One last try...

Right next morning they met in front of Himaris house. It's safe to say that Mayumi wasn't really keen on going around and interupting random people, so she already planned to just follow Himari around and write down answers they will hopefully get. 

After about 5 minutes Himari rushed out, wearing yellow jacket, green pants and red hat, which were the clothes they settled on. It looked a bit silly, but if one of them got lost, they will easily find each other.

„Hey! Did you wait for long?“

Himaris cheerful voice rang through the neighborhood, causing Mayumi to blush slightly, but she quickly pushed it away and shook her head.

„No not at all.“

She couldn't understand. Yesterdays events were still fresh in her mind, the way Himari stood up for her... And she had to admit, the way she was always smiling was almost cute... No! What is she thinking?! She mentally cursed herself for feeling like this after one silly gesture. But before she could think more about it, Himari grabbed her and began walking, which of course didn't help Mayumis confused feelings, but she let it be. For now...

They came to school where their teacher gave them some rules and sent them into the city to officialy begin their project. It was a cold, windy february morning. Snow was replaced with rain and in general it definitely wasn't the weather for interviewing random people. But it's not like anyone cared, so they just scattered into the city, every group in their respective territory. 

Our two girls walked down Main Street, Himari taking the iniciative to ask questions and stop random people while Mayumi just followed her around like a lost puppy... When the rain grew worse, they hid into a nearby café. Sitting by a window, sipping hot chocolate, Himari looked over at Mayumi who was avoiding eye contact, her cheeks red from the cold. Their eyes met for a brief moment and Himari couldn't help, but smile warmly.

So cute!

She thought before she realized what she just admitted to herself. Her cheeks grew red and she quickly focused on her own hot chocolate.

What am I thinking! We are just friends, nothing more!

Himari sighed and looked up at sky, small smile on her lips.

„Friends huh..“

Mayumi looked up at her, tilting her head to side.

„What about friends?“

Himari froze, her cheeks heating up at rapid speed. Did she say that out loud?! Desperate, she tryed to compose herself and stammer out a response.

„I-I.. I just- You know I- uhm...“

Her world began to spin, her brain refusing to cooperate. What's going on! All she is suposed to say is that she thought about them as friends. So why couldn't she get the words out? But her racing thoughts were interupted by laughter. Her head snapped towards the sound only to be met by Mayumis smiling face. Her heart skipped a beat and she found herself lost in the melodic sound. The sight of Mayumi, usually so cold and distant, finally showing other emotions was surprisingly welcoming... Himari soon found herself joining in, both of them laughing, not even sure what about.

Once it stopped raining they continued their mission in lighthearted atmosphere. Mayumi couldn't remember the last time she felt so relaxed with someone. She felt the walls she build around her heart slowly fall down, but somewhere in the back of her mind she still clinged to her decision not to get hurt again. 

They finnished around 12 and returned back to school. After they gave report, they were allowed to go home. The rest of the day was a big blur, but eventually, Mayumi decided. Maybe it's time to leave past behind and finally move forward. She was scared to trust someone again, but she can give it a shot. She has nothing to loose anyway.

She got up from her bed and looked out the window, seeing straight into Himaris room. Tomorow... Tomorow she will start a conversation and invite Himari over..

Note from the author: This chapter is shorter due to little time I have. Also, I was never in a relationship or love in general, so please take what I wrote with a reserve, thank you!