Butterflies danced among the flowers, birds sang in the forest, and snow fell on the weather barrier, transforming into a faint white mist.
Time marched onwards in the beautiful and quiet garden. After a long while, Natsuya slowly released Seiji.
Their gazes locked for a moment, then their eyes darted away like startled fish. They looked at each other, red-faced and tongue-tied.
It was a scene right out of a teenage idols' drama.
For Seiji, this wasn't a sweet-and-sour moment. He attempted to master his thumping heart and itchy chest in vain.
"My apologies," Natsuya said softly, breaking the silence. "It was just an impulse."
Seiji scratched his face awkwardly. "It... it's alright. I was just really surprised."
"Now you mention it, I don't know what came over me... Your words struck a chord in my heart, and I couldn't control myself..." Natsuya paused for a moment. "At any rate, thank you."
