A Feeling About You

CHAPTER 7: The Promise

I chuckle nervously, feeling my cheeks warm. "No, Aiden. Kai isn't my boyfriend, he's a friend who happens to be a boy."

Kai joins in the fun, leaning down to Aiden's level and wagging his eyebrows exaggeratedly. "That's right! Just a friend who happens to be a boy."

Aiden giggles, and I'm relieved that the conversation has taken a lighthearted turn. As we start walking in the same direction together, I notice a familiar figure approaching - Kyong, Kai's little brother. With his messy black hair and large, hazel brown eyes, I can't help but think he looks so much like a miniature version of Kai.

"Hey, Kyong!" Kai greets him, and then turns to me, "Adira, this is my little brother, Kyong."

"Hi, Kyong!" I wave with a friendly smile, my eyes catching the colourful Studio Ghibli buttons on his backpack. "You're a fan of Studio Ghibli too?"

Kyong's face breaks into a wide grin. "Yeah! I love their movies. Spirited Away is my favourite."

Aiden's eyes light up at the sight. "It's one of my favourites too! And Howl's Moving Castle."

"No way!" Kyong exclaims, and just like that, a bond is formed between them, fuelled by their shared love for Ghibli films.

But something in Kyong's gaze shifts as he looks at me closely. He tilts his head slightly, his eyes narrowing in thought. Then, it's as if a lightbulb goes off in his head.

"Wait a minute..." Kyong's voice trails off, and his eyes widen with recognition. "You're Adira, right?"

I'm taken aback, surprised that he remembers my name. "Yes, that's right. How did you...?"

Kyong's grin widens, and he points at me. "I remember you now! You used to play with Kai! And sometimes you'd join us for a game of tag. You're really fast!"

Kai and I exchange a surprised glance, and I chuckle softly. I'm glad Kyong still remembers me. "Wow, Kyong, you have a great memory! You were only three-years-old."

Kyong nods enthusiastically. "Yeah, I have a good memory for faces. It's nice to see you again, Adira!"

As Kyong and Aiden continue to chat animatedly about Ghibli films, I can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. It's heartwarming to see how Kyong remembers those moments we spent together when we were all younger. The memory brings back a flood of emotions, and I glance at Kai, who's watching the interaction with a fond smile.

As we walk together, basking in the easy camaraderie of the moment, I can't help but feel a renewed sense of connection - not just with Kai, but with Kyong too.

As we reach a point where we're about to part ways, Kai's fingers lightly grasp my arm, stopping me. I turn to him, surprised by the sudden pause.

"Adira, wait," he says, his voice warm but slightly hesitant.

I look at him, a question in my eyes.

"I just realized something," Kai continues, a sheepish grin on his face. "We've been catching up and having a great time, but I don't actually have a way to contact you. I mean, we're going to see each other at school, but what if we want to talk or hang out outside of that?"

I feel my cheeks heat up, realizing he's right. Other than Elena and Daichi, I haven't had anyone else on my phone's contacts list.

Kai's gaze softens, his expression sincere. "So, Adira, would you mind giving me your number?"

Flustered, I fumble for my phone and manage to type my number into his phone. Our fingers brush briefly as I hand it back to him, and my heart skips a beat. It's such a simple exchange, but it feels significant somehow.

"Thanks," he says with a warm smile, his fingers still lingering on the screen.

"Sure," I manage to say, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement.

As we bid each other goodbye and turn to leave, I can't help but think about the promise we made as children. Back then, it was a childlike pact, a hopeful wish that felt almost unreal. But now, with our numbers exchanged, that promise feels a little more tangible, a little more real.

I wonder... if these memories are just as vivid for Kai as they are for me. Back when we were just children, he once confessed his feelings to me by the ravine near our local park. I remember it clearly. We laughed, shared stories, and talked about our dreams. And as the sun began to set, we made a promise. We agreed to stay friends, acknowledging that we were only kids. But we also made a pact that in five years, if we both felt the same way, I would accept his feelings. Those five years are long past now, and it's like a wave of nostalgia washing over me. Will the promise we made as children still hold weight in our hearts today? Only time will tell.