Days passed. Ayumi couldn't stop thinking about him.
Every time she heard a motorcycle engine outside the school gates, her heart jumped. Ridiculous, she told herself. He was probably some guy just passing through. Still, she started carrying an extra umbrella—just in case.
Then one day, she saw him again.
He was parked near the bakery down the road, one boot propped up, reading a newspaper of all things. She hesitated, clutching her books, then walked up.
"Hey… leather guy."
He looked up. That smile was back. "Well, if it isn't Physics Girl."
"You have a real name, or should I keep calling you Biker Dude?"
He chuckled. "Kaito. And you?"
"Ayumi."
"Pretty name," he said, standing. "Matches your eyes."
She rolled them. "Do you flirt with every girl who almost knocks you over in the rain?"
"Only the cute ones," he said without missing a beat.
Ayumi raised an eyebrow at Kaito's smooth response, trying—and failing—to hide the small smile tugging at her lips.
"You don't give up, do you?"
"Only when I lose something worth keeping," he replied, tucking the newspaper under his arm.
She blinked. That line hit different.
There was a pause, filled only by the quiet thrum of the city around them. A breeze fluttered through her school skirt, carrying the scent of spring tulips from the flower shop nearby.
"So," he said casually, nodding toward her uniform, "School done for the day?"
"Yeah. I was gonna head to the library for a bit."
She hesitated, then added, "…But I could use a break."
Kaito's eyes sparkled like he knew exactly what that meant.
"There's a spot down by the river. Quiet, good view, less crowded. Want a ride?"
Ayumi blinked again. "You're offering a ride? On that thing?" She motioned to the motorcycle like it was some kind of wild beast.
He leaned a little closer, lowering his voice just enough to make her pulse stutter.
"I promise, I'm a gentleman. I don't bite… unless you ask."
Her face turned crimson. "Y-You're impossible."
"But still here," he said, patting the back seat. "Hop on, Sakura Girl."
Her heart pounded in her chest, both nervous and thrilled. She glanced around—no classmates in sight. No one to judge. She stepped forward slowly.
"You have an extra helmet?"
He grinned. "Always."
Ten Minutes Later – Riverside
The wind had whipped through her hair, and her arms had tightened around his waist more than once, but Ayumi had never felt more alive. The city had blurred behind them, and now they sat under a tree beside the river, the late afternoon sun casting gold across the water.
Kaito passed her a canned drink from the small side bag on his bike. "Peach soda. Not as cool as coffee, but it tastes better."
She took it, laughing. "You trying to bribe me with sugar now?"
"Only the best bribes for Physics Girl," he said, taking a sip of his own.
They sat in silence for a while, just listening to the rustling leaves and the quiet flow of the river. It was peaceful. Easy.
"You always hang out here?" she asked.
Kaito nodded. "Used to come here with my dad when I was a kid. Thought it was boring back then. Now it's the only place that feels real."
Ayumi glanced at him. His tone had shifted—softer, a little distant. She wanted to say something comforting, but he turned to her with that same crooked smile.
"But it's not so boring today."
She smiled, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yeah… me neither."
And for a moment, the world was just sun and wind and quiet company—two people from different lives, sitting close enough to touch, not quite doing it yet.
But soon.