Yuu stood still in front of a small crochet workshop tucked into a quiet street. It was peaceful here—too peaceful—and yet, his heart stirred with memories.
He stared at the shop sign without really reading it, his thoughts far away.
"This place… it reminds me of her."
He closed his eyes for a second.
"Aira… I wish you were here too. I miss the way you taught me. The way you smiled when I finally got a stitch right… I wonder where you are now."
The door behind him creaked open.
Yuu didn't turn around.
But a soft voice gasped behind him—just a breath.
"…Yuu?"
His eyes flew open.
He spun around—and there she was.
Aira.
She had just stepped out of the shop for some fresh air, her hair gently tousled by the wind, her eyes wide with disbelief.
Yuu stared, stunned.
They had been this close all along?
She had been here… in this very place?
"Aira…?" he breathed.
In a flash, he stepped forward—his heart racing—arms slightly reaching, almost instinctively—
But stopped.
His feet froze, and he pulled his hands back quickly, eyes glancing down, his cheeks burning.
"U-Um… hi," he said shyly, voice softer than a whisper. "You're fine, right? Your parents… they didn't scold you too much because of me?"
Aira's heart trembled.
She nodded gently, then looked up at him with that same warmth.
"I should be asking that," she said. "I didn't see you again… I was scared your parents… blamed you."
Yuu shook his head.
Then both of them looked around—checking for any watching eyes.
No one.
Just the sky, the breeze, and this unexpected moment.
"…There's a park nearby," Yuu said, hesitating. "Want to go sit?"
Aira nodded again.
They walked quietly, side by side, until they reached a small wooden bench beneath a tree.
Aira sat down slowly. Her fingers touched the ends of her cardigan as if looking for thread to hold onto.
Yuu sat beside her, a respectful distance away. His hands rested on his lap, fidgeting slightly.
He looked at her.
She's right here. Right beside me.
He wanted to hold her hand, just gently.
But he didn't.
"I won't touch her without her permission," he promised himself. "I'll wait… even if it takes days… or months… or years."
Still, he smiled softly and said,
"…I missed learning from you."
Aira turned to him.
And with a smile that spoke more than words could, she replied,
"I missed teaching you, too."