Waiting for You in the Rainy Garden - Chapter 7

Holding Hiyori close, I couldn’t move for a while.

Though Hiyori in my arms should have been cold from the rain, she felt warm somehow, as if gradually melting away the anxiety deep in my chest.

From Hiyori’s hair drifted the mingled scents of rain and her usual shampoo, and just that smell alone nearly brought tears to my eyes.

Outside, the sound of rain echoed quietly.

The rain that had been falling heavily until just moments ago had weakened slightly, changing into gentle pattering sounds.

Those sounds spread through the room as if enveloping us.

“Mashiro,”

Hiyori called out softly.

Her voice trembled like a tearful smile, seeming to touch directly to the core of my heart.

“Please don’t go anywhere anymore.”

Those words seemed to give form to Hiyori’s anxiety, making my chest tighten painfully.

I had thought Hiyori was a strong girl.

But now she was anxious and scared just like me, desperately trying to keep me close.

“…Yeah. I won’t go.”

The moment I spoke those words, Hiyori’s shoulders trembled slightly.

I couldn’t tell if it was from relief or if she was about to cry.

But from how Hiyori’s fingertips gripped my back tightly, I could feel just how much she had needed to hear those words.

“Promise?”

“I promise.”

As if making a pinky swear, Hiyori took my hand again.

Her hand was warm and soft, and I didn’t want to let go.

The warmth transmitted from Hiyori’s palm melted away each bit of anxiety deep in my chest.

The rain gradually weakened, and outside the window grew slowly brighter.

Before I knew it, dawn was breaking.

“Hiyori… it’s morning already.”

“Really…”

Hiyori smiled somewhat sheepishly, but beneath that smile, exhaustion showed through.

“You’ll catch a cold if you go home still wet. Rest here for a while.”

Hiyori blinked in surprise.

“Eh… is that okay?”

“Yeah. You’ll catch a cold if you push yourself to go home. Use my room.”

Hiyori smiled with relief.

“…Then I’ll indulge a little.”

That smile gently lit up within my heart.

“Okay. I’ll get you a towel.”

I gave Hiyori a towel and tidied up the room.

As she dried her hair, Hiyori murmured quietly.

“I’m glad Mashiro was here…”

Her voice was quiet and gentle, like the air after rain.

“Hiyori, rest for today. You’re tired, aren’t you?”

“…Yeah. Can I sleep for just a little while?”

“Of course.”

Hiyori got into the futon and looked up at me.

“Mashiro, stay by my side.”

“I’m here. I’m right here.”

Hiyori closed her eyes as if relieved.

Her eyelashes trembled, and soon her breathing slowly settled.

I sat at my desk and quietly watched Hiyori’s sleeping face.

—She was this important to me.

My chest grew warmly, gradually.

Outside the window, the rain had completely stopped, and the sunrise began coloring the sky, softly illuminating Hiyori’s cheek.

That light seemed to be illuminating…

Not just a new day, but our future as well.