Chapter 23: The Mysterious Boy
Hikaru now stood outside the grand Tomita Estate after his meeting with Mei's parents.
But he wasn't alone.
Mei was there too, standing a few steps away to see him off. Her hands were folded behind her back, her hair catching the gentle breeze. She wore a soft smile that made Hikaru's chest feel a little lighter.
"Hikaru, thanks for coming over," she said warmly.
Hikaru returned her smile. "Absolutely no problem, Mei. Thanks for inviting me."
Then–
Silence.
Awkward silence.
The two of them weren't even looking at each other directly anymore. Their gazes wandered – Hikaru stared up at the sky, Mei glanced down at the pebbled path. Neither knew what to say next.
It was Mei who finally broke the silence.
"So... um, Hikaru, if... you don't mind... you can come over some other time," she said softly, her voice almost shy.