Winter Affection

Chapter 1: Surprised reunion

Hisori's POV:

''Ah.. it's already been 8 years since I last saw my crush..'' He was my neighbor and also my childhood friend. We separated after middle school suddenly, as he left without a word. We are now 3rd years in high school and I have never had a crush on anyone else and only thinking about that one person.

One day as I was heading home after club practice, I noticed the gate to Ryo, my crush's house was open so I was curious and peeped in. ''Ojamashimasu..'' I felt my heart beating fast as I saw a familiar back which I have seen when I was little. It was the same back which has been protecting me when I was little.

Instantly, I called out ''Ryo! You're back! Why haven't you contacted me?!'' I cried, as I have dearly missed that voice and warm hand of his.

Ryo's POV:

I haven't came back ever since I left 8 years ago to further my studies in America leaving Hisori who I treasured a lot, whom I have been protecting constantly in the past. I was surprised to see her standing at my gate soon after I reached home from the airport. I stared at her for a while, she became prettier ever since I left her, her beautiful caramel-colored hair and the glittery light brown eyes that I was staring deeply into.

''I'm back Hisori, I'm sorry I couldn't contact you. I've lost all my contacts.'' I was afraid that she has forgotten me all this time..

''But I'm glad to see you again after this whole period of time'', I said, gently patting her head as she cried.

Hisori POV:

It is already evening when I calmed down, I stayed at Ryo's house talking about what happened as if trying to mend the 8 years we have lost together the whole time.

''Ryo, what did you do over in America? Did you make lots of friends? Was it tough to be in an American school? How about communication?...'' I was totally flustered as I had many things on my mind I wanted to say.

''Hang on Hisori! I can't answer that many questions in one go.''

''I'm sorry.. I- I was just curious how you spent the last 8 years over there.'' I was afraid that Ryo would be angry at me.

Despite that, Ryo comforted me with his kind words.. ''It's okay just let me explain to you slowly.''

''Um Ryo?'' There was one more thing that I have on my mind. ''When are you going back to America?''

''Well I'm only back for winter break and New Years so I guess only for a month?''

I was shocked thinking that Ryo would remain in Japan since he's already been gone for 8 years for his studies. Without knowing, tears were falling non-stop... I didn't expect him to leave again so soon.

Ryo's POV:

Hisori hasn't forgotten me.. I was happy the fact that she was thinking about me this whole time and that I would still be able to talk to her just like we did in the past. However, I know that this wouldn't last long. I knew she would cry hearing that I would be gone again especially since we have always been together in everything we did when we were young. I love her but I believe that it's only a one-sided love, she definitely sees me only as her closest childhood friend, was what I thought.

The time just passed with us chatting the whole day. I wonder if one day I will be able to tell her my feelings. I don't want to leave her again, but I have no choice.