We spent hours watching anime, playing video games, and talking about everything and nothing. Somehow, time always seemed to fly whenever we were together.

"I should get going," Waguri said with a smile.

A few moments later, she glanced at the clock.

"Oh no... I didn't realize it was this late."

She looked at me.

"Would you walk me home?"

Please say yes... she thought.

I sighed.

"Sure."

As we walked through the quiet streets, we talked about the next anime we wanted to watch and when she would come over again.

Suddenly...

"Ah!"

Waguri tripped on a small stone.

Without thinking, I caught her before she hit the ground.

Our faces were only inches apart.

The night was silent.

"W-Waguri... Are you okay?"

"I... I'm fine..."

Her cheeks turned bright red.

He's so close...

I quickly stepped back.

"S-Sorry!"

That was way too close...

We both stood up, avoiding each other's eyes.

I almost kissed him... Waguri thought.

She looked at me again.

"Hiro..."

"Yeah?"

She opened her mouth, then smiled awkwardly.

"...Never mind."

We continued walking in silence.

When we finally arrived at her house, Waguri stopped.

"Hiro... do you think we should keep our friendship a secret at school?"

I nodded.

"You're one of the most popular girls there. People would wonder why you're hanging out with someone like me."

She frowned.

"Don't say that."

I looked at her, surprised.

"You're kind, honest, and always willing to help others. You're a really amazing person... I was wrong to judge you before I knew you."

"...Thanks, Waguri."

She smiled before going inside.

After greeting her mother and seeing her little brother running around the house, she rushed to her room, threw herself onto her bed, buried her face in her pillow, and whispered with a bright red face...

"Did I really say all that...?"

To be continued... 🌸