Maya couldn't stop thinking about Kaito after visiting him the day before to check on his condition. She'd cooked for him, and their brief kiss still lingered in her mind. It was unexpected, yet it felt natural.
The next day, Kaito was still absent from school, and Maya noticed how empty everything seemed without him. At lunch, she sat quietly, watching the bustling cafeteria around her. Rika approached and tried to strike up a conversation. Maya, feeling overwhelmed by the lingering tension between them, made a polite excuse and left.
Alone again, Maya let her thoughts wander. She remembered how plain Kaito's home had been. Despite his calm and collected demeanor, his house told a different story—bare walls, sparse furniture, and an emptiness that mirrored something deeper.
"I know what to do," Maya murmured, a small smile forming on her lips.
After school, she rushed home, pulling out a sketch she had been working on. It was a drawing of Kaito, captured with an almost lifelike quality. She also grabbed two books from her shelf, hoping they might add a sense of warmth to his space. With her bag packed, she set off for his house.
Maya stood nervously at Kaito's doorstep, clutching her bag tightly. She rang the doorbell, and within moments, the door creaked open. Kaito appeared, his hair slightly disheveled, wearing a hoodie. He still looked pale, but his eyes lit up when he saw her.
"Maya," he said softly, his usual calm tone edged with surprise.
Before either of them could say a word, they embraced. It wasn't planned; it just happened. Maya felt her heart race as she rested her head against his chest. His warmth was comforting despite his illness, and she could feel his heart beating just as quickly as hers.
When they finally pulled away, Maya's cheeks flushed, but Kaito, ever composed, acted like nothing had happened.
"Come in," he said, stepping aside.
As Maya entered, the sparsity of his home struck her again. She glanced around and couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness for him.
He's so cool, she thought, stealing a glance at him. But this place doesn't feel like a home.
"I brought something for you," Maya said, pulling the sketch from her bag. She handed it to him, then walked over to an empty shelf and placed the books there. "And these... I thought they might make your room feel a bit more lively."
Kaito took the sketch and stared at it, his expression softening. The drawing captured him perfectly, down to the smallest details. He was mesmerized.
"This is... amazing," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I love it."
Without warning, he turned and hugged her again. This time, it was tighter, more heartfelt. "Thank you so much, Maya. I'll cherish this forever."
Maya's face turned crimson as he broke the hug. She looked away, trying to steady her breathing.
They sat down in the living room, and Maya glanced at Kaito, unsure of how to bring up what was on her mind. Finally, she spoke.
"During dinner... you mentioned your mom. That she's no longer with you. I was just wondering... are you okay?"
Kaito's gaze softened, and he leaned back against the couch. "Yeah. I was young when she passed. It was hard, but... I've learned to live with it."
Maya nodded, unsure of how to respond. The silence that followed wasn't uncomfortable—it was thoughtful, reflective. Kaito, however, found himself studying her face. He'd heard the rumors about her illness, but sitting here with her now, he couldn't believe it.
She looked radiant, her smooth skin and bright eyes betraying none of the pain she must have endured. Her presence filled the room in a way that no amount of furniture or decoration could.
"She's... beautiful," he thought, surprised by the realization.
Maya eventually stood, ready to leave. "I should go," she said softly. "You need to rest."
Kaito followed her to the door, reluctant to see her go. "Thanks for coming," he said, his voice warm. "It really means a lot."
Maya turned back to him, her heart fluttering. "Take care of yourself, okay?"
She walked away, her steps light and her thoughts full of him. Kaito watched her until she disappeared from view, a faint smile on his lips. For the first time in a long while, his home didn't feel so empty.
The Next Day
The next morning, Maya arrived at school feeling lighter than usual, her heart still warmed by the previous evening with Kaito. She couldn't stop replaying their moments together, though she tried to focus on the day ahead.
When the teacher entered the classroom, the chatter died down as everyone took their seats. The teacher smiled, holding a clipboard.
"Good morning, everyone. I have some exciting news," she began, her tone bright. "The school has planned an excursion to Tokyo! We'll be visiting several places of cultural and historical importance. It'll be a long trip, but I'm sure it'll be worth it."
The class erupted into excited murmurs. A few students immediately began discussing what they would bring and how much fun it would be.
"We've set aside a week for this excursion," the teacher continued. "It'll give us enough time to travel and explore without feeling rushed. I'll be handing out permission forms later today. Be sure to get them signed and returned by Friday."
Maya glanced at the empty seat next to her, the one that belonged to Kaito. A part of her hoped he would be well enough to join the trip. The idea of experiencing something new alongside him was thrilling, but she pushed the thought aside, trying to focus on the teacher's words.
"This trip will also be a chance for you to bond with your classmates and create lasting memories," the teacher added with a grin. "So, get ready!"
Maya smiled faintly, her mind already drifting to thoughts of Tokyo. She couldn't help but wonder how this trip would bring her and Kaito closer—or if it might create challenges she wasn't expecting.
As the teacher continued explaining the details of the excursion, Maya found herself glancing at Kaito's empty chair again. Her mind wandered, wondering if he would be able to join the trip. Just then, the classroom door slid open, drawing everyone's attention.
Kaito walked in, his usual calm demeanor intact. Despite still looking a little pale, he had a small smile on his face as he greeted the teacher and apologized for his tardiness.
Maya's face lit up instantly. She couldn't stop the smile that spread across her lips. Seeing him back at school was a relief, and she felt her mood lift in a way she hadn't expected.
Kaito's eyes met hers briefly, and he walked over, greeting her casually. "Good morning, Maya," he said with that cool, laid-back tone of his.
"Good morning!" Maya replied, her voice more cheerful than usual. She watched as he moved to take his seat beside her. His chair was closer to hers than anyone else's, and for a moment, she felt nervous but excited.
"You're feeling better?" she asked softly as he settled in.
"Yeah, thanks to you," he said with a slight smirk, his voice just loud enough for her to hear. "Your cooking worked wonders."
Maya's cheeks turned pink at his words, and she quickly looked away, pretending to focus on the teacher. Kaito chuckled quietly, leaning back in his chair, his attention briefly shifting to the announcement about the Tokyo excursion.