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"Ah… I'm exhausted".
Nene enjoyed spending time with her friends, something she probably wouldn't dare to tell them directly, that's why she didn't regret hanging out with them to watch a musical that day. Even as the introverted shut-in she was, she could handle a few hours outside, in places with many people, but she had a limit.
As soon as she parted ways with Tsukasa and Emu, she simply hoped she could get home quickly, lay on her bed, and maybe play a video game for a while until it was time to have dinner. It's not like she didn't enjoy being with Rui, who was, as always, going with her all the way home; she really did, but her social battery was at its limit.
So, when she saw the bus they were supposed to take leave without them, she could feel her soul leave her body, as well as any hopes of getting home soon. At least, she was thankful to Rui for not going without her. Unlike her, with how long his legs were, he could've probably arrived there in time.
"Seems like we'll have to wait for a while".
She sighed.
"Do you know when the next bus will get here?"
"Probably not soon. If I recall correctly, there was some kind of event happening today. The bus will barely stop here, so… it will take some time, that's for sure".
"What a pain… I'm so tired".
"In that case, there's a park there. We can find somewhere to sit and rest".
"…Fine".
They passed by a group of kids who laughed, making flower crowns while sitting on the grass. Rui stopped before Nene did, looking at them with a smile.
"Fufu. This makes me feel nostalgic".
"Hm?" She took a few steps back until she was next to her friend and watched the kids play with him.
"Remember that time we stopped at a park to make flower crowns? It could be close to this one, too".
"Ah, right. Your parents complained because you made me go with your ideas for a show and we started playing with the flowers instead. Even though I was fine with it".
"Indeed, you were. And I'm thankful for that, even now".
Both of them looked at each other for a moment before Rui walked up to the kids, crouching as he smiled.
"The flowers are really cute. Could my friend and I join you? Making flower crowns looks fun".
"Ah-! S-Sure…"
Between the group of kids, a small girl was the one ro reply. She looked down, at the flowers on her hands, as she spoke shyly.
"Thank you. Nene, come here!"
"Uh…"
Surely, picking flowers and making crowns wasn't part of her plans. But she couldn't say no to the kids that were now looking at her expectantly, or her friend who was now sitting next to them. But losing a bus and staying there wasn't either, so she gave in and found a place next to Rui.
Once here, picking small flowers with the kids, her memories of that day became clearer as her hands moved alone.
They did play for a long while, until Rui's parents told them it was time to go home. Her friend's shows were probably more interesting, but she had fun anyway.
And then, as she remembered, she couldn't help but look at Rui.
It was difficult to remember a conversation that happened about a decade ago, but she was now sure of something. He called her cute.
They were kids, and friends, kids probably say things like that all the time, but thinking about that still made her happy— and embarrassed, too. If he said something like that now, she would simply evaporate. Like the water of pasta that has been cooking for too long.
Why did she even feel like that? He's just an annoying, noisy friend. Sure, they've known each other for years, and he's possibly the one who knows the most about her, maybe even more than her own parents, but that's all. Her heart rushing when they were together, when they played games only the two of them, when their hands touched if they walked too close… all of that was how she felt about all her friends. Tsukasa, Emu, Ichika, and every other one of her friends were just exceptions… right ?
"Miss?"
"Ah!"
She suddenly snapped back. The little girl stood in front of her, carefully touching her shoulder with a index finger.
"Is something wrong?"
"Eh…" She shook her head. "This is for you".
Nene looked at the flower crown she was holding. With a smile, she placed her crown on top of her legs and took the one the girl was offering.
"It's… it's so cute. Thank you".
Juat those words were enough for the kid's expression to light up.
"Thank you, miss! You look pretty with it!"
Excited, she ran and sat next to one of her friends, shaking his shoulder, as if she was about to tell her an amazing tale about a mysterious princess praising her job.
"…She's so nice. How cute".
"And she seems to be smart already".
Rui suddenly spoke up, startling her. Surprisingly, seeing the thoughts she was having about him, Nene almost forgot he was there.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Saying you look pretty. I think that's smart, I agree with her".
"I… see?"
That's it. Her face was burning again. Could he read hee mind, or something? Had she been saying her thoughts out loud without realizing?
"W-Wait, why would you say that now? Don't suddenly jump at me with something so embarrassing, jeez".
"I simply believe it. I can say it later, if the timing bothers you".
No, it was definitely not the timing. Still, he could've found a different place and moment if he wanted to embarrass her.
Nene frowned. Taking the flower crown she had on her legs, and, without even asking first, she placed it on Rui's head. After that, she kept her hands there, looking directly in the eyes of a bewildered friend.
"Hm?" He smiled. "Ah. Thank you, Nene. How do I look?"
"Huh? Pretty, of course".
A surprised blink. Face turning red. A stupid smile, surprisingly really cute.
And a realization.
Maybe she did like him.
Maybe all she needed to realize that were a few flowers and losing a bus. Maybe he was the exception, after all, and not her other friends. Maybe… maybe they were about to lose the second bus, too.
"Wait! Let's go, Rui! The bus is here!"
Both of them woke up quickly, sloppily, and ran towards the park entrance.
Before they left, Nene stopped for a brief moment and turned around, waving at the kids with a smile. She began to run again right after.
"That's unfair… I want to have a girlfriend too". The girl pouted. "I can't wait to be a grown-up".
Her friends looked at each other and shrugged, going back to the flower crown making.