Chapter 3

Last night, I couldn't sleep.

Yes, I thought about Saki-san.

Specifically, the pink and clean handkerchief with a very -very nice smell that strangely lasted since two days ago.

If I was able to give back this handkerchief yesterday, then what?

I don't have any reason to talk to her anymore right?

I guess I should thank the three gaijin. Thanks, guys.

Let alone talking to her, even the idea of approaching her is so hard.

Ugh...

Should I give up? Is my youth gonna end up without the spark and roses?

"Umm...Excuse me?"

"Ah, yes?"

I turned around, and see an angel. No, it's my spark and roses.

"Are you okay?"

She asked me with a toned-down voice while being embarrassed.

I never knew there was something this cute.

"Yes, I'm fine. Why?"

"Ah, no...Am I bothering you?"

"No, no. I mean, is there something wrong with me?"

"I..uh..You seem depressed with your head down and sitting on the corner like this. So I thought you need help."

DOES THAT MEAN SHE IS WORRYING ABOUT ME?!

"Well, yes. Uh...No. Yes, I have...No, I don't yes problem."

Welp, there goes my language.

There goes my youth.

She must have thought that I'm a weirdo.

From this time on, I will become a shut-in.

I will cut-off social completely.

Mom, Dad, I'm sorry.

"Pfft.."

I looked at her once again, just to see a cheerful laugh.

"Ahahahaha.."

"...Hahaha..."

"Ah! I'm sorry, that's inappropriate of me."

"No, no. It's okay.'

The wall of awkward silenced suddenly built up around us.

Not me nor she are brave enough to look in the eye, maybe she was just the same as me.

I'll have to break the ice.

"I/I"

"Eh/Eh?"

"Umm, you can go first."

"No, no. you can say it first."

"I insist you go first, it's fine."

"My father told me to always be courteous to a girl, so, ladies first."

After we pass at each other, our eyes finally met.

"Ahaha/Hahaha"

The ice finally melts.

Before one of us could say anything, the train has arrived.

This might be the happiest moment of my life.

Standing side by side with the girl I've been in love recently.

Yeah, I'm cheap. But this is enough to make me happy.

It's the first time in my life to be so grateful inside a packed train.

The awkward silence stayed with us.

"Umm...i should really thank you."

"Hmm? For what?"

"You know, the other time."

Her eyes weren't on me, but I could see her ear reddens.

"What do you mean?"

Yes, my friend. I played the fool.

I just want to hear her voice more, so I lied.

Of course, I knew what she's talking about.

"You...You protected me. The train was packed that day, and..."

I seriously could melt right now.

"Ah, I see. It's okay. I'm used to it."

What the hell do you mean you used to it?!

Did you just say you used to kabedon a girl on the train?!

Stupid me!

"I knew it was hard for you to endure."

"Eh? You can tell?"

"Your face. You struggled so hard that your face changed."

Oh my god, so I was showing her my ugly face at that time.

"Ahaha..."

"But, that's okay. I mean..."

Her words stopped there as the train doors opened.

She was a few steps away from me facing her back, and then suddenly she turned around.

"Thank you very much."

"Your welcome."

I replied to her with my best smile.

She averted her eyes, and she raised her hand to her mouth.

She's trying to say something.

"Umm... bye-bye."

"...Bye."

That last expression on her face was truly priceless.

"Ah, I forgot to return her handkerchief."

Deep inside, I was so happy that I had the reason to meet her again.