As Saki and Hiroki walked side by side, the air somehow felt lighter than usual.
The sky was clear, the breeze gentle… but the thoughts swirling inside Saki were anything but quiet.
In fact, the things running through her heart were so loud that even if Hiroki looked like he hadn't noticed, she was convinced everything was written all over her face.
What if Hiroki… wanted to finish that half-ended date?
That thought left a warm yet embarrassing flutter in her chest.
She slowed her steps just a little.
Stealing a glance at Hiroki, she felt even more nervous—his silence made everything worse.
It was like all her thoughts were hanging in the air, waiting for him to pick them up.
Saki couldn't stand it anymore and broke the silence.
"I didn't know you were that talented, Hiroki."
Hiroki scratched the back of his head with a small laugh.
"Well, it's nice to know I gained another fan."
Saki giggled and nudged him lightly with her elbow.
"Hey, that's rude."
"How so?" he asked, shoving his hands into his pockets and turning toward her.
Saki clasped her hands shyly in front of her legs.
"I was already your fan."
Her cheeks slowly tinted pink.
Hiroki noticed it immediately and smiled.
"That's even better then."
His words sent a soft spark through her, but still…
That half-date…
Should she mention it now?
Would it be too fast?
Would she make it too obvious?
Her shy nature quickly smothered her moment of courage, and the topic shifted on its own.
This time, Saki spoke in a calmer tone.
"By the way… I was wondering who that song was for."
Hiroki lifted his head slightly; his eyes lingered on hers for just a moment.
He knew exactly where she was heading.
"That song… was a special song for someone very special."
Saki's heart almost jumped out of her chest.
Is it me? …Or is it not?
She couldn't tell.
"Your special song… was it that one, Hiroki?"
Hiroki let out a small chuckle.
"Don't worry, that wasn't my real special song."
Saki stopped walking.
She tried to make sense of what that meant.
Taking a deep breath, she spoke more seriously.
"Hiroki… do you remember? When I first came to school… you were going to sing that song to me."
Hiroki halted as well and turned to her.
Well… there was no point in hiding it now.
"That song wasn't the real special one."
Saki's eyes widened.
"What do you mean, Hiroki?"
Hiroki looked off into the distance for a moment.
"I used to sing that one to everyone. Only two people know my actual special song."
Right after saying it, a clear I shouldn't have said that expression appeared on his face.
Saki crossed her arms, scrutinizing him.
"So two people know it, huh…"
She then walked past him.
"Fine then, Hiroki."
Hiroki followed behind her with slightly slumped shoulders.
He couldn't quite understand what emotion lay beneath her words, but he could feel she might've been hurt.
They walked silently for a while.
Then Saki asked another question that had been bothering her.
"By the way, Hiroki… how did you even know where my house was this morning?"
Hiroki replied calmly,
"We walked there together once… it just came to mind."
Saki pouted a little.
Perfect timing to tease him a bit…
"Was it after that half-finished date?"
Hiroki looked genuinely confused.
"No, I think it was after a normal walk home. I honestly can't remember."
Saki shook her head with a sigh.
Then Hiroki gave a small grin.
"Yeah… kind of like how you just walked past your own house right now, isn't it?"
Saki's eyes shot open.
"H-Huh!? What do you mean—"
She turned to her right.
Her house was right there.
And she had already passed it.
"Ahh! How did I not notice!?"
She quickly turned around and went to the entrance of her apartment.
Stopping at the doorway, she looked back at Hiroki.
"Well then, Hiroki… anything else?"
Hiroki blinked, unsure of what she was implying.
Understanding her today felt impossible.
He raised his shoulders slightly.
"All I want is for you to take care of yourself… for me."
He let out a quiet breath.
Guess I can't blame her… it's been a lot today.
"Well then, Hiroki…"
Their eyes met.
A brief silence.
A warm smile inside that silence.
"See you."
"See you, Saki."
As Saki turned to enter the building, Hiroki called out,
"Don't worry, Saki! I'll show up suddenly again sometime!"
Saki burst into laughter.
"Then I'll be ready next time, Hiroki!"
She stepped inside with a natural smile forming on her lips.
Today had been exhausting… but also unexpectedly fun.
But something… one single question echoed in her mind.
Someone besides Hiroki knows his special song… who?
And why?
While this question lingered, Saki changed her clothes and sat on the couch—
right where Hiroki had sat earlier that morning.
"What should I do now… a shower, or just rest a bit…?"
But deep down, Saki had already made up her mind.
"I'm definitely going to find out who knows that song."
And at the same time, walking home, Hiroki had his own thoughts swirling.
Was she talking about the song…
or our unfinished date…?
"Ugh…" Hiroki groaned.
"Why didn't I get it…"
The day had ended, but their story was only just beginning.