He stood across the street, drenched in the rain without an umbrella, his school uniform clinging to him like it didn't matter. His hair was soaked, sticking to his forehead, but his smile was warm—crooked, awkward, but genuine.
Haru.
He waved as if they were old friends, though Aiko was sure she'd never seen him before. His smile wasn't one of pity, which she hated, but something different—like he saw her beyond the tears.
"Hey!" he called, jogging over, splashing through puddles without a care. "Looks like my boat found you."
Aiko blinked, her fingers tightening around the delicate paper. She didn't know what to say, so she stayed quiet.
Haru squatted beside her, completely ignoring the fact that he was getting soaked. "I make one of these every time it rains," he said, pointing at the boat. "I like to think they find people who need them. Guess it found you today."
Aiko stared at him, the words trapped in her throat. Finally, she whispered, "Why… hope?"
His smile softened, his eyes crinkling with something sad beneath the brightness. "Because sometimes, that's all we have left. But even a little hope can carry you a long way."