They gaze into each other's eyes for a few brief seconds before Zoe's phone abruptly beeps, drawing her attention. Glancing at her watch, she notices it's already 10:30 PM.
"Zoe," Kaito calls, his voice somber.
She raises her chin.
"Just a tip. Take control of your own life and just... Live. YOLO, right?"
Despite the distance, she notices his wistful gaze. As if he is remembering something from the past.
Kaito remains somewhat enigmatic to Zoe. He takes a keen interest in her life, attentively listening, but hasn't revealed much about himself.
He rekindles Zoe's curiosity that has stayed dormant for a long time.
"Good night, Zoe," he says, then he cycles away. She silently watches him as he vanishes from her sight. She reads Seth's message afterward. He says sorry for not replying right away, but it is up to her if she wants to stay or not.
Zoe lets out a harsh breath. She should have stayed, but she is home now. It's too late.
******
The next three days were hectic but manageable. Zoe had to fix her insurance which took her almost two hours to finish since she had to ask for an interpreter. She secretly wished that Kaito was there. Nevertheless, she was glad that it was over. Afterward, she attended another orientation with Jesse, and then finally, she registered in classes.
Zoe has been cooking her meals. She still burns some of the eggs and messes up her corn soup, but she is improving.
Her parents always call to check up on her. They've become less nervous as the days go by. Zoe can tell because Ma seems more relaxed ever since she told them about her new set of 'companions.' Calling them friends may be too early.
They are also planning to go on a vacation together like Zoe wanted. They've dedicated their lives to raising her. It is time to let go and enjoy themselves.
In the midst of everything, Zoe often engages in chats with Seth, whenever both of them are available. However, she senses that he seems preoccupied and down lately. Although she's concerned about him, she hesitates to ask what might be troubling him. Once more, she ignores the signs.
We're okay. He's just stressed out because of his undergraduate thesis and nothing more.
Zoe is fixing her dirty clothes in the hamper when she notices the old tree in front of her bedroom window. The cherry blossoms have started to bloom. It rained for the past few days, so she didn't notice that the branches were growing flowers.
The pink flowers are sprouting so beautifully. A smile crosses her face.
Spring has arrived.
Looking down, she sees Kaito riding his bicycle and exiting the premises. She hasn't spoken to him in a while. Their last conversation crosses her mind. She reckons the way his eyes appeared pensive and his voice, tender... Longing.
As she stands there, lost in her thoughts, her Skype account unexpectedly receives a call. The ID reveals it's Elle, prompting Zoe to rush back to her desk and answer the call eagerly.
"Hi, you, how's it going?" she says merrily.
Zoe's cheerful demeanor fades as she sees Elle's puffy, red eyes. Concerned, she moves her laptop to her bed and lies down on her stomach to be more comfortable. As Elle begins to cry, Zoe's heart sinks, and she gently asks, "Elle, what happened?"
"Zoe, I feel like Connor wants to break up with me," she mutters between sobs. "He's cold and distant. We fight over the smallest things."
"What? But you seemed fine before I left."
YOU ARE READING
The Spring I Met You
Romance"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'...
