Garden Bench

October 14th – Kimura Kiyomi

I panicked a little bit and was arguing with myself over whether I should actually go to the bench now as I wasn't really sure Suzuki felt the same way and wanted to talk to me right now. Maybe he wanted to be alone after his grandma had just died, although earlier he didn't seem very sad, he and Sophia probably weren't very close after all. But then I pulled myself together and went out into the garden and sat down on the bench next to Suzuki. I had noticed that he didn't sit in the middle of the bench like you might do when you sit on a bench alone, but off to the left so there was enough space for another person to sit down. Did he wait for someone after all? Did he wait for me even?

I shoved that thought aside as I didn't want to get my hopes up too much. Besides, I did only know this guy for like a week at this point, why did I even feel so strongly about him? But at the same time there was no way I wouldn't take advantage of this situation and try to get closer to him.

After we sat besides each other for a while I dared to look at him for the first time and I could see that he was looking at nothing in particular, he just seemed to be in deep thought. Then he suddenly started talking, which startled me a bit, especially since he didn't sound like his usual robotic self.

“That was quite the day, wasn't it.”

“Oh yes, it was. Sorry it all had to happen on your birthday of all days.”

“That's alright, I really did enjoy our little party today.” When he said that I couldn't help but blush a little bit and I was hoping he wouldn't look at me right now, although the darkness would probably cover for me even in case he did.

“Oh, that was nothing. We did it just for ourselves really. To tease you a little bit.” I didn't know why I was saying that, since whilst it was certainly the truth I felt like I was ruining the moment as well. Maybe I was just too awkward for this kind of thing. Then I suddenly had the urge to ask him something.

“Did you actually have contact with Kento before today?”

“Oh yes, around a year ago he contacted me and we started talking. He is my grandafther and the father of Yuto and my mother. But neither Sophia nor my mother knew about the fact that we talked to each other. But he taught me everything I know about the Kälte and how to fight it.”

That made a lot of sense. Kento was a Moon himself so he would be a natural teacher for Suzuki, just like my mother would be for me. Then I had another thought, I was wondering whether I should even ask it, but I couldn't help but tease Suzuki some more.

“So, your whole robotic personality, was that just you trying to copy Kento and going way overboard with the stoic coolness?” I could actually see him flinch a little bit and I couldn't help but smile as I apparently had hit the nail on the head. That must have been how Reiko felt when she was teasing me. I had to admit, it was quite intoxicating.

“I guess you are right. I never knew how to act around others and Kento seemed to effortlessly cool to me that I wanted to be like him, but I guess I screwed it up.” I looked at him again and he seemed to have slumped down a little bit in his shame. Now I really felt bad and wanted to make it up to him.

“I like you much better when you are like this. If that matters to you.” After I said those words out loud I was blushing like I never had been before. What was I saying? Wasn't that like saying I liked him? As in romantically? I didn't dare look at him now and buried my head in my hands. I felt like I screwed up big time.

“Yeah, it does matter to me.” I didn't expect him to say that. Now I had to look at him and whilst he still was looking into the distance I couldn't help but think that his face was about as red as mine. I didn't really know how to reply, but luckily he kept talking.

“We only know each other for such a short time, but I never felt something like this.” Now was he saying that he liked me romantically? Oh god, I truly wasn't prepared for a situation like this. Even though I admittedly was extremely happy right now and I really hoped that the situation was really what I thought it was and it wasn't all some big misunderstanding on my part.

“It's the same for me,” was all I could reply. Which was the truth. Feeling like this for someone I barely knew had never happened to me before and still it felt like the most natural thing.

“I'm happy to hear that.” The way he said that truly made my heart melt. Why did his words have such an influence on me? But at the same time, I did want his words to have even more influence on me and make me feel happy and reassured every day. Then suddenly I had another idea. Did I really dare ask him something like that? But if now now, when?

“Eh, Suzuki, on Saturday in a week, do you have some time? There is something I would like to show you.” Now my face was red as brick again and I had to bury my head in my hands again, I did just ask him on a date, didn't I. If he said no now I don't think I could ever look at him again.

“Oh, sure. If you don't mind spending more time with me I would love to go along with you.”

In my panicked state it did take me a while to register his words. He did say yes, didn't he. He actually said yes and that he would be happy to go along. I couldn't take this. I was too happy right now.

“Oh, that's great Suzuki. I'm looking forward to it now.”

“So do I.” I finally dared to look at him again and to my surprise he was also looking at me and he was even smiling. This was decidedly too much for my heart to take.

“Eh, I'm going back inside now. Good night.” I jumped up and walked back to the house at a brisk pace. I needed to be alone to process what had just happened. But when I entered the house again I could see Kento sitting at the kitchen table, looking into the distance just like Suzuki had done outside. They really were related. But I could see why Suzuki wanted to emulate him, he had an aura of coolness that was undeniably appealing without coming of as arrogant or aloof. Just the kind of thing that really makes you jealous because you would never ever be as cool as that guy. I guess that's how guys thought about these things? At the same time Suzuki also came back into the house and Kento seemed to notice us and smiled.

“Don't you want to sit down? I wanted to talk to you two alone anyway,” he said and pointed at the chairs opposite to him and so Suzuki and I sat down at the table, wondering what it would be about.