Waiting for You in the Rainy Garden - Chapter 4

The following week, strange rumors began circulating at school.

At first, it was just hearing two girls whispering as they passed us during break time, glancing our way.

“They say Mashiro and Hiyori are dating.”

The moment those words reached my ears, my heart leaped.

I thought I must have misheard, but the next day I overheard kids from another class saying similar things.

“Those two have been pretty close lately, haven’t they?”

“They’ve always been close, but something about their vibe has changed.”

“Is that even allowed between girls?”

Walking through the hallways, whispers reached my ears.

I didn’t know who started it.

But the rumors spread in no time.

Like fire catching in damp air, they spread throughout the school in an instant.

My chest grew restless, and I couldn’t look Hiyori properly in the face anymore.

Whenever our eyes were about to meet, I’d instinctively look away.

Even though Hiyori treated me the same as always, I was the one who kept creating distance between us.

What should I do?

What is Hiyori thinking?

Such anxieties kept swirling deep in my chest.

After school, as I was about to leave the classroom, Hiyori grabbed my arm.

Her grip was stronger than usual, with no hesitation.

“Mashiro, we need to talk.”

Hiyori’s voice was serious, and I immediately knew I couldn’t escape.

But I was scared, and before I knew it, I said:

“…Sorry, I’m going home today.”

Hiyori’s grip tightened.

“Wait. Don’t run away.”

Hiyori’s voice was stronger than usual.

It was rare for Hiyori, who’s usually calm and gentle, to speak with such force.

Feeling her desperation, I stopped and slowly turned around.

“Are you worried about the rumors?”

Hiyori’s eyes were staring straight at me.

I wanted to escape that gaze, but couldn’t, so I nodded slightly.

“…How could I not be worried?”

Hiyori took a step closer, closing the distance between us.

The closeness made my chest restless again.

“But how we feel about each other is something only we can decide, right?”

Hiyori’s words were strong, gentle, and direct.

The intensity in her eyes made my chest ache.

Hiyori valued our relationship more than any rumors.

Feeling that only made me suffer more.

“Hiyori… aren’t you scared?”

When I asked with a trembling voice, Hiyori lowered her eyes slightly before slowly raising her face.

“I am scared.”

Those words surprised me.

Because I thought Hiyori was strong, someone who wouldn’t falter no matter what.

“But Mashiro matters more to me than that.”

Those words shook me deeply.

My chest grew hot, and I felt like I couldn’t breathe.

Why is Hiyori so straightforward?

Why is she so kind?

But I still couldn’t give an answer.

Even though I was happy about Hiyori’s feelings, I was scared of the rumors, scared of the future, and couldn’t take that step forward.

“…I need a little more time.”

Hiyori’s eyebrows drooped sadly, but she forced a smile immediately.

That smile looked so painful that my chest tightened.

“Okay. I’ll wait. I don’t want to rush you, Mashiro.”

That kindness only tightened the grip on my chest.

Hiyori always respects me.

That’s exactly why it hurts even more.

I don’t want to hurt Hiyori.

But I don’t know what to do.

The words we exchanged in the greenhouse kept trembling deep in my chest, and all I could do was stand there frozen.