Waiting for You in the Rainy Garden - Chapter 11

Several days had passed since Hiyori and I had confirmed our feelings for each other.

We’d returned to our old routine—walking to school together, sitting side by side during lunch breaks, and spending our afternoons in the greenhouse after classes.

Just having Hiyori beside me made the world seem a little brighter.

I loved how naturally our walking pace matched, how our voices harmonized when we spoke, how we laughed at the same moments.

—I’m happy.

Those moments were becoming more frequent.

My chest warmed every time I saw Hiyori’s smile, and my heart leaped whenever our hands nearly touched.

I genuinely wished these days would never end.

But I’d begun to notice occasional shadows flickering behind Hiyori’s smile.

Just for a moment, their expression would cloud over.

Their gaze would drift somewhere distant.

Each time it happened, my chest grew restless.

It felt like their heart had been left behind somewhere I couldn’t reach, and my anxiety would swell just a little.

One afternoon after school.

While sketching in the greenhouse, I noticed Hiyori staring absently outside.

The evening sun streamed through the glass, softly illuminating their profile.

There was something lonely about that silhouette, and my chest tightened painfully.

Though the sunset visible over Hiyori’s shoulder was beautiful, their eyes didn’t seem to reflect its colors.

“Hiyori?”

When I called their name, Hiyori’s shoulders shook slightly as they blinked, as if returning to themselves.

“…Ah, sorry. Just thinking about something.”

Hiyori tried to smile, but the expression seemed awkward somehow.

Their smile was usually as bright as the sun, but today it looked like thin clouds had drifted across it.

“Have you been tired lately?”

I couldn’t help asking, and Hiyori shook their head.

“I’m fine. Being with Mashiro gives me energy.”

Their words made me happy.

But a small unease remained deep in my chest.

Hiyori is strong.

More positive than anyone, harder-working than anyone, kinder than anyone.

But the stronger someone is, the more likely they are to carry burdens they can’t share with anyone.

If Hiyori was forcing themselves to smile—the thought made my heart ache.

I set down my brush and sat beside Hiyori.

Their shoulders trembled slightly as they looked at me in surprise.

“Don’t push yourself too hard. If you’re hurting, please tell me.”

Hiyori blinked, then lowered their gaze slightly.

That gesture felt like it had touched something deep within them, and my chest constricted.

“…Mashiro, you’re really kind.”

Their voice sounded somewhat lonely.

I felt like I’d caught a glimpse of the shadow hidden behind Hiyori’s smile.

I wanted to reach for Hiyori’s hand, but feared that if I touched them, they might cry—so I quietly clenched my fist instead.

—Hiyori, what are you carrying?

That question sank deep into my chest, never forming into words.