone in the middle of a dry rock volcanoes/larva around the tree. its branches reaching out like desperate hands. "This one," he said, it manages to survive on its own, but it also needs help and support.
Maya hesitated, then said softly, "It's how I used to feel. Alone, but still trying to reach out... hoping someone would notice."
Kaito looked at her, his expression gentle. "That's powerful. You're not alone anymore, though."
She glanced at him, her heart skipping a beat at the warmth in his eyes. "Thank you," she said again, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kaito closed the book and handed it back to her. "You have to teach me how to draw," he said suddenly.
Maya blinked. "What? Why?"
"Because I want to be as good as you," he said simply. "Plus, it'll be fun. Come on, say yes."
After a moment of hesitation, she nodded. "Okay... but don't blame me if you're terrible at it."
Kaito laughed. "Deal."
As they continued talking, Maya found herself opening up more. She told him about her parents and how they had noticed changes in her recently.
"My mom even told me to invite the person who's been making me happy to dinner," she said, her voice barely audible.
Kaito leaned back, a playful smile on his lips. "So... your parents know about me, huh?"
She blushed furiously. "I didn't tell them much! Just... that I have a friend."
"Well, tell them I appreciate the offer," he said, his tone genuine. "Dinner sounds nice."
Maya smiled shyly, her heart fluttering at his response.
As the bell rang, signaling the end of break, they stood up to head back to class. On their way, Kaito glanced at her. "By the way, if you ever decide to start painting, let me know. I bet you'd be amazing at it."
Maya hesitated, the idea both exciting and terrifying. "Maybe," she said quietly.
Kaito smiled. "No pressure. Just think about it."
The school day passed uneventfully until Kaito and Maya found themselves walking home together again. Maya had lingered by the school gate, hoping to catch him.
When he finally appeared, their eyes met, and she approached him hesitantly. "I was... waiting for you," she admitted.
Kaito smiled. "Good timing. I was looking for you, too."
As they walked, their conversation shifted back to the rumors.
"Do you think we'll ever find out who started them?" Kaito asked casually.
Maya frowned. "Probably not. It's impossible to trace gossip back to one person. Why?"
"I was just thinking," Kaito said, his tone light. "It'd be nice to teach them a lesson."
Maya stared at him, her eyes wide. "How do you plan to do that?"
"I don't," he said with a shrug. "But it's fun to imagine."
Maya laughed softly, shaking her head. "You're impossible."
They stopped at a small bench near the park, sitting down as the sun dipped lower in the sky. Kaito turned to her, his expression serious for once.
"Hey, I know the rumors bother you," he said. "But you can't let them control you. People will always talk. What matters is how you feel about yourself."
Maya looked down at her hands, his words sinking in. "It's hard, though," she admitted. "It feels like everyone's judging me."
"Let them," Kaito said firmly. "The people who matter won't care about what others say. And the people who care about gossip? They don't matter."
Maya met his gaze, finding comfort in his unwavering confidence. "Thanks," she said quietly.
"Anytime," he replied with a smile.
As they stood to continue their walk, Kaito added, "And remember, you've got me in your corner. Always."
Maya felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words, a quiet reassurance that she wasn't alone anymore.