A school festival is hell for an introvert. Noise, running, strange costumes and a lot of unnecessary activity.
And everything would be fine if it weren't for one "but":
—You'll be responsible for the drinks corner, Kurume," the teacher said, handing out the lists.
"Me?"
—Along with Miyako," he added with a satisfied smile. "I think you'll work well together."
Miyako looked up at me, almost startled.
I shrugged my shoulders.
— Okay, we'll survive.
The day before the festival
We carried boxes together, set up chairs, and tasted soda.
She laughed when I spilled the juice on my pants.
I laughed when she got tangled in the garland.
For a couple of hours, we were just teenagers, with no control, no pressure, and no smarts.
"It's amazing," she said, brushing off her hands, —I thought you weren't the type to help."
"I'm just good at hiding,— I replied. "And I have hidden talents." For example, I pour lemonade perfectly.
"I'm proud,— she chuckled. — Let's go to university, open a cafe. You're a lemonade maker.
I chuckled.
For the first time, without banter.
Day of the festival
Our kiosk was in demand.
Miyako was wearing a light blue apron, her hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and she looked like a dorama heroine.
Every other guy looked
in, and I... noticed it.
"Are you okay?" "What is it?" she asked when I sullenly poured a glass for the fifth time.
— Yeah, it's simple... tired.
— Yeah, of course. She narrowed her eyes. —Or are you just jealous?"
I froze.
"What makes you think that?"
She came closer.
Very close.
And she whispered:
"Because I am too."
And she left, leaving me standing with my heart pounding in my throat and a glass of lemonade in my hand.
Late at night, in the schoolyard
The festival is over. We were sitting on a bench behind the building, where it was quiet. Only the light of the lantern and the rustle of the trees.
"You know," she said, looking up at the sky, "I didn't believe before that I could just be with someone. Without tension. Without trying.
But with you... it turns out.
I was looking at her.
And suddenly he said:
— I'm glad you transferred to us.
She turned her head to me.
And she looked into his eyes for a long time.
Without saying anything.
She just took my hand.