Sweet Enchantment

That Girl, Credulous

Icy, heavy raindrops deluged and chilled my bones.

Looking up, I saw an argentine sky filled with rainclouds.

I sprinted as fast as I can while I searched for a place to cover me from the sudden rain. Squinting my eyes, I saw a small waiting shed along an almost empty road and dove for it.

Thinking I’ll take shelter here for a bit, I sat down and laid my school bag next to me. I really am an idiot for not bringing an umbrella when it’s rainy season.

Glacial winds bit my exposed skin, making me shiver. As I struggle to keep myself warm, my thoughts wandered to Quen. What is he doing right now?

Then I heard a crunching sound.

My eyes searched for the source, then it landed to Quen, as if my thoughts summoned him here, sitting on the opposite side of the bench. I felt instantly warm by his presence. Why didn’t I notice him earlier? Amber you’re so stupid!

I consciously flattened my still drenched uniform. Palms sweating, I wiped them on my lap. Suddenly, I’m immune to the flurry still unfolding.

When I looked again he was looking at me too. He nodded, probably in recognition or silent greeting and I repeated the gesture.

I was about to retreat to the awkward silence earlier when he spoke.

“It’s… Pouring all of a sudden huh.”

 “…Yeah,” I mumbled.

Still beet red, I looked down. I could have come up with a better reply than ‘yeah’… I don’t dislike Quen, but why do I feel so nervous? It’s kind of…

As if I like…

I suddenly stood straight and squared my shoulders. Wait! No way. Me?! It can’t be, I thought to myself. I mean, how embarrassing!

When I took a quick peek, Quen is looking at me like I’m some sort of a circus freak. Panicked, I tried to start some conversation. My hands flew to my pocket and I felt something. When I took it out it turned out to be the Fair Ticket distributed by our school.

Fair Day happens annually where every section builds their own booth that offers a wide range of excitement for visitors. Games and different consequences are prepared.

“Are you going to the festival?!” I abruptly asked but I didn’t make eye contact, I stared straight ahead to the pouring rain still not slowing down.

“Huh…?” he dumbly asked, bewildered if I was talking to him.

My cheeks glowed red again. Did that sound like I was inviting him?! How humiliating! We’re not that close… yet.

“I wonder if Jeanne and Keiko are going… I’ll have to ask them later,” shakily I followed up. Such a lame excuse! I wonder what he thought I meant….

“You can use this if you want.”

He placed something on my head. When I looked up with my eyes…

“Uh… P.E. Uniform?” I asked, holding it up.

“Use it to wipe dry with, so you don’t catch a cold,” he spoke. “Oh, and don’t worry I haven’t used that one…”

I began to dry my black hair with it.

“…More than once” he added.

“WHAT?! Then you have used it!” I exclaimed.

He laughed as I stare in wonder. Quen, who is normally quiet and aloof, made a cute, mischievous laugh.

“Whatever, I’ll use it.” Smiling inside, I quietly muttered. “Thank you.”