As The Wind Blows Your Scent To Me

"What are you smiling at the screen for? Did you find something funny?"

Shuichi lowered the file from his face as he shifted his eyes to his friend who was intently staring at the phone screen.

Kazuya smirked, "Nothing. Have we got news from Mr. Koyama's side?"

Seeing that Himari hadn't sent him a new message, she might have yet to receive the daffodils. Or, she was simply busy.

Shuichi nodded to his friend's question. He opened a document inside a tablet and showed it to Kazuya.

"His assistant sent me this. It seems like what the old man predicted is true. The problem was actually created by the foxes' hidden minions. Luckily, we managed to group them all and throw them out."

Kazuya nodded in understanding. He placed down his phone, took the tablet and carefully read the digital document.

Even though it was unexpected, it seemed like there were people trying to exact revenge on what Kazuya and Shuichi had done three years ago.

The people who were put behind bars were unsatisfied with the punishments received by them. With the company getting more recognition from others in the same industry, the suppressed fury and envy finally erupted.

Yet, these people were still lacking in experiences. If not, Kazuya didn't dare to say that he would be able to counter this crisis efficiently. 

"Let me finish my work really fast. I have something to do tonight," Kazuya returned the tablet to Shuichi.

Since he had promised a certain someone, he had to fulfill it. Kazuya didn't want Himari's impression of him deteriorated if he failed the task on the first day of being her boyfriend.

It was kind of cringy for a grown-up man like him but Kazuya still enjoyed the feeling.

"What do you mean going home quick? Have you forgotten you have to meet the representative from Zeus Technology this evening?"

Shuichi's words managed to freeze Kazuya's laidback smile. He stared unblinking at his friend.

"What do you mean? Aren't you supposed to go there?"

As far as he remembered, Shuichi would go to meet the representative. Why did it change to be him now?

Shuichi narrowed his eyes, "Two days ago, you're the one who said you want to go and meet him yourself. Why? Do you want to change your mind now?"

Kazuya slapped his forehead. He had forgotten about the new arrangements.

Zeus Technology was a start-up like them but, in the past six years, the former had successfully nabbed a tender from the government despite being cornered by more prestigious ones.

Kazuya thought he would have more to learn from Zeus Technology thus he wanted to meet the representative himself.

As he saw the conflicted look on his friend's face, Shuichi asked, "I can go on your stead. It's not like you really need to go there."

"...It's okay. I'll go."

After thinking it through, Kazuya shook his head, declining Shuichi's offer.

"You said you have something to do today?" Shuichi frowned, "It is about Chiharu and Izumi?"

"It's not that. Never mind, it's decided. I'll go."

"If you say so," Shuichi shrugged, "But, leave Izumi and Chiharu to me. I'll pick them up this evening."

As Kazuya was adamant about his decision, Shuichi knew it would be futile even if he wanted to persuade his friend further. After exchanging a few more words, he left Kazuya's office. 

Kazuya sat still on the chair, silently contemplating over the tasks left to his hands.

He could just ask Shuichi to handle it but, he didn't want to just leave everything to his friend. This was his responsibility since the day he vowed to not put his brother's hard work to shame.

"It's okay. I could still make it," He sighed.

Kazuya began to bury himself in his work. He didn't even stop working even when lunch hour arrived. 

The meeting with the representative would be held at five o'clock. If he wasn't delayed by anything necessary, he might still make it.

The clock continued ticking, showing time passing by without stopping.

In the evening, the rain finally stopped.

"Teacher Kato, would you go home soon?" Teacher Ayase asked while tidying up her belongings inside the bag.

"Yes," Himari smiled. She couldn't conceal the sweetness dripping from her eyes, "I have something to do tonight." 

Teacher Ayase's eyes fell on the flower basket sitting on a corner of Himari's work desk. Her smile was tinged with teasing.

"It seems like someone is going for a date tonight."

Himari blushed yet she still maintained her smile.

"Hehe, you could say so," she admitted openly.

Himari didn't feel repulsive to share a little bit of the good news with Teacher Ayase.

Earlier, once again the female teachers flocked around her after Himari got the flower basket. The basket wasn't as luscious and enchanting as the red roses but, Himari looked so happy to receive it.

They tried to pry her secrets but, Teacher Ayase helped to dispel them. In the end, Himari was left alone to appreciate the daffodils placed inside the white woven basket.

The yellow petals appeared so vivid in her eyes, bringing along happiness seeping into her heart.

Kazuya had written a note to her.

A very simple note.

[To our new beginnings]

While Himari had thrown the card written by Jun into a trashcan, she kept the one given by Kazuya inside her planner. She was going to properly keep it as how she did to his name card that she got three years ago.

Himari did text him, saying she had gotten the flower basket but, until now, there was no other reply coming from him.

"He must be busy," she concluded.

Although Kazuya said everything was fine after he met the man at the clubhouse, Himari assumed the problem might be far from over. 

Sometimes, she couldn't view how big or heavy the responsibility weighing down his shoulders. 

He might have to leave his dreams because of the circumstances he had to face in his life.

Himari didn't really mind how late he would reply to her. As he had his own life, she didn't want to disturb him much. 

This was not the period when she thought she had to make sure her life or her partner's life revolved around each other. The phase had ended as she reached adulthood.

After hours of rain falling, the dark clouds dispersed, revealing a bright sky. The sunshine sneaked past the clouds, spilling on the ground.

"Let's go and play football! My parents won't come soon!"

"Ah, I don't bring my jersey!"

"So do I. My Mom would nag at me if I dirtied my uniform again."

The students were happy to be able to see the clear sky after hours of gloomy rain. Himari walked past them with a smile curled on her lips. She carefully held the flower basket in both of her hands.

The heaviness she felt last night was like the neverending rain, cold and sullen. Once the rain was cleared up, only joy and warmth spread in her heart.

Even the unexpected stunt from Jun failed to ruin her mood.

Himari just didn't know, why did after two weeks of silence, Jun suddenly did something again?

"I just hope he won't ruin things," She mumbled faintly.

It appeared easy but, only Himari knew how much courage she forced onto herself when Kazuya asked if she was willing to try to be with him last night.

She was afraid.

But, she didn't want to be chained down by her own fears.

It was already hard for her to take a step forward. 

Now, she wanted to continue moving forward until the end of her journey.

Ring, ring~

Himari adjusted the basket to one hand, supporting the base with her arm before she used her other hand to fish out the phone from the inside of her bag. Her eyes lit up once she saw who was the caller.

"Hello, Kazuya."

Her voice was so soft, tinged with tenderness for the caller.

"Himari, are you still at school?" The man's voice sounded so gentle as always but, this time, there was a hint of caution.

"I'm on my way home. The rain has stopped so I just walk."

With a slight tilt of her chin, Himari looked at the sky.

Somehow, she found the sky looked more peaceful and beautiful than usual.

"Be careful. You said you like the flower basket. Really?"

"Hehe, yes," Himari giggled. Her eyes shifted to the yellow petals of the daffodils, "It's beautiful. But, why daffodils? Just for its meaning?"

Himari still remembered the daffodils painted by Chiharu during the Golden Week holidays. 

Did Kazuya actually like these flowers?

When he opened his mouth again, Himari could sense he was smiling.

"Do you remember the night of your reunion before?"

His question made her recalled the night. 

"Yes... Why?"

She heard laughter coming from him.

"You wore a light yellow dress. When I first saw you that night, I thought of daffodils."

By the end of his words, Himari's entire face reddened.

"Sneaky... You're such a sweet talker ah," She complained weakly.

Kazuya's laughter echoed from the phone, "It's your privilege as my girlfriend."

Himari rolled her eyes. 

He was really engrossed in his role right now!

"En, Himari. Actually, I want to tell you something."

"...What's wrong? You sound a bit off."

Kazuya sighed faintly, "I'm afraid I can't bring you out for dinner tonight. Even thought I'm the one who said we should commemorate today."

Himari blinked. She patiently listened to the rest of his words.