The height of summer in Hanamura was usually marked by the scent of blooming hydrangeas, the distant hum of cicadas, and the golden sunlight casting long, lazy shadows over the town. The air was thick with warmth, yet pleasant, softened by the occasional breeze drifting through the narrow streets. Today was meant to be no different—or so Kozakura thought.
Hiyori had invited him to take a walk through the riverside path, a peaceful trail shaded by towering willows and lined with vibrant wildflowers. It was a place where the town seemed to slow down, the rustling leaves and the gentle trickle of water drowning out all other sounds.
"It's the perfect day for a walk, don't you think?" Hiyori said, her eyes shining as she glanced at Kozakura.
He nodded, his hands tucked into his pockets. "Yeah. Feels like summer is in full swing."
They strolled along the winding path, their conversation flowing as effortlessly as the river beside them. Hiyori told him stories of summer festivals she used to attend back in the city, of rooftop fireworks and the tangy sweetness of kakigori melting too fast in the heat. Kozakura listened, occasionally adding in his own memories of Hanamura's quieter celebrations, where paper lanterns lined the streets and the town felt like it belonged to another time.
Just as they reached a small clearing near the water's edge, the sky shifted. A slow, rolling breeze swept through the trees, sending ripples across the river's surface. The cicadas fell silent, and a moment later, the first raindrop landed on Kozakura's cheek.
Hiyori looked up. "Did it just—?"
Another drop. Then another. And in the span of mere seconds, the sky released a steady, cooling drizzle.
"Well, that was unexpected," she laughed, holding her hands out as if testing the rain. "Wasn't it supposed to stay clear today?"
Kozakura glanced at the sky, now a swirling mix of gray and blue. "That's summer for you."
The rain picked up, quickly dampening the ground beneath them. Hiyori squeaked as she hurriedly tried to shield herself. "I didn't bring an umbrella!"
Kozakura sighed, but there was amusement in his expression. Without a word, he shrugged off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
Hiyori froze for a moment, eyes wide. "But—won't you get cold?"
"I'll be fine," he said, brushing off her concern. "You'll catch a cold if you stay like that."
She clutched the edges of the jacket, her fingers curling into the fabric. It was warm—still carrying the lingering heat of his body. The rain continued to fall, but somehow, she barely noticed anymore.
"Thank you, Kozakura," she murmured, a smile tugging at her lips.
He simply nodded, glancing away as if embarrassed. "Come on. There's a small rest stop up ahead. We can wait this out."
They walked in companionable silence, the drizzle softening into a mist. Hiyori pulled his jacket closer around herself, the scent of fresh cotton and a faint trace of old books clinging to it. It was oddly comforting, like a quiet reassurance.
By the time they reached the shelter, the rain had lessened, turning into a light sprinkle. They sat side by side on the wooden bench, watching the raindrops create tiny ripples in the puddles outside.
Hiyori shifted slightly, letting out a soft chuckle. "You know, I don't really mind the rain anymore. It's kind of nice."
Kozakura arched a brow. "Even though it ruined our walk?"
She shook her head. "It didn't ruin anything. Actually, I think it made today even more memorable."
He considered her words before exhaling lightly. "Yeah… maybe you're right."
The sky began to clear, streaks of gold breaking through the clouds as the sun started to peek out once more. The town glistened in the aftermath, the leaves damp and the scent of rain lingering in the air.
Hiyori stood, stretching. "We should probably start heading back before the next surprise weather change."
Kozakura smirked, stretching his arms behind his head. "You planning on keeping my jacket forever, or…?"
She clutched it tighter around her, feigning deep thought. "Mmm… maybe I'll borrow it a little longer. It's cozy."
He raised an eyebrow. "Oh, of course. Silly me for thinking I'd ever get it back. I suppose I'll just freeze next time it rains."
Hiyori giggled. "I mean, I wouldn't say never, but… it does suit me quite well, don't you think?"
He rolled his eyes but made no move to take it back. "Right. I see how it is. Next thing I know, I'll be losing all my hoodies, too."
She grinned. "No promises."
They took their time walking back, their pace slow and unhurried. The air smelled fresh, cleansed by the rain, and the sound of water droplets sliding from the leaves created a rhythmic backdrop to their quiet conversation.
"What's your favorite kind of weather?" Hiyori suddenly asked.
Kozakura thought for a moment. "Days like this, actually. When it's supposed to be hot, but then it rains just enough to cool everything down."
She smiled. "I think I'm starting to agree."
They reached a small bridge, pausing for a moment to lean against the railing. The river below reflected the pale orange hues of the sky, shimmering as the last of the raindrops rippled across the surface.
"You know," Hiyori mused, still clutching his jacket around her shoulders, "I think I'll always remember today. It's one of those moments that just… stays with you."
Kozakura glanced at her, then back at the sky. "Yeah."
Neither of them said much more as they crossed the bridge and continued toward town. But as the sun dipped lower, and Hiyori still refused to give up his jacket, Kozakura couldn't help but think—some moments were worth remembering, and some were worth holding onto just a little longer.