The Long Way to the Sweets Shop

By the time classes ended, Saya was already waiting by the door. Looking like an excited puppy, I could see that she might have rushed to the door as soon as classes ended. I did a quick wave at her, and she responded in kind. As I was swapping out my indoor shoes, I could see her gaze turning to the outside sun. Light reflected off her school uniform, and I took some relief from it as I had been driven into a freeze because of the cold gusts inside the classroom.

As we walked out of the school gate, I could see many students still giving it their all in their athletics club. They looked focused, at least most of them, as they focus on a singular goal. Be it the inter school racing events, doing good in the school festivals. I feel a bit secluded out, considering my goals haven't been loafty all throughtout my life. I take a good glance at the baskbetball club, which felt especially well knit and friendly from outside, giving me a gentle sooth.

Walking out the gate I noticed my pace, which I always felt was a bit too fast, but weirdly Saya was able to keep up with me. I could feel her slight forced breaths, and I slightly loosened my pace so as to better match hers. It would be good to strike up some conversations, given the long distance we had yet to cover.

"So, how was your day?" I use the good ol' starter, although I was slightly curious about that.

"Nothing much, just your plain old regular day of boring lectures. I had already wrapped up on those a month ago, but it was a good refresher you could say"

"Wow, this isn't even the exam period. Why are you so studious already?" Personally, I could not be bothered to go for those books even if it was exam season.

"Oh, I just think about the future sometimes and ... Never mind"

Hmm? Why did she just cut short herself like that? It's always like a labyrinth to decipher what this girl is thinking, and getting lost in it is another kind of fun. If only she can voice out her feelings more concretely... actually never mind, that in itself was another curveball.

Suddenly, I felt some warmth on my left hand. As I looked to see what had graced me with its warmth in such harsh cold, I could see Saya's hand clasping mine in a close embrace. Wow, that was a first. As I was wondering what brought this forth, I took a look at her face which was burning red with a bizarre fierceness. Maybe it took all her courage for her to do that, so I carefully clutched her hand tighter, just to let her know it's fine. I could see a gentle smile creep on that beautiful, well-formed face which, in turn, made me lighten up as well.

Taking our own sweet time, dwelling under the gentle, warm sun, we proceeded to the next place where we could enjoy some more sweets.