Kaito stood at Maya's front door, smoothing down the creases in his shirt. He wasn't nervous—at least, not in the way he usually got before a big soccer match—but there was a hint of unease in meeting her parents. He wanted to make a good impression, not just for their sake, but for Maya's.
The door swung open, and Maya stood there, her cheeks slightly flushed. "You're here," she said softly.
Kaito gave a relaxed smile. "Wouldn't miss it."
Maya led him into the living room, where the faint aroma of cooking filled the air. Her parents were already waiting. Her father, a tall man with sharp features softened by an easy smile, stepped forward to greet him. "You must be Kaito," he said, offering a firm handshake. "I'm Hiroshi, Maya's dad."
Kaito matched his grip. "Nice to meet you, sir."
Her mother, a kind-eyed woman with a nurturing presence, followed. "I'm Aiko. Welcome, Kaito. Please make yourself at home."
Dinner was ready shortly after, and they all settled at the dining table. The meal was a simple but hearty spread of rice, miso soup, and grilled fish. Kaito noticed how the family moved with an unspoken rhythm, passing dishes and filling cups without needing to speak. It was the kind of quiet harmony he hadn't seen in a long time.
"So, Kaito," Hiroshi began, setting his chopsticks down. "Tell us a little about yourself. Maya mentioned you're new in town."
Kaito nodded, swallowing his bite of fish. "Yeah, I transferred here recently. My dad's work keeps us moving a lot, but this time, I asked to stay here. I wanted to finish school in one place for once."
"What does your dad do?" Hiroshi asked.
"He's in logistics. Shipping, mostly," Kaito replied.
"And your mom?" Aiko asked gently.
"Well I do not know, I've never met her," Kaito said, his tone steady but soft.
The table grew quiet for a moment before Hiroshi spoke again. "I'm sorry to hear that. It must've been tough."
Kaito nodded. "It was, but my dad and I manage."
To steer the conversation back, Kaito turned to Maya. "Actually, your daughter helped me out a lot when I first got here. She showed me where the cafeteria was on my first day. I would've starved if it weren't for her."
Maya's cheeks turned pink, and she ducked her head slightly.
Hiroshi chuckled. "Well, that sounds like Maya. She's always been helpful, even if she doesn't say much."
Aiko added, "She's also been happier lately. It's nice to see her coming out of her shell."
Kaito smiled at Maya, who looked down at her plate, too flustered to meet his eyes.
After the meal, Kaito stood up and offered to help with the dishes.
"Nonsense," Aiko said with a laugh. "You're our guest."
But Maya, to everyone's surprise, stood up as well. "I'll help him," she said quietly.
Her parents exchanged a glance before nodding, and the two headed to the kitchen.
The clinking of plates and running water filled the kitchen as Kaito and Maya worked side by side. Kaito washed while Maya dried, their movements awkward at first but quickly settling into a rhythm.
"You have a good family," Kaito said, breaking the silence.
Maya looked up at him, her hands paused over a plate. "You think so?"
"Yeah," he said, rinsing a dish. "They're warm. Supportive. You should hold onto that."
Maya's expression softened. "I guess I've taken them for granted. I don't always know how to talk to them."
"You should try," Kaito said. "Make them happy. It doesn't have to be perfect; just be yourself."
She nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I'll try."
They fell into silence again, but it was a comfortable one. Occasionally, their hands brushed as they reached for the same plate, and Maya would glance at him shyly. Once, their eyes met, and they both laughed nervously, turning back to their tasks.
As they finished, Kaito leaned against the counter and turned to her. "By the way, about the rumors... I found out who started them."
Maya's eyes widened. "You did? Who was it?"
Kaito smiled but shook his head. "You'll find out soon. They're going to apologize to you."
Maya tilted her head, confused but trusting. "You're amazing, you know that?"
Kaito grinned. "I try."
After the dishes were done, Hiroshi and Aiko called Maya into the living room. "Make sure Kaito stays a little longer," her father said with a knowing smile.
Maya blushed deeply but nodded. She returned to Kaito, nervously fidgeting with her hands. "Um... they said you should stay for a bit. If that's okay."
"Sure," Kaito said easily.
As her parents disappeared upstairs, Maya hesitated before grabbing his hand and pulling him toward her room.
Her room was small but cozy, with walls lined with shelves of sketchbooks and paintings. The air smelled faintly of paint and paper.
"This is... amazing," Kaito said, turning in awe.
Maya flushed. "It's nothing."
"Are you kidding? You're really talented."
She smiled shyly, looking down at her feet. Kaito walked over and gently lifted her chin with his fingers. "Don't hide. You should be proud of this."
Her heart raced as their eyes met. The moment stretched, and before either of them realized it, Kaito leaned in. Their lips met, soft and warm, a fleeting connection that felt both terrifying and perfect.
Maya's face turned scarlet as they pulled apart. "I-I..."
"I'm sorry," Kaito said quickly, stepping back. "I didn't mean to—"
Before he could leave, Maya grabbed his hand and hugged him from behind. "Thank you... for everything."
Kaito froze, then smiled softly. "No problem."
As they walked downstairs, Maya's older brother stepped out of a taxi, raising an eyebrow at the sight of Kaito.
"Who's this?" he asked.
"A friend," Maya said, her voice steady.
Kaito waved and left, the weight of what had just happened sinking in. Walking home, he realized things might never be the same.