Aira was winding soft pink yarn into a neat ball when she noticed him again.
Yuu stood near the entrance, pretending to look at the display of crochet needles — again.
She bit her lip to hide a small smile.
(Aira's thoughts)
He really came back... I thought maybe it was a one-time thing. Does he really want to learn crochet?
She glanced over.
Yuu shifted his weight from one foot to the other.
Aira (gently):
"You can come in… You don't have to just stand there."
Yuu (startled):
"Ah! Sorry. I… um… I didn't want to interrupt."
Aira:
"You're not interrupting. The beginner class starts in fifteen minutes, but… you can wait here if you'd like."
He nodded, stepping forward slowly.
The soft scent of cotton yarn, lavender tea, and something… comforting, wrapped around him.
(Yuu's thoughts)
I didn't think she'd talk to me again. Her voice is softer than the yarn here. What is it about this place… about her?
They sat across the small wooden table in silence.
The only sound was the quiet classical music playing from a vintage radio.
Aira began crocheting again, fingers moving skillfully.
Yuu (watching her hands):
"How long have you been crocheting?"
Aira (smiling softly):
"Since I was ten. My grandma taught me. I guess… it just stayed with me."
She looked up.
Aira (after a pause):
"And you? Why crochet?"
Yuu paused. He could lie, but his eyes betrayed him.
Yuu (quietly):
"I saw this place last week… and I saw you. You looked like you were at peace. And I… haven't felt that in a long time."
Aira's hands paused, just for a second.
No one had ever said something like that to her.
(Aira's thoughts)
What kind of pain has he carried… to look at peace from the outside?
But neither spoke more.
The instructor entered, cheerful and loud, breaking the fragile quiet.
They both stood.
As they walked to the main class area, their shoulders brushed.
Neither looked at each other — but neither moved away.