Mute

45 | Again

I blinked up at Shouto, surprise flashing across my face. I hadnt expected to see him, especially not waiting at the school gate like we were still together.

"Hey, Emiko, we can walk you home if you'd like." Kazumi murmured. They all nodded and I flashed a small smile at them.

I showed them a paper a second later. "I'll be fine, he just wants to talk."

"You sure?" Shiro shot him a look and I nodded, writing some more.

"Positive, I'll see you guys tomorrow?"

"Yeah."

Hikaru kissed my cheek playfully. "Yep! Bye Emi!"

Kazumi simply patted my head and flashed a tiny smile. Shiro and Daichi waved to me. Hitashi and Todoshi waited a second longer, whispering goodbye before walking away. I shifted uncomfortably, looking at anything but Shouto.

He broke the silence first. "I'll walk you home."

I nodded and we began walking. I waited for him to talk, I knew he wanted to. Neither of us said a word for most of the walk though.

"I missed you."

I kept my gaze on the sidewalk. "I missed you too." I whispered.

"You looked happy, at the mall. I didn't realize you had so many friends."

I shook my head. "They were Shiros, but I think we're friends now."

Shouto nodded and we were silent for a little longer. "Emiko, if I formally apologized, would you give me a second chance?"

I hesitated and he pressed on. "I love you, and I don't think I'll stop loving you. I understand you were angry at my actions, and I can now understand why."

I glanced up at him. I really did miss him, but I wasn't sure how to proceed. "It, it wasn't just that you did it. It was that you did it to my friend." I spoke carefully, turning my gaze to the sidewalk so I wouldn't trip. "And you thought I wouldn't find out."

"I know, it was stupid. I was stupid."

I relaxed slightly. "Just, promise not to do it again?" I smiled shyly and he visibly relaxed.

"I promise." I nodded and turned my gaze back to the sidewalk, leaning into his side as he laced our fingers together. It felt normal again, the world felt good again.