Familiarity

Sleep doesn't come easy as Kagari lies down. He wakes up tired in the middle of the day.

Whatever happened last night, it feels like a bad dream. That girl... Sakura. I bet it's not her real name. Trying to steal from a helping hand is unforgivable.

He starts his day by pouring milk in a bowl, tossing in cereal, as his mom's getting ready for work.

"Kagari! Is Sakura coming over tonight?"

Sigh. "No, mom. I think I should ghost her."

Emika's head pops out the hallway. "Why? She seemed very sweet."

"Bittersweet."

"Huh?"

"Nothing. We didn't really click."

"I thought the opposite. You sure she's not coming?"

"Why do you care so much?"

"I'm your mother, of course I care. It's not that. A colleague asked me over for a party, and I'm not in the mood, but... I can go if you want the house to yourself."

"Mom, seriously, it's not what you think. You don't have to."

"Give me a call if you change your mind."

Sigh. "Okay. Love you."

"Love you too, bye."

Some time later, a message pops up on Kagari's phone.

Has to be mom.

As he checks the notification... Unknown number? Has to be a scammer.

He's curious and opens it up.

Hey, it's me. I'm sorry for what happened. I promise it's not what you think. Can I come over and have a talk?

Shit, it's gotta be her.

Why do you have my number?

She replies in a flash. Lady's secret. Your answer?

Am I overthinking things? Did I judge her too quickly? Man... what the hell am I doing?

Come.

KNOCK! KNOCK!

Who the hell...

"It's me!"

He walks to the door and opens it. They stare at each other silently.

"Uhm..."

"Why were you at my door?"

"I had faith in you."

He chuckles. "Still bullshitting? Come in, weirdo."

She steps in.

"I brought your jacket."

"I told you I don't want it back."

"Is this a confession or something?"

"I don't like throwing stuff away. You know, gotta give it to the needy and all that."

She hands him the jacket. "Take it."

"No."

She sighs and starts walking toward the sofa. "Look, I know we started on the wrong foot, but I sense chemistry between us. Last night... forget about it. That's not me."

She's so... direct.

Sakura sits down, and Kagari follows. "I fed you. You showered here. Wore my clothes. Got warm... Don't play the tough guy now."

She chuckles. "Thank you for your help. But I didn't need it. I came here because you seemed interesting."

"How often do you do shit like this?"

She gives him a push. "It's not like that! I just felt it in that moment."

"Why were you there to begin with, no money and all? Oh, right. You asked me for cash, too."

"I did have money. That was just a front."

"You're full of surprises. Why were you drenched in rain water?"

"I love walks on nights like that. I don't mind being wet. That's the point."

Just like me.

"The necklace."

"What?"

"Lights off, sneaking around. Necklace in hand. Explain that."

A small pause. She bites her lip, glances away like she's embarrassed, then meets his eyes again.

"I... wasn't looking for the necklace."

Kagari raises an eyebrow.

"I came back to your room because I wanted to wake you. Talk more. Maybe... see if you'd kiss me or something." She shrugs, a shy half-smile. "Stupid, I know. But when I saw you sleeping, I panicked. Grabbed the first thing I touched so I could pretend I was just borrowing it if you woke up."

She leans forward slightly. "I told you... you're interesting. I didn't want the night to end like that."

Where is this coming from? Borrowing a necklace? Is she stupid? It doesn't make any sense.

Kagari pulls back and clears his throat. "'l'll let it go, but I don't want us getting too close. I'll take the jacket, and I won't hold a grudge. That's it."

Sakura's eyes dart to Kagari's neck. He looks down to his necklace.

"You're seriously eyeing it? Right now?"

They lock eyes. "Can I hold it?"

"And run?"

"I wanna know why it's important to you."

"Aaand we're getting too close."

"Please."

After a short contemplation, he sighs and gives in. Since when am I such a pushover?

He unclips the necklace, chain dangling from his fingers, and holds it out.

Sakura’s hand starts toward it, eyes fixed on the crystal.

Then, her phone buzzes.

She flinches like it burned her. Glances at the screen. Her face tightens for a split second.

"Sorry... I have to take this."

She stands quickly, and steps toward the hallway.

Kagari watches her go, the necklace still in his hand. The warmth drains out of the room faster than the rain outside.

Through the thin wall, her voice is low, clipped. Too low to make out words, but the tone is wrong. Urgent. Annoyed. Nothing like the playful girl on the couch a minute ago.

He sits there, chain coiled in his palm. What the hell was I doing?

She comes back a minute later, with a smile that seems forced.

"Sorry about that. Wrong timing, huh?"

Kagari doesn’t smile back.

"Yeah."

He clips the necklace on again.

"I think you should go."

Her eyes flicker. Surprise? Frustration? Still, she nods.

"Okay. If that’s what you want."

They both head to the door.

At the threshold she pauses.

"See you soon?"

The door clicks shut.