Seth and Zoe officially let go of each other during that call. Consequently, they stop messaging each other every day.
It isn't easy. Zoe is used to texting Seth as soon as she wakes up and before she goes to bed, and she also finds herself browsing their old photos. She smiles bitterly, then quickly gives herself a pep talk to fight the torrent of emotions that rises in her throat.
Though it still hurts, she understands that they both need space to figure out themselves, especially Seth. She only wants to make things lighter for him as an old friend.
Because even though things can't go back to the way it was before in a blink of an eye, she sincerely trusts that what they used to have will bloom into a genuine and stronger friendship—even stronger than before, no matter how slow.
One day at a time.
Lately, Zoe's time and energy have been devoted to singing practices and studying. The university festival is next week, so members of the music club have been practicing nonstop. On the first day, Kaito and Zoe will be playing after lunchtime for one hour, and another performance is set from 5 PM to 6 PM.
Kaito notices that Zoe is more relaxed and undistracted during rehearsals. He also notices that she's never worn the necklace again.
As much as he wants to ask her, he chooses to keep it to himself. Maybe it broke. Maybe it irritated her skin. He shouldn't jump to conclusions.
The Friday before the festival, the music club members, except Zoe and Kaito, pack up and leave the club room around 6 PM.
When Zoe returns from buying drinks at the co-op, Kaito is playing the piano, his facial expression solemn yet carefree. She leans on the door, arms crossed, and stares at him from afar. She ponders why Kaito isn't a music major. He loves music, and he is brilliant at it.
And he looks really handsome when he's playing music...
She suddenly recalls what he told everyone when they were at Zushi. She winces and then heaves a sigh.
Kaito stops pressing the piano keys and lifts his gaze, squinting at her. "Why are you just standing there? Come here."
She marches toward him, and he scoots over to let her sit.
"Here you go."
Zoe hands a bottle of water to Kaito and occupies the spot next to him. He takes it with a grateful grin.
"What other instruments can you play?" she asks, pressing a key.
"The violin."
Zoe beams. "That's impressive. Did you take classes?"
Kaito shakes his head and takes a sip.
"I taught myself. We have a neighbor who owns a music store. He lent me his old stuff."
Zoe gapes. "You're amazing."
Kaito reddens, threading a hand through his hair. "It's the only thing I'm good at."
"At least there's something you're good at," Zoe comments. "I don't think I have anything like that. I do have good grades, but I don't even have a passion for anything else. I also have mediocre looks, so I'm—"
"You don't look mediocre to me," Kaito interrupts.
Zoe flinches. "Well... Thanks."
She clears her throat, her pulse racing.
"Anyway, it's nice to know that you can do something you like... Don't you regret that you didn't pursue music?"
"It won't pay the bills."
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'...
