“W-What…?” I was fidgeting and sweating at the same time. Kazehaya-kun’s face turned all red. “H-HUH…!? N-Nothing…!!!” Then he turned away. I heard him say something faintly. “It’s…nothing.” I can’t help but feel embarrassed. I stood up. Kazehaya-kun looked at me.

“I-I need to go home… Thank-you-very-much-for-today-see-you-in-school!!!” Then I bowed and ran off. ……

To run off like that, How embarrassing.

***

Tuesday. It’s lunch time.

Itadakimasu. Everyone’s chatting with their friends, while I’m here eating by myself. I’m pitying myself too much. I looked outside the window.

Why are clouds gray? Is it going to rain today? I hope not, I forgot to bring an umbrella…

I just continued on eating my lunch.

*Ding Dong*…

The bell rang. Dismissal. I fixed my bag and changed my shoes. I headed out the door. When I looked up, a drop of water fell on my cheek. “Eh…?”

Then another drop fell, then another…

Rain.

I let out a gasp and ran back inside the building. How am I gonna get home? If I get wet, I might get sick and I might not be able to go to school tomorrow. Maybe I’ll just wait for the rain stop.

…

It has been more than 10 minutes. Seems like the rain won’t stop for a while, huh? Am I going to wait here alone? What if the rain doesn’t stop for more than an hour? …I wanna go home…

I waited by the door. I closed my eyes for a few seconds.

---

I’m your friend right?

---

Those words made me so happy. The problem is, we’re not in the same class. Now I feel guilty for running away so suddenly. That was kinda rude of me, I guess. I haven’t seen him since that day.

Is he angry? Is he avoiding me? Is he…still going to speak to me? Maybe…he doesn’t like me anymore. Did I lose a friend?

I opened my eyes, surprised that I was crying. I don’t want that to happen. I… What will I do?

Then, I heard a voice from behind me.

“Hey, do you have an umbrella?”