Waiting for You in the Rainy Garden - Chapter 9

When I arrived at school, the rumors hadn’t completely died down yet.

Walking through the hallway, I could feel someone’s gaze occasionally turning my way.

Entering the classroom, I could hear a few people whispering among themselves.

Each time, my chest grew restless, and my heart couldn’t settle down.

But Hiyori walked proudly by my side.

As if she didn’t care about the surrounding stares, she stood tall with her usual smile.

“Don’t worry about it. I just want to be by Mashiro’s side.”

Those words were so like Hiyori—straightforward and strong.

Hiyori’s voice seeped smoothly into my chest.

In that moment, my heart grew stronger.

Just having Hiyori beside me made my heart feel so much lighter.

Even though I had been so frightened just a little while ago, now I felt strangely able to face forward.

After school, we headed to the greenhouse for the first time in a while.

The old greenhouse at the corner of the schoolyard had its glass faintly glowing in the evening light.

As we approached, a nostalgic scent drifted toward us on the wind.

When we opened the door, the smell of damp earth and greenery welcomed us.

The inside of the greenhouse was slightly warmer than outside, and I could sense the plants breathing quietly.

Droplets of water left on the leaves reflected the light, shimmering and swaying.

Just seeing that scene made the tightness in my chest gently loosen.

“See, this place is still calming, isn’t it?”

Hiyori sat on the bench and patted the spot beside her, inviting me over.

The gesture was natural and gentle, warming my chest once again.

This time, I sat beside her without hesitation.

There was no need to keep my distance anymore.

Having Hiyori’s warmth right beside me was actually comforting.

“Mashiro.”

Hiyori gently took my hand.

Her hand was warm and soft, and the moment we touched, my chest tightened.

I could feel her fingertips trembling slightly, and I realized Hiyori was nervous too.

“I want to be with you forever from now on.”

Those words came straight from the depths of Hiyori’s heart.

Her eyes were serious and unwavering, gently grasping the core of my being.

“…Yeah. Me too.”

The moment I said it, Hiyori’s expression brightened instantly.

Her smile was as dazzling and warm as sunlight breaking through the sky after rain.

While squeezing Hiyori’s hand in return, I quietly resolved that I wouldn’t run away anymore.

Hiyori laughed happily and rested her head on my shoulder.

The weight felt comforting, and I gently squeezed her hand back.

In the quiet greenhouse, only our breathing melted peacefully into the surroundings.

The light streaming through the greenhouse glass enveloped us both.

The soft evening sun reflected off the plant leaves, dyeing the entire greenhouse in a pale golden hue.

That light was gentle and warm, like the sky after rain.

It felt as if the world was gently blessing us.