They cycle to a nearby ramen store close to the municipal hall. It's bright, a little narrow, yet clean and has a pleasant ambience. On the white walls, four silk fans with intricate designs are displayed, adding to the traditional atmosphere. The scent of broth fills the air, making Zoe's stomach grumble with anticipation. They take their seats near the wooden sliding door.
"How's your Japanese going?"
"It's fine. I just want to pass," Zoe responds, pouring water for the two of them. "How about you? How are your classes?"
"We only have paper works," Kaito says, propping his chin on his fist. "It's amazing, isn't it? They don't require exams. You just need to attend classes and pass your papers. "
"Yeah, I have this one class that only requires a take-home exam. I'm quite nervous about how my grades will turn out."
Kaito smirks. "Relax. You'll either get an A or A+. Todai Professors are lax for a top university."
Zoe nods giddily. Good academic performance brings her happiness and reassurance, especially knowing that it will also please her parents, possibly making them forget the initial reluctance they had when she asked them to send her to this exchange program.
Their bowls of ramen arrive. They smell amazing. Zoe quickly gobbles down hers.
"You might choke," says Kaito, handing her paper towels. "Wipe your face."
Zoe takes them from his fingers and removes the stain on her lips.
"Thanks. You're really like an onii-chan," she mumbles, chewing. "I'm an only child, but if I did have a brother, it would have been amazing if he were like you."
Kaito pauses for a bit, trying to fight the queasy feeling her words gave him. He has always disliked being called the onii-chan of the gang but hearing it from Zoe irks him more. He dismisses the thought. He wants to look at her as if she were Nanako anyway. It shouldn't bother him.
"You're so attentive to the needs of other people," Zoe adds cheerfully, then she stops.
Kaito swallows a big chunk of noodles. "What?"
"Um. I'm really sorry for doubting your intentions before. You see, I've never really had male friends. I'm also quite unsure about how to distinguish flirting from mere politeness. But now I get it. You're a gentleman. Quite mysterious, but a true gentleman."
Kaito half-smiles. "If you put it that way, then thanks."
Zoe sips her cup of tea.
"But seriously. You should be careful about being too nice. You might give other girls the wrong impression. I was just dumb, but you don't want it to happen again, do you?"
Kaito pokes his tongue on his cheek.
"Kaito?"
He meets Zoe's gaze.
"Yeah, you're right," he replies in a low tone. "It can't happen again."
Zoe shrugs her shoulders. "It's just a piece of advice."
Kaito chuckles. "You're extra chatty tonight."
She smiles. A noodle is visibly stuck between her two front teeth. "I don't know why, but every day, I get comfortable with you. I want you to be comfortable with me, too. You can tell me anything."
Kaito hands her paper towels again. "You have something between your teeth."
Zoe removes the food from her teeth, then she grins at Kaito. He inspects her mouth.
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'...
