shu1031

I’m Taki Tamada, just your average high school student. Well… not really. I’m kind of a lazy otaku who spends most of my time talking about anime and gaming. Surprisingly, I still manage to make it to the Top 15 in our exams. But honestly, I don’t care about grades. All I care about is enjoying my youth while it lasts.

There’s one thing I can’t forget, though. A promise.

Years ago, I had a childhood friend—someone I was really close to. But she moved to another country, leaving me behind. I don’t remember when she said she’d return, or even the exact words, but I know she will. One day, she’ll come back.

In the meantime, I’ve got my friends to keep me company.

Haru Tatsunagi and his younger brother, Tatsuki, are always around. Haru’s the cool and reliable one, while Tatsuki is energetic and full of mischief. And then there’s Yuki Hanagi. We’ve been friends since eighth grade. She’s different… quiet, but there’s something off about her. Even though she’s comfortable hanging out with us guys, I can’t shake the feeling that she’s hiding something.

I don’t know what the future holds, but I have this feeling… something big is about to happen.

And that’s where my story begins.

Threads of a Distant Bond

Taki couldn't get Yuki out of his mind.

Her playful smile. The way she avoided his questions. And that moment yesterday…

"Why would she tell me to forget it?"

Even as he sat in class, he found himself glancing at her. She was sitting near the window, her eyes distant, almost lost in thought.

Haru nudged him. "You're doing it again."

"Gazing at Yuki," Haru taunted, a grin pulling at his mouth.

"Sure thing." Haru laughed. "But seriously, man. If something's on your mind, speak with her."

Taki rubbed his temples, letting out a sigh.

The last bell rang, marking the end of another long day.

Taki packed slowly, feeling a bit dour.

He turned to see Yuki standing by the door, her usual warm smile in place.

"Walk home with me?" she asked softly.

They walked side by side, the air between them filled with unspoken words.

The afternoon sky was covered in thick, gray clouds.

"Looks like it's gonna rain," Yuki murmured, glancing up.

"Yuki…" Taki finally spoke after minutes of silence.

"Hmm?" She faced him, brown eyes locking with his.

"Do I… know you from somewhere?"

For an instant, her eyes grew wide—but she hastily covered it up with her characteristic smile.

"What are you asking me that for?" she replied, her tone airy but. guarded.

"I don't know… it just feels like…"

Taki hesitated, unsure of what to say.

Her finger lightly brushed against her lips.

Taki stood still, his gaze fixed on hers.

"Some things are better left unsaid… for now."

That teasing smile reappeared, but this time. it didn't feel the same.

"Why are you keeping this secret, Yuki?" Taki's voice was little more than a whisper.

But Yuki simply smiled, turning his back.

"Let's go, before the rain begins."

Walking up to the school gate, the wind gathered, bringing the scent of rain.

"Looks like we're not gonna make it…" Taki grumbled.

A raindrop fell onto Taki's cheek.

Yuki opened her bag and frowned. "I forgot my umbrella…"

Taki glanced at his own. "You don't have one?"

Yuki shook her head. "I didn't think it would rain."

Without thinking twice, Taki pulled out his umbrella and handed it to her.

Yuki blinked. "What? But what about you?"

"It's okay." He smiled softly. "You can have it."

Yuki stared at him, her expression unreadable.

For a moment, she looked like she was about to say something… but she stopped herself.

Yuki took the umbrella, her fingers brushing lightly against his.

Taki's smile didn't fade. "Don't mention it."

As he turned to leave, Yuki watched him quietly.

Her lips parted, and in a barely audible whisper, she said:

Her voice was so soft that the sound of the rain drowned it out.

Taki walked into the rain without hesitation.

The cold raindrops wetted his uniform immediately, but he didn't mind.

"Why do I get the feeling… she's hiding something from me?"

His mind whirled as the rain poured down harder.

But no responses came. Only the constant beat of the rain followed him.

Yuki stood there, under the umbrella, her eyes tracking Taki's figure as he walked further and further away.

"Idiot…" she breathed once more, but now a slight, warm smile pulled at her lips.

Her grip on the handle of the umbrella tightened very slightly.

"But… I can't tell you yet, Taki."

The rain sounded heavier… but the secrets in Yuki's heart stayed silent.

As the rain fell harder, the thoughts of Taki grew more foggy.

"Yuki… what are you keeping from me?"

The answer was close… but not close enough.

Chapter 4: Secrets in the Rain