The next questions are thrown at Jesse. They learn that Jesse has never had a boyfriend and does not plan to date in the near future. So far, Zoe's the only one in a relationship. Sort of.
At 9 PM, Zoe starts receiving messages from Seth asking what time she'll head home. She knows that he's just worried about her. Seth doesn't know them, and she doesn't know them that well either. But it's why she wants to hang out with them. It's only been three hours, but she can tell that they're good people.
Truthfully, Zoe wants to stay. The group has been discussing differences in culture and even politics. It's how she imagined studying at a premier university. She'll be part of an intellectual community, and here it is unfolding before her eyes.
Zoe replies and tells him that she's okay. He doesn't answer.
Her unease grows as Seth remains unresponsive to her messages. She finds herself fidgeting in her seat, glancing at her phone repeatedly, hoping for a reply. As Taylor passionately criticizes the current president of his country, Zoe's mind wanders, preoccupied with whether she should leave or stay. She knows that hearing back from Seth would ease her worries and allow her to feel more comfortable continuing the evening with her friends.
Give me a reply, Seth.
At one point, she looks up and accidentally meets Kaito's gaze. He narrows his eyes at her.
Zoe doesn't want to spoil everyone's fun, but she doesn't want to argue with Seth either. She's still ecstatic about everything. A fight will ruin her mood.
I guess I should just go.
Letting out a reluctant sigh, Zoe makes the difficult decision to excuse herself, not wanting to burden her friends with her predicament. With a hint of apology in her voice, she announces, "I'm sorry, everyone, but I think I'll head home now." As she dons her jacket, the visible disappointment on her friends' faces twists her insides with guilt.
"Oh, are you sure? It's still a bit early," Taylor utters, glancing at his watch.
"Mitaka's pretty far... And I'm still jet-lagged from my flight." She sounds like a child, but it's the best excuse she can come up with.
Naoki turns to Kaito. "Are you leaving with her too, Kaito?"
Kaito's eyes fall on Zoe for a second, waiting for her to say something. He doesn't want to make her feel uncomfortable, yet he's aware that it's late. Japan is relatively safer than their home country but...
"Oh no, it's okay. You guys can have fun," Zoe interjects right away.
"But it's your first night out. Take her home, Kaito," Taylor nudges. The group sneers at him.
"No, I'm not teasing. I just want to make sure that Zoe gets home safe for her first night out," Taylor says, his hands up.
Zoe studies Kaito's reaction. It's blank. But he stands from the couch and puts his coat on.
"Alright, let's go."
She wants to protest, but before she can open her mouth, Kaito already stands next to her.
"Alright, take care, you two," Marie says, waving her hand.
The rest wave goodbye. Kaito gives a slight nod and walks ahead, leaving Zoe no choice but to follow him. As soon as they get out of the bar, she blocks his way, arms stretched.
"You should stay, Kaito. You don't have to come home with me."
"We stay in the same dormitory, Zoe. What's the problem?"
She doesn't answer. In truth, she prefers that Kaito leaves with her.
Despite that humiliating fact, she continues to convince him to stay until they finally arrive at Shibuya station. It is filled with people even at 9:30 PM. As they tap their cards on the ticket gates and wait behind the yellow line for the train, Kaito's face remains expressionless, which makes Zoe wince.
YOU ARE READING
The Spring I Met You
Romansa"Things that are special, though temporary, tend to last longer in our memories," Kaito says. Zoe recalls the Hanami party that they had and everything that has happened since she arrived. She remembers every detail perfectly. She nods slowly. "You'...
