The Day We Grew Closer... and Apart (5)

After we went to class, the rest of the day went on as usual. But instead of Kiyomi keeping to herself, she asked me for help with some problems she didn't understand.

I was a bit surprised at first, I hadn't thought she'd approach me today. But it looked like, now that we were friends, she had started opening up to me.

She struggled quite a bit, but I was able to help her understand the problems. It seemed like she wasn't particularly good at studying.

After school ended, she approached me again and said that, since she had joined late, she still had a lot of incomplete work and wanted my help to finish it.

I could tell she had to muster up the courage to ask this favor, so of course I couldn't refuse her.

Suddenly, Aika arrived, waiting for me.

I told her that I was going to be busy helping Kiyomi, so she could go on ahead without me.

As those words left my mouth, Aika frowned. It looked like she hadn't expected that from me. I couldn't understand what I said wrong—I simply told her that I was busy and that she didn't need to wait.

Kiyomi, on the other hand, was overjoyed. She quickly took my hand and pulled me toward the library.

After we arrived at the library, we spent a lot of time working together. Even after all that time, we still had a lot more work left.

But the library was closing soon, and it seemed like Kiyomi wanted to finish more of her tasks.

So, I suggested we could go to her house and continue there.

Kiyomi was startled. She stood up quickly and firmly said we couldn't go there. I was dumbfounded.

Then I realized—maybe she wasn't comfortable with me going to her house. I quickly dismissed the idea.

She, on the other hand, looked pale and apologized. She said we could go somewhere else, but not her home, as she had her reasons.

It went quiet for a while after that. Then I calmly suggested we go to my house instead.

She looked surprised and started blushing. She asked if it was really okay for her to go to my house.

I began packing and told her there was no problem—that we should go.

After a while, we arrived in front of my house.

She was so shocked that her mouth fell open. She asked if this was really my house.

I felt a little annoyed—I had already told her this before—so I said yes, and that we should head in.

While nervously holding my sleeve, she asked if it was really okay for her to be here, and what if my parents saw her.

I reassured her that it was perfectly fine and walked inside.

As soon as I entered, my mother welcomed me. When she saw Kiyomi, she was surprised and curiously asked if I had finally gotten a girlfriend.

I quickly dismissed her assumption, saying Kiyomi was just a normal friend and nothing more—and that such comments might offend her.

My mother sighed and said she was disappointed, as she had hoped I was finally in a relationship. She asked if I was sure Kiyomi would be offended.

I didn't understand what my mother was getting at, and she told me to look at Kiyomi.

Kiyomi was hiding behind me, embarrassed.

Trying to ease the situation, I introduced Kiyomi to my mother.

Kiyomi, still a little embarrassed, introduced herself as well.

My mother, smiling, said that Kiyomi was quite pretty. Kiyomi replied humbly that she was nothing compared to my mother, calling her an "ice beauty" with her white skin, short white hair, and beautiful red eyes.

They both laughed and chatted for a while.

Knowing how long they'd talk if left alone, I gently took Kiyomi's hand and led her to my room. My mother teasingly called after us, saying we didn't need to come down and that she would bring food and drinks herself.

When we arrived in my room, Kiyomi gasped at how neat and organized it was. She said I had maintained it well.

I just replied that it was normal for me and said we should get started.

Sometime later, my mother brought us drinks and snacks. We enjoyed them while studying.

After a long while, we finally managed to cover almost all of her pending work.

Kiyomi thanked me, saying she was really grateful for my help.

Then she said it was getting late, so she should head back home.

I nodded, understanding that she had been here a long time.

As we headed downstairs, my mother came by and asked if Kiyomi was already leaving. She suggested Kiyomi stay a bit longer—or even join us for dinner.

Kiyomi looked nervous and said she didn't want to disturb us, and that we should enjoy dinner while she headed home.

But my mother insisted and brought her in to eat with us. I thought it was a good idea too, since it was already dinner time.

After some time, we had dinner. Kiyomi praised my mother's cooking a lot.

My mother smiled and said it was nothing—that she could teach Kiyomi if she wanted.

Kiyomi's eyes lit up and she exclaimed, "Really?" My mother nodded and said she was welcome anytime at our house and that she'd happily teach her.

Kiyomi thanked her, and I told her it was getting late—I'd escort her home.

Kiyomi blushed and said it wasn't necessary. But my mother insisted it was and told her not to hesitate.

She even offered to let Kiyomi stay the night and said she would make arrangements.

Kiyomi politely declined, saying she had to go home.

My mother respected her decision, and we headed out.

While walking, Kiyomi said I had a really nice family and that I was lucky. I just replied, "Thanks."

We mostly walked in silence. Sometimes, I felt the urge to hold her hand, but I thought it wouldn't be appropriate and held back.

I wondered what she felt in that moment—did she also want to hold my hand? Or was I just weird? But I could clearly see her red cheeks and ears, even though she kept her head down.

I told myself maybe it was just the mood and the fact that we were walking together like a couple.

Thoughts like this had never come to me before. I wondered why I felt this way now.

Suddenly, she stopped walking. I didn't understand why and asked if we had reached her home.

She looked up and smiled, saying her house was nearby and that she'd go on from here.

I stood firm and said, "It's my duty to make sure you get home."

She said there was no need and that she can go on her own.

I persisted her, but.

She suddenly shouted, "Please leave."

I froze, then quietly said, "Okay. I hope you reach home safely."

After that, I turned and walked away. We went our separate ways, heads down.

It had only been a day since our friendship started—and it already felt like it was on the verge of collapsing.