The cafe turned out to be small, hidden between two shops near the station. The sign above the entrance was faded, and the door creaked when opened—but inside it smelled of fresh pastries and coffee.
We sat by the window.
Miyako carefully placed her bag next to her and seemed to be worried about where to put her hands.
To defuse the situation, I said:
"It smells like Grandma's house."
She looked up, surprised, and then for the first time... she laughed softly.
— You're the first one who compares a cafe to your grandmother's kitchen. But you're right. It's really cozy.
We ordered two teas and a cake each. And there was that awkward silence. The kind that usually happens in movies before a confession.
"You know... — she began, slightly fiddling with the napkin with her fingers, — I wanted to apologize if I seemed too much... closed.
—No,— I replied. — I probably acted like you were a competitor, not a human being.
She looked at me a little surprised.
"Did you really think that?"
— Well... 98 points for the test. It was like a blow to self-esteem.
Miyako smiled, but her eyes softened.
"I didn't mean to hurt you." Simply... I've always had to be the best. It's... a habit. Probably stupid.
I nodded. And for the first time I realized that behind her neatness there was not cold, but fear.
"You have.".. it turned out to be the best. I grinned at him. "And now you're having tea with the one you defeated."
She giggled.
"Then maybe a truce?"
She held out her hand to me. I looked at her for a second.
Thin fingers, nails with a light shine — nothing special. But for some reason, my hand trembled when I touched her palm.
—A truce,— I said.
Later, on the street
We left the cafe. The day began to decline towards evening, and the sun cast warm streaks on the asphalt.
"Hey, Kurume..." Miyako suddenly said, a little quieter than usual.
"Hmm?"
— Thanks for coming. And... for the bun. It was kind.
I didn't know what to say. He just nodded. And then he gave it out:
— You know, you smile prettier than you answer in class.
She blushed, her eyes widened, and she looked away for a second.
"And you.".. You can be less gloomy than you were at school.
We walked in silence for a few steps. And then... for the first time, I wished the journey home had been longer.