As The Wind Blows Your Scent To Me

Unknown to Himari, there was an intense exchange between Kazuya and Jun downstairs. Both of the men left, bearing different thoughts in their minds.

Right now, Himari was sharing stories with Nanako while they were eating fruits.

Even though her body still felt weak, Himari was energized at the thought of having Nanako to accompany her tonight. Her friend didn't bring anything with her because Nanako immediately came here from the office so, Himari handed her a clean nightgown and a new toothbrush.

After Nanako took a quick shower, she joined Himari in the living room. The fruit platter was served together with the yuzu tea given by Kazuya.

"Aye, I found that Mr. Hayashi is so considerate ah," Nanako smiled teasingly at Himari. She took a sip of the warm tea before exhaling in delight, "He has done so much for you. Don't you feel your heart flutter, Himari? En, this tea is delicious too! Perfect for a patient like you!"

Somehow, their topic was centered on Kazuya due to Nanako's insistence. 

"He's just being a good friend to me, that's all. Don't think too much about it," Himari evaded from giving Nanako any chance to speak nonsense.

Her mood was still a little bit complicated. It was due to her thoughts that came to her mind while talking to Kazuya on the phone earlier.

Himari planned to slowly observe the situation between her and Kazuya. Only then could she think of which step should she took next.

She lowered her fork to the bunny-shaped apple cut, picked it and delivered it to her lips. The sweetness of the apple spread all over her mouth, lightening her mood. Next, she picked on a slice of strawberry.

While Himari was enjoying the apple and strawberries cut by Nanako, her friend was quietly staring at her. Different thoughts popping into Nanako's mind, arousing her suspicions. 

"What do you think of Jun coming here tonight because of you falling sick? Do you feel something? Which one has made you feel more touched? Mr. Hayashi? Jun? Which one?"

Himari almost choked. She quickly grabbed her tea then downed all of it. She coughed nonstop because of her friend's silly questions.

Nanako was flustered, she leaned forward and rubbed her friend's back.

"You... Cough! What are you trying to say? Cough! Nanako!"

Frustrated, Himari hammered on her friend's chest, inciting laughter from Nanako.

"Haha! Sorry! Sorry! I'm just intrigued. It seems like Jun won't give up any time soon."

Nanako grasped Himari's fist and lowered it. Her laughter died down yet her voice remained soft as she looked directly at her friend.

"I know you don't want to get back to him and no matter what he does, I would still side with you."

"Then, cough, why did you mention about him again?" Himari shot her friend a glare.

Nanako let out a sigh. A conflicted look flashed in her eyes, carrying an old memory.

While still holding to Himari's hand, Nanako opened her mouth to speak again. 

"It's just that, Himari, do you still remember what we have talked about in high school? About marriage? The double wedding?"

Himari blinked. The clarity in her eyes turned into a daze as Nanako's words brought out a distant memory of her past.

"...I remember," She nodded feebly.

This time, instead of confusion, her face was showing a hint of nostalgia.

At that time, Himari and Nanako were in their third year of high school. They would graduate in another three months. The promise was uttered during one of the rare times Himari went to Nanako's house for a sleepover.

Because they had been studying nonstop for the college entrance examinations, Nanako's mother allowed them to sleep late and watch a movie to ease their tension. Nanako picked a foreign movie about two best friends getting married at the same time.

They laughed and cried together while watching the movie.

Then, Nanako came out with an idea once the end credits rolled on the screen.

"Hey! Why don't we get married at the same time? We could do a double wedding with our husbands!"

Nanako looked so excited as she voiced out the suggestion. Her entire face was beaming as if they would get married to their loved ones tomorrow instead of dreading the incoming examination. 

Her antics made Himari laughed. She playfully nudged at Nanako's elbow, "Who's gonna be your groom? The new actor that took your liking?"

Ishizaki Ryuu had been getting recognition lately due to his latest film. Even though he was a new actor at that time, his supporting role in a newly released disaster film caught the interest of the fans, either the ones who loved his face, his talent or both.

"Even though I want to marry him, I could only dream of it," Nanako sighed regretfully as if she was eyeing something precious yet unreachable to her. With her eyes staring dazedly at the ceiling, she resumed, "Aye, a man like Ishizaki Ryuu... Where could I find a clone of his?"

"Stop dreaming ah! If your mom heard you, she would ban you from watching his films until the examination is over," Himari laughed out loud.

The joyful sound of her laughter filled the room before it was mixed with Nanako's. 

"But, I really want to have a wedding with my best friend! You're the only one I could trust now oh!" Nanako slapped the throw pillow on her lap.

"Ah, I don't want it. Let's be each other's bridesmaid, can't we?" Himari helplessly shaking her head when Nanako looked so serious with her suggestion.

"Yeah, yeah. Someone is going to get married before I could," Nanako smirked, "Hurm, I think if he could, Jun wants to marry you as soon as we graduate!"

At this time, Himari and Jun had already reached the second year of their relationship. Nanako had been supporting her when a few of their schoolmates disdained Himari for being chosen by the school's top student.

"Humph! Who wants to marry him? I want to focus on earning money first."

"No way! We have to do a double wedding! You have to get married on the same day as me!"

"Hahaha! Don't be silly oh! Do you think our lives are like the film?"

"No, no! Promise me! Hehehe~"

Himari made a face as if she was really unwilling. Her antics prompted Nanako to squeeze her cheeks. Both of them laughed again in the quiet of the night.

When Nanako's mother came checking because of their laughter, they immediately quietened down before giggling under the pillows.

Thousands of nights had passed since the time they playfully talking about this matter. It occurred during the beautiful time of their youthful days. The time when they were still naive and unprepared in facing the world.

Even though Himari had never forgotten it, she was still surprised to hear Nanako brought up the jokes they exchanged on that night.

The Nanako who was currently in front of her now had matured, either from how she looked, her mannerism as well as the way she perceived things. Even though the traces of her simplicity and childishness still remained on her, they could only be seen by the people closest to her.

Before the silence between them spread further, Himari opened her mouth and slowly let the words flowed out from between her lips.

"Nanako, I still remember it... but, I don't think I would get married anytime soon..."

Nanako smiled yet her eyes tinged with a faint sadness, "Silly, Himari. It's not like I would really force you to fulfill our foolish promise. I'm worried because, while I and Ryota would form a family together soon, this best friend of mine might still be alone."

While Nanako didn't object to women being independent without men, she couldn't help but worry when it involved her dearest friend.

Throughout Himari's entire life, aside from Jun, she didn't have any other man to depend on during the hard times. While most girls their age at least had a father figure, Himari only had her mother.

Sometimes, she hoped Himari wouldn't force herself to be strong all the time. She wanted her dear friend to be able to depend on a person she loved.

The different love that Himari had for her mother and her friends.

Nanako squeezed Himari's wrist, letting her friend felt what she was trying to convey.

"Until now, I've always been thinking the reason of why you're so unwilling to try meeting someone new. I was afraid you're actually still hoping to be with Jun again but, it seems like it's not the case."

Himari was still quiet as she let Nanako continued talking. Without her realizing it, tears began to brim in her eyes.

"Himari, are you afraid to be in love again? Won't you give another man a chance to love you, to shower you with every affection that you are worth for?"

Drip...

Finally, a crystal fell from her eyes.

"Ah!" Nanako was baffled. Her eyes widened in shock, she hurriedly grabbed a tissue and wiped Himari's eyes, "You don't have to cry! Geez! Sorry, I shouldn't talk about this matter at this time. Sorry, sorry!"

"It's okay, really..."

Himari used the tissue to hide from Nanako's concerned gaze.

How could she allow another man to love her when...

She was actually so hideous inside?

All this while, she kept smiling and laughing as if she only knew joy in her life but...

It was only a mask that she wore in the face of the world.