The rain from earlier had followed Kaito to campus, now heavier and colder as the evening crept in. The air smelled faintly of damp stone and wet leaves, and most students were hurrying home. But Kaito stayed behind.
He knew Ayumi would still be at the library — she loved the quiet focus it gave her. He'd been finding excuses to spend more time there lately, pretending to study while stealing glances her way.
Today, though, he didn't need an excuse. He had something to say.
---
The library was nearly empty when Kaito arrived. The lights hummed softly, casting a warm glow across the shelves. Ayumi sat near the window, her notebook open, scribbling ideas for her next photography project.
Kaito watched her for a moment before gathering his courage and walking over.
Don't overthink it. Just talk.
He tapped her desk lightly.
Ayumi looked up, surprised. She smiled and signed: Didn't expect you here this late.
Kaito grinned. "Thought I'd check if you were slacking off."
Ayumi laughed silently, tapping her notebook. More like overthinking.
Kaito sat down across from her, trying to find the right words.
"Hey... about earlier," he started. "When I said you were amazing... I meant it."
Ayumi's smile faltered slightly. Her fingers hesitated before she signed: Why are you telling me this now?
"Because... I didn't want you to think I was just saying it to be nice." He scratched the back of his neck. "I mean it. You're... kind of incredible."
Ayumi blinked, stunned. Before she could reply, the lights above flickered.
Then everything went black.
---
The library sank into darkness. A murmur of confused voices echoed from distant corners. Somewhere, a librarian called out for calm.
"Power's out," Kaito muttered. He instinctively reached for his phone — but the battery was dead.
Ayumi tapped his arm, signing: Stay close.
"Yeah... okay."
---
They moved carefully through the shelves, Ayumi leading with confident steps. Kaito kept close, his hand brushing her sleeve now and then.
"Wait," Kaito said. "Should we just stay here? Someone will fix the power soon."
Ayumi nodded and gestured to a quiet corner with beanbags by the window. They sat down, and the faint glow of streetlights barely illuminated their faces.
For a while, they sat in comfortable silence — the kind Kaito was starting to get used to with Ayumi. The library seemed different in the dark — quieter, more intimate.
Kaito shifted awkwardly. "You're... not scared?"
Ayumi shook her head. I'm used to silence.
"Right..." Kaito paused, unsure how to respond.
Ayumi tapped her fingers against her notebook, thinking. Then she signed: Can I ask you something?
"Of course."
Why are you always trying so hard?
Kaito frowned. "Trying?"
Learning sign language. Writing those notes. Finding ways to talk to me... Why?
Kaito swallowed hard. He didn't know how to say it — not in words or signs.
"I guess... I just wanted you to know you're not alone," he said softly. "I know what it's like to feel... out of place."
Ayumi's eyes flickered with curiosity. Out of place?
"Yeah," Kaito sighed. "When I was younger, I lived overseas for a while. Different language, different culture... Even when I tried to fit in, I always felt like I was one step behind. Like everyone knew something I didn't."
But you speak Japanese now, Ayumi pointed out.
"Yeah... but that feeling doesn't go away so easily." His voice dropped lower. "I always thought if I just tried hard enough... maybe someone would notice me."
Ayumi's fingers hovered in the air, hesitant. Then she signed: I know what that's like.
Kaito glanced at her. "You?"
People don't always see me, she explained. Even when I'm standing right there.
Her fingers moved slower now, as if each sign carried extra weight. Sometimes... I think it's easier to just... disappear.
"You don't have to disappear," Kaito said quietly. "I see you."
Ayumi's fingers froze mid-sign.
The words settled heavily between them, and for once, Kaito felt like he'd said exactly what he meant.
---
Time passed, and the darkness didn't lift. The library had grown quieter, the distant murmurs fading away.
Ayumi rested her head against the wall, her fingers tracing lazy circles on her notebook. Kaito leaned back too, watching her fingers move.
"Hey," he said softly. "Do you ever wish you could hear... even just once?"
Ayumi's fingers stilled.
Sometimes, she admitted. I wonder what your voice sounds like.
Kaito chuckled. "I don't think you're missing much."
I think I'd like it, Ayumi signed with a teasing smile.
For some reason, those words hit Kaito harder than expected. His heart thumped louder than it should have.
"You should probably get some sleep," Kaito mumbled. "It's getting late."
Ayumi nodded and shifted closer, her shoulder brushing against his. Kaito tensed for a moment — then relaxed.
In the dark, their breathing fell into rhythm. Ayumi's warmth against him was comforting, steady. Without thinking, Kaito tilted his head until it rested lightly against hers.
For once, there was no pressure to speak — no fear of saying the wrong thing.
There was just silence... and understanding.
---
When Kaito woke, the first rays of morning light streamed through the library windows. Ayumi was still asleep beside him, her head resting comfortably on his shoulder.
For a moment, Kaito didn't move. He didn't want to break whatever peaceful spell this was.
But then Ayumi stirred, blinking drowsily. When she saw him watching her, she froze — her face turning pink.
"S-Sorry," Kaito stammered, quickly shifting away. "I didn't mean to —"
But Ayumi smiled — soft and genuine. It's okay, she signed.
And somehow, Kaito knew she really meant it.
---
To Be Continue