Pt. 11 - Yui Himitsu

Yui Himitsu wasn't particularly good at school. Her grades were below average, and yet she could remember exactly what the person sitting next to her wore a week ago. She was incredibly perceptive, storing away details about people as if tucking them into a mental library—things they had only mentioned once, things most would forget.

Why? Because she was interested.

Himitsu found many things interesting. Flowers, bugs, cats, frogs, the sidewalk, buildings, colors, art, books, food, carbonated drinks—too many to count. If she had to list everything that fascinated her, she would never be able to finish.

But what intrigued her most were people.

How they styled their hair, how they wore their clothes, the way they spoke, the things they liked, the subtle shifts in their voices when they laughed or cried. Ever since she was little, she had been drawn to these details. Seeing people in their rawest emotions only deepened her fascination.

Yet, despite her interest, she never sought people out. She didn't pry, didn't press, didn't impose. Instead, she remained on the periphery, quietly observing, always finding small ways to connect. A piece of candy, a shared moment, a subtle gesture—these things weren't special to her. They were simply natural.

So when she had given Miya a candy, it wasn't out of the ordinary. When she had left Amari a soda, it wasn't meant to be a grand gesture.

Still, it amused her when people knew of her without actually knowing her.

Especially when it came to Amari Isao.

At least, it did; until she found herself waiting.

May 19th—Monday Morning

Himitsu spotted Amari leaning against the vending machine and, before she could stop herself, approached him. She didn't know why, but ever since she had found him beneath the stairwell, something about him had drawn her in.

"Are you waiting for someone?"

He stiffened slightly, his reaction different from any she had seen from him before. It was… cute, for some reason.

He hesitated before responding, anxiety flickering in his eyes. "No…" His voice was barely above a whisper, his gaze darting around her face but never quite meeting her eyes.

Himitsu wanted to know why he was there. She wanted to ask. But something in his expression made her stop.

Before she could think too deeply about it, a frog jumped into her line of sight.

Himitsu may have been perceptive, but when something piqued her interest, it was easy for her to get distracted. The frog had successfully stolen her attention until she heard a soft chuckle.

The sound made her twitch, and she snapped back to reality.

Amari?

She had never heard him laugh before. Despite sitting near him at lunch, where she had often heard the chatter and laughter of his friends, Amari's voice had remained elusive.

She almost looked up at him, but for some reason, she stopped herself. Instead, her gaze moved to his feet. Worn-out boots. She wondered how old they were.

Amari shifted slightly, turning back toward the vending machine. His eyes landed on an empty row.

Himitsu's eyes followed.

Blue Raspberry Lemonade.

She had bought the last can on May 15, the one she had given him the next day.

Her gaze moved to his face just in time to catch the slightest change in his expression. Surprise, followed quickly by disappointment. It was subtle, so subtle that most people wouldn't have noticed. But she did.

Her gaze returned to the vending machine as realization dawned.

He was waiting for someone.

He had denied it, but his actions told a different story. And if he wasn't looking for a friend, then…

It clicked.

He was looking for the girl who had given him the soda.

For her.

And he didn't even know it.

A rare feeling stirred inside her: irritation.

Himitsu didn't get annoyed easily, but for some reason, this irked her. She had planned to wait for him to approach her first this time, but she couldn't hold it in.

She composed herself and spoke. "It won't be refilled until June first."

Then, as if dismissing the entire moment, she turned back to the frog. Thankfully, it was still there, sitting contently on the sidewalk.

"Oh." Amari sounded confused.

Himitsu glanced up at him, expecting him to put the pieces together, but he was still staring at the vending machine.

Frustration stirred inside her, but she quickly suppressed it. Without another word, she turned and walked away.

She had half a mind to tell him outright, but the thought of spelling it out left a bitter taste in her mouth. Instead, she lost herself in watering the flowers, letting the frustration fade.

Then, an idea formed.

It would be more fun if he figured it out himself.

She glanced back at Amari, her amusement growing when she noticed him watching her. She quickly averted her gaze, slightly embarrassed for some reason. 

Then, a familiar voice called out.

"Yui."

Himitsu turned. It was Hayashi-sensei, her homeroom teacher and the gardening club advisor.

"Will you be available to help me out this evening?"

"Yep," Himitsu responded immediately. She had been looking forward to today; Hayashi-sensei had ordered new seedlings, and she couldn't wait.

Her teacher chuckled. "Thanks, Yui. I'll ask Mr. Imada if he can get that drink of yours refilled sooner as a little thank-you."

Himitsu beamed. That meant she wouldn't have to keep buying it at the convenience store, and it would be slightly cheaper, too.

She peeked at Amari.

Something was turning behind his eyes.

Her smile widened.

Maybe he'll figure it out.

She swiftly put the watering can away and headed inside. Amari followed closely behind.

His shadow fell over her as he walked beside her, and she glanced up. Normally, he avoided her gaze, but this time, his light brown eyes locked onto hers.

Beautiful, she thought.

Maybe it was time to give him another hint.

She smiled. "Maybe it'll be refilled sooner."

Her voice came out more teasing than she intended, but he didn't seem fazed. Instead, he simply nodded, though his eyes drifted downward again.

Not enough.

They had stopped in front of his classroom. This was her last chance before lunch.

Just then, she felt the small tin in her pocket shift.

An idea formed.

She looked at Amari, their eyes meeting again. Without a word, she reached into her skirt pocket and pulled out a small, round tin. With a soft pop, she flipped it open, revealing a collection of small, irregularly shaped blue candies.

Plucking one between her fingers, she motioned for him to hold out his hand. Once he did, she dropped the candy into his palm.

"It's Blue Raspberry."

She popped one into her mouth. "I thought you might like it."

After all, he had been drinking the same flavor.

With that, she turned on her heel and headed to her classroom. But before slipping inside, she cast one last glance toward him.

A slow, satisfied smile spread across her face.

That must have made something click.

She was looking forward to lunch.