Arriving at the quaint cafe where Keiko and Yuki awaited, Ayaka took a deep breath, striving to compose herself.
The lingering sensation of Akihiko's lips against hers remained at the forefront of her mind, leaving her both exhilarated and bewildered.
As she approached their usual corner table, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sweet pastries filled the air, but even these familiar comforts couldn't ease her turmoil.
"Earth to Ayaka!" Keiko's playful voice cut through her reverie.
"Ayaka, over here!" Yuki waved enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Startled, Ayaka blinked rapidly, realizing she'd been standing motionless at the entrance.
She forced a smile and made her way over, sliding into the seat across from her friends.
"Sorry, I was a bit distracted." she murmured, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
Yuki raised an eyebrow, her gaze sharp. "A bit? You were completely zoned out. What's going on?"
Before Ayaka could respond, the barista arrived with their drinks.
As Ayaka reached for her cup, her hand trembled slightly, causing the hot liquid to slosh over the rim and onto her fingers.
"Ow! Ow! Ouch!" she yelped, quickly placing the cup back on the table and shaking her hand in pain.
Keiko's eyes widened in concern. "Oh no, come on, let's get that under some cold water." She stood and gently guided Ayaka toward the restroom.
In the small, tiled space, Keiko turned on the faucet, letting the cool water flow over Ayaka's reddened fingers.
The sensation was soothing, but Ayaka's mind remained restless.
"Seriously, Ayaka." Keiko began, her tone a mix of worry and curiosity, "You're going to get yourself injured if you keep spacing out like this. What's bothering you?"
Ayaka hesitated, biting her lower lip. The memory of the accidental kiss replayed vividly in her mind, causing her cheeks to flush.
"It's... it's nothing..." she mumbled, avoiding Keiko's gaze.
Keiko wasn't convinced. She turned off the faucet and gently dried Ayaka's hand with a paper towel, then wrapped a soft handkerchief around it. "That should do it. Let's go back now; Yuki must be very worried."
Ayaka nodded silently, her heart pounding as they returned to their table.
Yuki's eyes immediately zeroed in on Ayaka. "Okay, spill. You've been acting weird since you got here. Did something happen?"
Ayaka took a deep breath, her fingers nervously tracing the rim of her cup. She knew she couldn't keep this to herself any longer.
"Akihiko and I... we kissed..." she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.
The cafe seemed to fall silent as Keiko and Yuki froze, their eyes wide with shock. Then, in unison, they exclaimed, "WHAT? YOU KISSED?!"
"L-lower your voices!" Ayaka pleaded, glancing around to see if anyone had overheard.
Her face was a deep shade of crimson. "I-it was an accident... The elevator was crowded, and he was pushed against me."
Keiko leaned in, her expression a mix of disbelief and intrigue. "Then why are you so bothered if it was only an accident?"
Ayaka sighed, her shoulders slumping. "Because... it feels like I'm the only one affected. It doesn't seem to bother him at all. But that's my first kiss!"
Yuki reached across the table, placing a comforting hand over Ayaka's. "Oh, Ayaka, it's natural to feel this way, especially since it was your first kiss. But maybe Nakamura is just as confused as you are. Guys can be hard to read sometimes."
Keiko nodded in agreement. "Yuki's right. You won't know how he truly feels unless you talk to him about it."
Ayaka's eyes widened in panic. "Confront him? I don't know if I can do that. What if he thinks I'm making a big deal out of nothing?"
Keiko smiled gently. "Your feelings are valid, Ayaka. If this is bothering you, it's worth addressing. Besides, wouldn't you rather know where you stand than keep guessing?"
Yuki squeezed Ayaka's hand reassuringly. "We're here for you, no matter what you decide. But bottling this up won't help. Maybe find a quiet moment to talk to him, just the two of you."
Ayaka took a deep breath, absorbing her friends' advice.
The thought of confronting Akihiko was daunting, but perhaps it was the only way to find clarity.
"Thank you, both of you." she said, offering a small, grateful smile. "I'll think about it."
As the three friends continued their conversation, the weight on Ayaka's chest felt a little lighter.
------
As twilight descended upon the city, Ayaka made her way home, the events of the day replaying in her mind.
The streets were bathed in the warm glow of streetlights, casting elongated shadows that danced with her every step.
Suddenly, the gentle hum of an approaching vehicle caught her attention.
A sleek, familiar car slowed to a stop beside her, its polished exterior reflecting the ambient light.
The tinted window lowered smoothly, revealing the familiar face of her older brother, Kei.
His sharp features softened by a warm smile, he leaned slightly toward the open window.
"Kei?" Ayaka's voice carried a mix of surprise and relief.
"Are you heading home?" he inquired, his tone casual yet tinged with concern.
"Yeah." she responded softly, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
"Hop in. I'm heading to your apartment anyway." Kei offered, unlocking the passenger door with a click.
Ayaka nodded, pulling the door open and settling into the plush leather seat beside him.
The car's interior was infused with a subtle scent of cedar and citrus, a comforting aroma she had come to associate with her brother.
The journey commenced in comfortable silence, the cityscape unfolding outside the windows.
Neon signs flickered, and the distant murmur of urban life provided a soothing backdrop.
Ayaka gazed out, her thoughts a whirlwind of emotions and memories.
Breaking the silence, Kei reached into the backseat, retrieving two elegantly wrapped paper bags.
The rustling drew Ayaka's attention, and she turned to face him as he extended the gifts toward her.
"Here." he said, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.
She accepted the bags, the crisp paper cool against her fingertips. "What are these?"
"Souvenirs from Osaka. I picked them up during the doctor's convention." Kei explained, a proud glint in his eyes.
Curiosity piqued, Ayaka peeked into one of the bags, catching a glimpse of delicate packaging and intricate designs.
The thoughtfulness of the gesture warmed her heart.
As she explored the contents, Kei's voice cut through the quietude, his tone shifting to one of gentle probing. "So, Ayaka are you interested in someone right now?"
The unexpected question caught her off guard.
Her cheeks flushed a delicate pink as she quickly averted her gaze, focusing intently on the gift bags. "W-why do you ask?" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kei chuckled softly, the sound resonating with affectionate teasing. "A colleague in the cardiology department has a brother. If you're not seeing anyone, she'd love to set up a meeting."
Ayaka's heart skipped a beat, the image of Akihiko surfacing unbidden in her mind. His piercing eyes, the accidental brush of his lips against hers—it all came rushing back.
She swallowed hard, her voice trembling as she confessed, "I... I already have feelings for someone."
Kei's eyebrows lifted in intrigue, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Oh? And who might this lucky person be?"
She hesitated, the weight of her emotions pressing heavily upon her. "Why the sudden interest, Kei? Since when did you become so invested in my love life?" she countered, attempting to deflect.
He laughed heartily, the rich timbre filling the car. "I'm your big brother. It's my job to look out for you."
A comfortable silence settled between them, punctuated only by the rhythmic hum of the engine.
Gathering her courage, Ayaka ventured, "Would you be upset if... if you knew him well?"
Kei's hands tightened slightly on the steering wheel, his expression growing contemplative. "Depends on who it is." he replied, his voice measured.
Her heart pounded in her chest, the confession teetering on the edge of her lips.
"Then... I won't tell you. It's not like he feels the same way." she murmured, her voice laced with vulnerability.
Kei glanced at her, his eyes softening. "Kidding! Come on, Ayaka. You can tell me."
"Promise you won't be mad?" she asked, her gaze searching for reassurance.
"I promise!" he affirmed, sincerity evident in his tone.
Taking a deep breath, she whispered, "It's... Akihiko."
A momentary silence enveloped the car, the weight of her admission hanging in the air. Kei's expression remained unreadable, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.
Finally, a gentle smile curved his lips. "I see... Dr. Nakamura is quite a popular figure."
"I know." Ayaka sighed, her shoulders slumping. "It's probably pointless."
Kei reached over, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "Don't sell yourself short. You're an incredible person, Ayaka. And remember, you're his favorite writer. That gives you an edge."
His words ignited a flicker of hope within her, the embers of possibility glowing faintly. "You really think so?" she asked, her voice tinged with cautious optimism.
"I do!" Kei affirmed. "Oh, and one more thing. Could you pass the other gift bag to Dr. Nakamura? It's his day off tomorrow, so I won't see him."
Ayaka's eyes narrowed playfully. "Why am I your delivery service? Can't you give it to him yourself?"
Kei grinned, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Consider it a favor for your dear brother."
As they pulled up to her apartment complex, Kei parked smoothly, turning to face her. "Ayaka." he began, his tone earnest, "Go for it. You have my support."
Her heart swelled with gratitude, the bond between them strengthening in that moment. "Thank you, Kei."
She stepped out of the car, the cool evening air brushing against her skin. Kei rolled down the window, offering a final, encouraging smile. "Good luck, Ayaka."
As he drove away, the taillights fading into the distance, Ayaka stood rooted to the spot, the weight of her emotions pressing upon her.
The prospect of facing Akihiko, of addressing the accidental kiss and her burgeoning feelings, loomed before her.
Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself. One step at a time.