(Kiyomi's POV).
The morning sunlight broke softly through the thin curtains, replacing yesterday's grey with a golden calm. The rain had stopped completely, but the ground still smelled of wet earth and new beginnings.
I walked to school beside Minato. We didn't talk much — and yet, somehow, it didn't feel like silence. The rhythm of our steps, the brushing of our hands every now and then, the soft sound of his quiet breathing — it all spoke louder than words.
When we got to the school gate, a few glances trailed behind us. The gossip from yesterday had already started spreading. I could hear whispers — "Kiyomi and Minato… they spent the night together?"
I tried to ignore them, but each word felt like a thorn. Minato noticed my lowered gaze.
Minato: Ignore them.
Kiyomi: Easy for you to say… I feel like they're staring right through me.
Minato:(Smiling softly) Let them. The truth doesn't need defending.
That sentence stayed with me all day.
At lunch, we sat under the sakura tree — the same one where everything seemed to start. The petals had begun to fall, and one landed gently on Minato's hair. Without thinking, I reached forward and brushed it away.
My fingers lingered a second too long. He looked at me, and in that tiny pause, something unspoken passed between us — something warm, fragile, and completely new.
Kiyomi: You should be careful. People might think you like me.
Minato:(Smiling faintly) And what if they're right?
My heart skipped. I froze — not because I didn't like what he said, but because I did.
Minato looked away, pretending to sip from his drink, but I saw the faint blush on his cheeks.
For a while, we sat like that — two quiet hearts pretending nothing had changed.
Meanwhile, across the courtyard, Hinata sat alone at her desk, staring out the window. Akio stood near the door, hesitant, watching her. Things between them hadn't been the same since the rain. There was distance — not loud or angry, but heavy, like the pause after a word you can't finish.
Hinata's brain: He used to sit with me during lunch. He used to laugh when I talked. Now… he just stands there.
When the school day ended, Minato and I stayed behind in the art room. The sunlight had softened, stretching long golden lines across the floor. I was sketching something — a figure that looked suspiciously like him.
Minato:(Teasing) Is that supposed to be me?
Kiyomi:(Startled) N-no! It's just… someone who happens to look like you.
Minato: Uh-huh. Let me see.
He leaned closer, his face inches from mine. I could feel his breath — soft, steady, warm.
My heart thumped so loudly I was sure he could hear it.
Minato:(Whispering) You're blushing again.
Kiyomi:(Stammering) Y-you're too close.
Minato: Maybe I like being close.
I didn't know what to say. The moment stretched — neither of us moving, neither of us wanting to.
Then, slowly, he pulled back, smiling faintly.
Minato: Let's walk home together.
As we left the school, the breeze carried the faint scent of rain mixed with the sweetness of sakura. The world felt softer, brighter, and a little more alive.
Our fingers brushed again — this time, neither of us pulled away.
For the first time, I didn't feel the need to say anything.
Because sometimes… the warmth between two hearts doesn't need words.
It just exists.
Quiet. Gentle. Real.