Do You Need Me?

"S-Saya?"

But Saya's eyes filled with even more tears.

"What? I didn't mean to say anything that would upset you. I just noticed that you seemed sad about not being able to dance, and I wanted to find a solution," Mika said.

Saya wiped her tears with her hands and looked at Mika with a smile.

"No, I can't accept unless you propose properly," she said smiling.

"What? There's a proper way to propose?" Mika asked, regretting his offer.

"Of course, there is. Think about it, it'll come to you."

Mika thought for a while, wondering what to say, and then an idea came to him. He straightened his posture and cleared his throat.

"Saya, I may not be the most eloquent speaker, and this might not be the grandest setting, So, here, under the moonlight and surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature, I ask you: 

Would you do me the honor of being my dance partner at the campfire, and share this moment with me?"

Saya looked at Mika in shock, as if she hadn't expected this proposal at all. Her eyes were fixed on him with an expression of surprise, and her face turned crimson.

"Did I say something wrong? Maybe it was too much," Mika said, feeling that he might have gone overboard.

After recovering from her initial shock, Saya smiled, put her hands on her chest, and shook her head in disbelief.

"No, it was really sweet. Of course, I'd love to be your dance partner."

Saya took Mika's hand. They stood facing each other and looked into each other's eyes.

"But I don't really know how to dance," Mika admitted.

"Me neither. I guess we'll just have to figure it out as we go," Saya said, smiling.

"We don't even have a song."

"Doesn't matter, we can just move to the rhythm of our hearts."

Saya slowly put her hand on Mika's shoulder, and Mika put a hand on Saya's waist. They held each other's hands. The moonlight illuminated Saya's smile, and her eyes sparkled with joy.

"Let's give it a try," Mika said.

"Okay."

They began to dance slowly. First, Saya took a step back, and Mika slowly moved forward. Then to the right, to the left, forward, and back. They repeated these steps a little awkwardly at first, but they soon got the hang of it.

 With the sound of crickets in the background, the distant melody of the campfire song, and the silence of the night, they danced to a slow rhythm. They looked into each other's eyes as they danced under the bright moonlight. 

Saya smiled softly, her eyes reflecting her excitement.

They danced for a while in the light of the night. Mika found himself thinking about the meaning of it all.

 A few months ago, he would have considered it unnecessary and senseless. But now, for some reason, he felt differently. He was dancing with a beautiful girl right in front of him, under the stars.

 Of course, he didn't feel anything special, but the sensation he had felt this morning had returned: dopamine.

Meanwhile, Saya accidentally stepped on Mika's foot. Mika lost his balance and stumbled to the side. Since he was holding onto Saya with his hand, she lost her balance as well. They managed to avoid falling at the last moment, and Saya leaned against the bench.

"Are you okay, Saya?" Mika asked.

Saya started to laugh.

"What happened?" Mika inquired.

"I just thought it was funny that you were about to fall, but you still cared about me," Saya said, laughing.

They regained their composure and sat down on the bench again.

"Um, Mika, thanks for dancing with me."

"Well, it's a little strange for you to thank me when I'm the one who offered to dance, but whatever," Mika said.

Saya chuckled.

"Anyway, if you want, let's go back. You shouldn't keep your dance partner waiting for the campfire."

"You're right. The event will start soon. Let's go."

                                                   ***

Together they returned to the campsite. They made it just in time, and when Mana saw Mika, she waved and smiled.

Mika and Mana started to dance together this time. Saya and the others watched them. Since Mika had just started dancing, he was more experienced. Mana, on the other hand, was completely new to dancing and stumbled over and over again.

"Mika, um, I'm sorry, I don't really know how to dance."

"That's okay, I'm not exactly an expert myself."

"Well, I think you're a pretty good dancer."

"Really? Do you think so? "

They danced until the end. Some couples danced around the campfire, some even confessed their love. Finally, the last day of the camp came to an end.

The event was over, and everyone had retired to their dormitories. Tomorrow was the day they would leave.

***

The next morning, they woke up early, packed their belongings, and began their journey back.

"Time flew, huh?" Kai said, yawning.

"It was only a three day trip and one of those days was spent traveling," Yuki replied.

"I wish we could have spent more time together..." Kai said sadly.

"What? Wasn't I enough for you?" Yuki said annoyed.

"It's not like that. I can't get enough of you," Kai said smiling.

"Idiot," Yuki muttered and blushed.

First, they traveled to Toyama, and from there to Nagano. When they arrived at Nagano station, the sun was already setting. Mika said goodbye to his friends and was about to ride home on the bike he had left at the station. At that moment, Saya called out to him.

"Mika."

"Yes, Saya?"

"Um... Summer vacation is coming up and will you ever need me for anything?"

"What kind of need?"

"You know, like programming or art..."

"Hmm, I don't think so. Why?"

"During the first week of summer vacation, I'm going out of town with my aunt. If there's a problem, I won't be able to come to you."

"Okay, no problem. I can handle it. If I can't, we'll figure it out when you get back."

"Alright then."

***

Mika entered his house. "Welcome back, Mika," his mother said as she came out of the kitchen.

"Thanks," Mika replied as he took off his shoes.

"How was camp?"

"It was good, a nice experience," Mika replied.

"I'm glad to hear that. You must be hungry, come on, dinner is ready."

"Sure. Where's dad?"

"Your father went out to get something."

"I see."

"Was Saya at the camp too?"

"Yes, why do you ask?"

"Just curious," his mother replied, avoiding the topic.

Mika went inside, ate with his mother, and then went to his room. He lay down on his bed and stared at the ceiling. He felt really tired. As he stared at the ceiling, he thought to himself.

The first week of vacation, she'll be gone. It could be a good time to relax for her and her mom, I guess.

His eyes grew heavy, but he kept thinking.

I can't even keep track of what happened in these three days. Did I really feel anything on the bridge?