WILDLIFE

Chapter 15 : part 1

3rd PoV:

Okami knows she shouldn't be here in the first place but due to her aunt's persuasion to invite Sakura over for a picnic. She doesn't have any choice but to start looking for him at the cafe.

Okami sighs deeply before holding the handle of the door "its ok, you just have to ask where Sakura stays." she tries to encourage herself to take another deep breath and she pushes open the door.

"Good morning." I was greeted only to avoid a flying object my way. "Huh?" since when did teacups fly? I thought to myself and caught it the last second with my arm

"OKAMI?"

Okami POV:

I frowned when i heard his voice. I didn't expect it to be so.... Annoying. I sighed deeply as i entered the cafe.

"Hi kotoha." I passed by umemiya and greeted the woman at the counter. She smiled at my response and accepted the teacup i saved from breaking.

"Hey okami! aren't you going to greet me too?" Umemiya sadly said with puppy eyes as he walked towards me.

I gave him a look that says 'seriously, i don't want to talk to you right now.'

Kotoha let out a sigh "will you please behave for one second." She said, glaring at him.

He responded by slumping on the counter as if he was a melted butter.

Here is your corrected and enhanced version with improved grammar, smoother flow, and more natural dialogue:

"Thanks, Kotoha." I chuckled softly. "I guess he's always been like that. Actually...

I have a favor to ask."

I turned to her, but she was staring at me as if she had just seen something unbelievable.

"Kotoha?" I called out. "Is there something on my face?"

I instinctively touched my cheek, wondering if there was dirt or something smudged across it.

"You smiled," she said quietly.

For a moment, I didn't know how to respond. The air between us grew strangely awkward, and I suddenly became very aware of my own expression.

"Oh... sorry," I said absentmindedly. "I didn't realize it bothered you." I bit the inside of my cheek.

"Oh?... N-no! Hehe... it doesn't bother me at all!" Kotoha frantically waved her hands, her face turning bright red.

"It's just that... I'm surprised. This is the first time I've seen you smile." She gave me a gentle smile. "I'm happy that you're enjoying your time here."

My mouth fell slightly open as I tried to process her words.

Am I healing?

No... that can't be. I thought to myself.

Healing meant moving on. It meant letting the past loosen its grip, letting the memories fade into something dull and distant. But mine were still sharp. Still heavy. They lingered in the quiet moments, in the spaces between breaths.

So why did I smile?

Why did it feel... natural?

My chest tightened.

Kotoha was still looking at me, her eyes soft, unaware of the storm brewing inside my head.

Was I

Enjoying my time here?

the distant laughter from somewhere down the street, the way the wind gently rustled through the open window. For a brief moment, everything felt... lighter.