Three hours later, when they are all full and tired of talking about the most random things, they decide to call it a day. Jesse carefully folds her blanket, signaling the end of their relaxing time, while the others diligently gather and dispose of any remaining trash in the park.
The sun dips below the horizon, and many families have already bid their farewells and headed home. After the group finishes cleaning up, they leave the park. Kaito and Zoe need to retrieve their bicycles from the parking lot, so they walk with the group to the intersection leading to Kichijoji station.
With Marie's observation bothering him, Kaito remembers the moment he watched Zoe at that exact crossing.
Did I do the right thing? he wonders.
"We'll see you guys tomorrow," Jesse says.
"Bye everyone, be careful on your way home," Zoe says, waving her hand.
Marie and the others also bid goodbye before crossing the street. She and Kaito walk to the parking lot.
Kaito is unusually quiet. Granted, he's always been somewhat enigmatic, but this time, his demeanor feels cold and distant, leaving Zoe perplexed. She searches her memory for any possible reason for his change in behavior, but nothing comes to mind.
He avoided sitting beside her, and he didn't look or speak to her the entire Hanami, except when she asked him about his birthday. She wants to ask him if he's okay. She wants to offer him help like he's always done for her but knowing Kaito, it's less likely for him to admit anything. She fears that he'll only shut her out.
Meanwhile, what Marie had said lingers in Kaito's head. He tries to avert his gaze from Zoe as much as possible, and he also keeps his mouth shut the entire ride home. He plans to tell her that he's just tired if she asks.
To his relief, Zoe doesn't press him for answers. Although she steals glances at him, she respects his silence, not wanting to intrude on whatever he might be going through.
They reach the front gates of the international residence.
Without looking at her, Kaito says, "I'm going in. Good night."
"Uh, okay. Good night."
And then he cycles away in a rush.
Zoe wanted to talk, but Kaito obviously didn't feel like it, frustrating her that she couldn't be helpful. He's been there for her ever since the start of the program, so she wishes to be the same.
Still, she doesn't want to pry.
******
Kaito parks his bicycle and climbs up to his room, a heavy feeling creeping in his chest. He hangs his jacket on the desk chair then collapses on the floor, legs crossed.
What Marie had said shouldn't trouble him, but it does. This newfound unease makes him question his recent actions towards Zoe – this isn't like him.
Zoe cares too much about what people think of her, so his distant attitude during the Hanami and the ride home might have made her anxious.
His stomach hardens.
Though less likely because Zoe is sensitive, he hopes that she didn't notice.
Kaito grabs his wallet out of his pocket and flips it open. He stares at a worn-out photo of him and his sister--the only memento of her that he was able to save.
At the tender ages of nine and six, Kaito and Nanako experienced their parents' separation, an event that forever altered the course of their lives. While their mother returned to Japan with Nanako, Kaito's father remained in the Philippines with him. Her mother filed for divorce soon after, and Kaito never saw them again.
YOU ARE READING
The Spring I Met You
Storie d'amore"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'...
