The gang picks Kamakura and Zushi for Golden Week. Marie and Jesse insist on visiting the Great Buddha in Kamakura, which Taylor strongly opposes but can't win. Afterward, they'll hop on the train to Zushi to see a movie festival at the beach.
Looking forward to something is a distraction, helping Zoe a great deal. Maybe it is the right thing to do. To let things be. She won't make up dramatic scenarios in her head because they only make her feel lonely. She'll wait for Elle. For Seth.
She trusts that they also value their friendship like her.
Standing at the platform of Komaba-Todaimae station with Kaito, awaiting their train to Kichijoji, Zoe's puffy eyes do not go unnoticed.
"Are you feeling any better?" Kaito asks, a hint of concern in his voice.
"Yes. Thanks, Kaito," she sighs. "I'm so stupid to dwell on it when I only have limited amount of time to spend with everyone."
"It's only been a few days."
"A lot of things can happen in a few days."
Kaito pokes his tongue on his cheek. "Don't fret. You can still make up for it."
"I know," she replies, smiling wryly. "It's just that... I can't help but think about home, even when I'm here. Don't get me wrong, I love it here, and being with all of you is incredible. But, at the end of the day, a small part of me always wonders if I made the right decision."
"You just said that you love it here."
"Yeah?"
"So you made the right decision. You should choose what makes you happy. You're privileged enough to do that."
"Privileged?"
"Not everyone has the option to be happy, Zoe. Most people settle with what they have."
Zoe tilts her head to the side. "Like who...?"
Kaito simply grins at her.
"I guess I should know better. You're right. I am a privileged brat."
He shakes his head. "I didn't say you're a brat. In any case, don't let other things hold you back. Live."
She knits her eyebrows, seeking clarity. "Are you telling me to break up with Seth?"
"No, that's not what I mean, why would I..." Kaito clears his throat then scratches his right temple.
"What I mean is if Seth needs time, then give him time. Don't mope around and let him drag you along with whatever issues he's dealing with. You're your own person."
I'm my own person, she repeats in her mind. It was what Seth told her, too. That he became scared because she was changing.
"Okay, okay. Thanks for the pep talk, Kaito. I know you're getting sick of me saying either 'I'm sorry' or 'thanks', but you've been an amazing friend. Sometimes, I feel bad for unloading my issues to you."
He just smirks, amused at himself. Zoe leers at him.
"You're not secretly regretting that you helped me before, right? I mean, on my first day..."
Kaito's response is clear and straightforward. "Nope."
"Do you think I'm too dependent on you?"
"No, you're not. You haven't burdened me with anything. We're friends, alright?"
Gratitude wells up inside her.
"Great," she answers, grinning. "This exchange program has been so fun because I got to know you and the others. You're right. I shouldn't be sulking. We have finite time to make memories."
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'...
