Waiting for You in the Rainy Garden - Chapter 6

That night, Hiyori came running through the rain and stood in front of my house.

After she came inside and I gave her a towel, my heart remained unsettled the whole time she was drying her hair.

Hiyori’s wet uniform, her trembling shoulders, the expression on her face as she desperately tried to smile—

Each of these things pierced my chest and wouldn’t let go.

Hiyori stayed silent as she pressed the towel against her hair.

This silence was different from our usual awkwardness.

Unspoken feelings seemed to be weighing down the air in the room.

“Mashiro.”

Hiyori looked up.

Her damp eyes were staring straight at me.

That gaze left no room for escape, yet held a certain gentleness that made my chest tighten.

“Why are you avoiding me?”

The question was straightforward, just like Hiyori, with a tone that wouldn’t tolerate lies.

I averted my eyes and clenched my fists tightly.

“…I was scared of the rumors.”

“I don’t care about rumors.”

Hiyori answered immediately.

Her strength made my chest ache slightly.

“That’s not good…! Because, we…”

The words caught in my throat.

I was afraid to put into clear words what kind of relationship “we” had.

Hiyori took a step closer and gently took my hand.

“Mashiro, you like me, don’t you?”

The question was gentle, yet so serious I couldn’t escape it.

“…Yeah.”

When I nodded slightly, Hiyori’s expression softened just a bit.

“I like you too. I’ll say it as many times as you need. If you’re anxious, Mashiro, I’ll say it as many times as it takes.”

Hiyori’s voice was trembling.

Even though she’s strong, she looked like she was about to cry now.

That sight pierced through my heart.

“I was scared of losing you… If I acknowledged these feelings, I thought that if things went wrong, we could never go back…”

Hiyori squeezed my hand tightly.

The grip was strong, yet gentle, as if saying “I won’t let go.”

“Mashiro! We’re not that weak.”

Hiyori’s voice was quiet, but had a core of strength to it.

Hearing those words, I felt the hard shell deep in my chest gradually melting away.

“…Hiyori.”

“Don’t run away. Not from me, and not from your own feelings.”

Hiyori’s eyes were serious, unwavering.

The reflection of myself in those eyes looked just a little bit stronger.

I squeezed Hiyori’s hand back.

“…I won’t run. I won’t run away anymore.”

Hiyori let out a relieved sigh and smiled.

That smile was like a small light shining in the rainy night.

“I’m glad. Really, I’m so glad.”

The moment I saw that smile, tears spilled from my eyes.

Hiyori’s eyes widened in surprise, then she gently hugged me.

Hiyori’s arms were warm, trembling, and desperate.

The sound of rain echoed in the distance.

Amidst it all, only Hiyori’s body warmth felt certain.

I gently wrapped my arms around Hiyori’s back and closed my eyes.

Hiyori’s heartbeat quietly resonated deep in my chest.

—Ah, I had always wanted this warmth.

The moment I realized that, a gentle warmth spread through the depths of my heart.