Reasons

Friday had finally arrived, heralding a perceptible shift in the atmosphere as the temperature plummeted by about thirty degrees. Thick jackets and cozy hats became the attire of choice for everyone, a collective defense against the piercing cold. During my walk to school, each exhalation formed a visible mist, a testament to winter's embrace.

At the restaurant where I worked, an influx of visitors became apparent due to the weather, resulting in longer hours spent there before heading home. The jacket Aika had gifted me for my birthday proved to be a lifesaver, effectively warding off the freezing temperatures compared to my previous inadequate coat.

Mornings now greeted me with an involuntary shiver as I emerged from my bed. I made it a point to provide Sakura and Kaito with warm meals and snug clothing. Fortunately, the snow Mr. Izumiya had predicted hadn't materialized yet. As a result, Yujiro, Ayumi, and I were prepared for the upcoming night's expedition.

As darkness descended, I had finished packing my belongings and was on the brink of completing the dishes. Upon entering the living room, I found both Sakura and Kaito nestled under a blanket, captivated by the television.

"Are you guys feeling warm enough?" I inquired, settling beside them, drawing my knees close to my body. Sakura responded with an affirming nod, her smile radiating comfort.

"We're warm," she confirmed, her smile directed at me.

Satisfied, I returned the smile. "Good. Tomorrow, I'll be setting off around six in the evening," I shared, providing a heads-up for my impending departure. "Aika might drop by if she can evade her parents' assignments," I quipped, the playful reference to Aika's penchant for procrastination.

"Enjoy yourself there," Sakura chimed in with a light tone.

"I will," I assured, the anticipation of the trip palpable in my words. Turning my attention to Kaito and Sakura, I adopted a more serious tone. "You two, stay out of trouble, alright?"

"Don't worry. We'll be fine." Kaito confidently smirked. I acknowledged his assurance with a nod, the unspoken trust binding our trio.

The subsequent day, having wrapped up my lunch preparations and dishwashing, I embarked on the journey. Both Sakura and Kaito insisted I leave early, ostensibly for relaxation, though it wasn't lost on me that they relished the prospect of having the house to themselves.

At Katomi station, my gaze fixated on the window, capturing the picturesque scenery outside. The train journey unveiled a serene river, its tranquil flow juxtaposed against the winter's frost, painting a serene picture. It was as if time had slowed to a standstill in response to the cold's embrace.

Upon the train's arrival at the station, I disembarked, quickly comprehending Mr. Izumiya's observations about the weather. Despite the warmth, a persistent breeze rustled through the air, a testament to winter's presence.

Seeking a place to sit, my eyes landed on Ayumi, stationed beside a pole, holding a drink. The emptiness around her indicated that nobody else had arrived yet. Memories of our initial meeting resurfaced, prompting a slight shake of my head before I made my way toward her.

"You're here early," I greeted, a smile curving my lips as I approached her. Ayumi turned her head, her surprise was evident in her expression.

"Hey, Haruki," she replied, a smile of her own accompanying her greeting.

"Have you been waiting here for a while?" I asked, positioning myself next to her.

"Just a few minutes," she disclosed, indicating the brief period of time she'd spent waiting. "No one else has shown up."

Offering reassurance, I remarked, "We still have a few minutes before the others arrive." Ayumi adjusted her posture, her arms finding a comfortable resting place behind her. "The quiet here is rather soothing, though. Not much noise," she added, to which I nodded in agreement.

The sentiment resonated with me, prompting me to share my own thoughts. "It's a unique pleasure to be outdoors together in winter," I acknowledged, capturing the tranquility of the moment. However, my introspective thoughts were interrupted by an internal chastisement.

"Seriously! What's been going on with me? Control your emotions, Haruki," I admonished myself, grappling with the complexities of my own feelings.

The silence stretched between us, the seconds elongating into moments of contemplation. The urge to bridge the gap wrestled with my lack of words, leaving me searching for the right thing to say.

Finally, Ayumi's voice broke through the quiet. "Hey, Haruki?" she began, her gaze fixed on me.

"Yeah?" I replied, attentive to her intent, waiting for her words to unfurl.

A pause hung in the air, laden with unspoken questions. As I turned my gaze to her, I noticed her posture shift, her gaze dropping slightly. It was clear that something was amiss.

"Is something bothering you?" I inquired gently, recognizing the unease in her demeanor.

With a slight shake of her head, Ayumi responded, her voice soft. "No, nothing's the matter." Yet, her gaze remained cast downward, her face obscured by her hair.

Her response didn't quell my intuition, prompting me to delve deeper. "Are you sure?" I pressed, my concern evident in my tone.

She raised her head slightly, her gaze still directed downward. "Why did you become friends with me?" she asked, vulnerability coloring her words. "It's not because Aika pushed you into it, is it?" Her query caught me off guard, the implication of her question reverberating through my understanding.

My response was immediate and firm. "Of course not!" I exclaimed, the forcefulness of my denial underscoring the absurdity of the notion. "Aika didn't make me do anything."

She persisted, her curiosity unyielding. "Then why did you become friends with me? I'm not funny, or noticeable, or even particularly attractive," she confessed, revealing her insecurities. The weight of the word 'attractive' lingered, a testament to her self-doubt.

Empathy surged within me, and I resolved to address her uncertainties. "There's more than one reason," I replied sincerely, my tone infused with earnestness. "Far more than just one." Her lowered gaze prompted me to continue.

Opening up further, I disclosed, "For starters, I can relate to you. It's like we've both faced the harsh realities of life, and that common ground binds us." My words carried the depth of our shared experiences.

"Moreover," I continued, "being around you brings a sense of calm. Your presence exudes tranquility that stands in contrast to Tony or even Aika. It's like I can be more open with you, like our connection is more than just a fake mask."

Taking a brief pause, I addressed her self-perception directly. "You may see yourself as dependent or unnoticeable, but that's not accurate. If anything, I should be thanking you for being my friend. You mentioned feeling like you're not funny, noticeable, or particularly attractive..."

Drawing a deep breath, I forged ahead, my voice gentle yet resolute. "You make me laugh, and whenever you're in the room, I can't help but notice. And as for being attractive, well... You are. Inside and out."

The admission hung in the air, and I found myself attempting to stave off any telltale signs of a blush. Her response, whispered yet profound, reverberated through the quiet. "Do you really mean it?"

With a nod and a genuine smile, I confirmed, "Absolutely. Even if the world overlooks you, remember that you can always talk to me, Yujiro, and Aika."

Her smile, delicate yet radiant, conveyed her understanding of the truth in my words. The moment stretched, suspended in a shared understanding between us.

"Yo, guys!" The sudden intrusion of Yujiro's voice shattered the reverie. His voice echoed through the station, prompting Ayumi and me to turn toward him. Yujiro's figure came into view, rushing toward us with an array of sizable bags. Behind him trailed Mr. Izumiya and the rest of our classmates.

With a resigned yet amused grin, I turned back to Ayumi. "Well, it looks like it's time for us to go."

Her smile, a blend of warmth and understanding, affirmed our connection as we prepared to embark on the next chapter of our journey.