“Did you forget something at school?” “N-No…um…” “Your face is a little red, are you starting to have a fever?” She touched my forehead. I felt my heart beat even faster. “Your temperature is fine…”

“T-That’s not it…This could sound strange to you but…I actually…”

“What is it?”

The more I keep this up, the more I’m losing my confidence.

“…I…”

We heard the gate to her house open. We both nearly jumped.

Her mom was holding an umbrella too. “Oh, Tegoshi, hello. Thank you for taking care of Hitomi. Would you like to come inside?”

Hitomi looked at me thoughtfully. “N-No it’s ok…I need to go home. Thank you for your offer. I’ll see you tomorrow Hitomi.” “But you were about to say something.”

“Never…never mind that… Bye…”

The rain stopped. “Bye Tegoshi! Thanks!” She waved goodbye and she and her mom went inside.

My heart almost exploded.

------end------

“Hitomi…I…actually wanted to tell you…I…I like—”

A nurse opened the door. “Umm sir, visiting hours have ended. You can still see the patient tomorrow. Thank you.”

…

…Hitomi fell asleep…

“See you Hitomi.” I kissed her forehead and left the room.