A Meteor and a Flower

Prologue

After the enjoyment that they had at the festival, they decided to unwind at the bridge near the river. They were finishing their candy apples and laughing at each other while they went there.

"I didn't know it was this much fun here on the countryside. I never knew much about life aside from the four walls of my room," Ryusei said, finishing up his candy apple.

Airi replied, "I'm glad that you feel that way. This place is very wonderful; it makes you feel at home. And I'm glad that you have come to terms with yourself. It seems that you only needed a certain person for you to release that negative feelings from inside of you."

"I'm glad that person is you, Airi. I told myself not to trust anyone anymore, but you made me realize that I was just scared that my trust will be broken again. But now I'm willing to take second chances."

He continued, "So uhm... Airi, I have a question for you. I know that we haven't known each other for so long, but I've been so comfortable around you. It makes me feel blessed to be this happy again. So... uhm..." Ryusei hesitated to continue with his question.

There was an awkward silence between the two of them, aside from the buzzing of the fireflies and the bursting heartbeat of Ryusei. Airi just stood, waiting, smiling as if she already has an idea of what was to come.

"So... what I'm trying to say is..." Ryusei stuttered.

"Yes?"

"W-will you go out with me?" 

He then closed his eyes, waiting for the expected rejection from Airi.

Of course there is no way that Airi will say yes, he thought, given that we only know each other for more than two months. But I'm willing to risk this, if this is the only way that I can hold on to this happiness. Other ideas kept swirling around his mind as he awaits Airi's answer.

Then, the silence was finally broken with a faint laugh. It was a happy laugh from Airi. He had then come to a conclusion that it was a pointless question to ask. Facing the situation, he opened his eyes and saw Airi smiling at him. And then she answered him,

"Yes."