Love ya!

Kanako woke up the next day with less motivation than before. Yesterday's incident is affecting his every aspect of life. Today, he wasn't feeling motivated to go to school, which is rare.

"What is happening to me?" He looked at his arms the first thing after he woke up. Usually he is excited to go to school, because he could meet up with her, but the sudden distance she has created has saddened him a bit, though he knows she isn't at fault here.

Half asleep, he went downstairs to the bathroom to freshen up. His mother was making breakfast. The sizzling of the food that she was preparing could be heard from all over the down floor, not to mention the aroma. But that couldn't help Kanako with his motivation.

"Is something wrong? You look down." Kanako's mother asked him as she put down the dishes in front of him at the dinner table.

Kanako sat after coming out of the bathroom. "It's no big deal."

"You don't seem to be in a good mood though? Usually you are so energetic... did something happen? Maybe at the cultural festival?"

Kanko didn't reply. He bit down his part of food and chewed it slowly, looking down deep in thought. His mother sat in front of him, still wearing the apron. "Hey mom... if a friend of yours were to push you away for some reason you don't know, what would you do?"

His mom opened her lips and froze before smiling softly. "Let me see... that is a good question."

Kanako took another bite in his toast. "I think the first thing I would do is give them just enough space to breathe but not detach from them completely?"

"So you would talk to them even if she pushes you away?"

"Yeah?" His mother leaned forward. "She is my friend. If she is hurt by me or someone else and had to push me away, tell me first! I will decide if your reason is worthy enough for you to push me away! I will confront them as many times as I have to. Friendships are very precious, you know?"

"I guess." Kanako avoided eye contact. He was trying not to, but he felt blood rushing to his cheeks.

Her mom smiled. "I see... so this is what's all about..." she mumbled.

"Thanks mom." He said after finishing his last bite. His school bag was beside his chair and he was wearing his school uniform before he sat down to eat.

"Love ya!" He said as he dashed out with new motivation. He had to confront her with her problems. She can't just push him away like that.

The morning sun beamed sideways, radiating less heat than before. The atmosphere was foggy as he jogged down the empty roads. It was cool, but he felt winter is approaching...