chapter 6:We met again somehow!

Chapter 6: we met again somehow!

After I reached home, I tossed my bag on the floor and let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. The quiet of my room felt too loud somehow.

I changed out of my uniform and slipped into my usual clothes — a loose hoodie, headphones hanging around my neck like always. My body moved on its own toward the kitchen. I wasn't really hungry, but I figured making something simple might help me stop thinking about…

...her.

The moment replayed itself before I could block it out — that accidental kiss. The warmth. The way her eyes widened. The sudden closeness.

I flinched, knocking over the milk bottle in my hand. It hit the floor and spilled everywhere.

> "Ah, crap—!"

I stared at the mess.

"That was the last one, too…"

Guess I had no choice.

I threw on my hoodie properly, slipped my headphones back over my ears, and headed out.

The lo-fi beat eased my mind a bit as I walked. Cold air, soft chords. It was one of those evenings where the sky looked like it was unsure whether to rain or turn golden.

I reached the convenience store without much thought. Headed straight for the refrigerated section.

Then—

A light bump. Someone else had reached for the milk at the same time.

We both froze.

I looked up.

And there she was.

The girl from today.

The girl who'd accidentally kissed me.

Her eyes widened, and her face turned crimson.

> "Y-You?! You idiot! Stupid—what are you doing here?! Are you following me?!"

I blinked, slowly lowering my headphones.

> "I'm not following you," I said, trying not to sound nervous. "And yeah, I didn't plan on bumping into you either, Miss."

She looked like she wanted to say more, but stopped. Her voice softened.

> "Sorry…"

> "It's okay," I replied, offering a small smile. "Maybe we started off...weird. Let's reset. Friends?"

I held out a hand.

> "I'm Yutsume Naji. You can just call me Naji."

She stared at my hand, then shook it — barely.

> "I'm Shazakawa Akari," she said, brushing her bangs back. "Akari's fine."

There was an awkward silence. The kind that lingers after something strange becomes strangely normal.

> "So, uh…" I tried, "What brings you here?"

> "Just came to get some noodles," she said quickly, holding up a basket.

We walked together after checking out. Not saying much — but not feeling like we had to.

And then, before she turned at the corner—

> "Bye, Naji-kun. See you tomorrow!"

I paused for a second.

Then smiled.

> "Of course, Akari-san."

---