A few weeks passed after I confessed to Ritou. Our first year of high school had ended. Now, we were second year students.
Many things felt different.
Ritou and I walked to school together sometimes. We sat close during lunch. We talked more than before.
But I still felt shy around her.
One afternoon, the sky suddenly became dark. Cloudes covered the sun. Soon, rain started falling.
Students quickly run toward the school gate.
"Ah..... I forget my umbrella, "Ritou said.
I looked at the rain.
"I have one," I said.
I opened my umbrella.
"Let's walk together!"
Ritou nodded.
We walked slowly on the road. The rain made soft sounds around us. Tap. Tap. Tap..... Water drops fell from the trees. Cold winds touched our faces.
We walked very close because the umbrella was small.
I could hear Ritou's quiet breathing.
My heart started beating faster.
"Thank you," Ritou said softly.
"For what?" I asked.
"For always being kind to me."
I didn't know what to say.
We stopped near a small park.
The rain became lighter.
Ritou looked at me.
Her eyes were calm and warm.
"Akashu," she said.
"Yes?"
"I'm glad you told me your feelings that day."
My face becoming red.
"I'm glad too," I said.
For a moment, neither of us spoke. The rain became softer. The world felt quiet.
Then Ritou stepped a little closer.
Before I could think, she gently held my hand.
My heart started beating faster.
Ritou looked at me for a second ... then she slowly leaned closer, and softly kissed my lips.
I froze. My eyes became wide.
The kiss tasted only a few seconds, but it felt much longer.
When she moved back, her face was completely red.
"That...was my thank you," she said shyly.
I touched my lips. They still felt warm. I smiled a little. That small moment stayed in my heart. It was our first kiss.
And I knew I would never forget it.