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."
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