As The Wind Blows Your Scent To Me

"Himari, are you sure he would really listen to you?"

Nanako was perplexed throughout the time she listened to Himari's story. Never did she expect Jun would pull such a stunt. 

Even though Nanako was a bit disappointed because Himari didn't even tell her about it, she also understood her friend was distressed because of such a matter. Moreover, it happened during such busy times.

"I don't know," admitted Himari honestly, "But, I have a feeling that he would really stop now. The past is the past. I won't look back and he shouldn't waste his time either."

Both of them sat on a bench at the garden within the compound of the mall. Several people were walking in pairs and groups as they enjoyed the sunlight. Some children were playing at the playground provided by the management of the mall.

"En, it's good if it's true but, hey, Mr. Hayashi accompanied you to see him, right? Even though he wasn't there when you met Jun privately, it's reassuring to have him there, wasn't it?" Nanako's concern turn to joy as she recalled her friend's story.

Himari smiled, "Yes."

Yesterday, Kazuya let her face Jun alone. Even though Himari didn't know the exact reason for it, she felt confident because to her, it seemed like Kazuya fully trusted her that she could handle Jun on her own.

"Hehe, I think it won't be long before you would really fall in love with him," Nanako laughed as she nudged Himari's shoulder. Her eyes were full of mischievous delight, "He's really a good guy ah!"

"Stop it," Himari deliberately pouted, "It's still so far away. We haven't known each other properly yet."

"That's why I told you to follow my advice! You could know each other once you've done it!" Nanako smiled like a Cheshire cat, full of mischief. 

"Nanako! Don't tell me you just learned bad things from Ryota?"

"Hahaha~"

Nanako laughed as she tried to get away from Himari's crab-claw. She jumped out of the bench, her brows were wiggling at Himari's blushing face.

"I'm just telling you the truth," She answered smugly.

Himari let out a scoff. She fanned her face with a hand, trying to cool herself down.

"Ugh, you're already this crooked even before marrying Ryota. I can't think what else you'd suggest once you two get married," Himari continued to complain of her friend's indecency. 

Nanako laughed out loud. She wasn't even ashamed to hear her friend's criticism of her.

Even though she didn't show it, Nanako was inwardly relieved because it seemed like Himari didn't look too upset about her encounter with Jun's mother earlier. She knew how bad that woman had treated Himari before. 

It was good that Himari separated from Jun. If not, her friend would really need strength to deal with such a ruthless mother-in-law.

Ring ring~

The familiar ringtone blasted in the air, coming from Himari's bag. She quickly fished out her phone to see who was calling her. 

Her eyes brightened once she saw the Caller ID.

The change in Himari's eyes didn't escape Nanako's notice.

"Cough, it seems like a certain someone is calling you," She said in between her giggles.

"Shut up," Himari pinched Nanako's arm. Her friend quickly dodged from her like a slime. Himari ignored Nanako as she picked up the call.

"Hello. Don't tell me that you've just woken up?" She straightforwardly asked the caller such a question, "The sun is already above my head ah."

Kazuya's low laugh came from the end of the line, gently transmitted into her ears. His voice sounded husky, enough to make her heart fluttered. 

Himari was grateful because this man was away from her. If not, he might already see how red her face right now.

This was all Nanako's fault!

Himari shot another glare at Nanako who was still smiling like a prankster. 

"I slept in until eleven. Then, I just rolled around in bed," Kazuya admitted honestly that he was being lazy today, "Chiharu brought her dollhouse inside my room, asking me to play house with her."

"Won't you bring the children out today?" Himari intuitively asked about the children.

The weather today was good. Chiharu would be happy if Kazuya brought her to a park to play.

"No. I'd just rest at home today. Izumi is practicing basketball right now in the backyard. Even though I want to bring them out, Izumi doesn't want to come."

"Ah, I remember the tournament is next week. He's sure working hard."

The friendly basketball tournament was scheduled to be held after the examination week. It would take place on the coming Sunday. All of the students were happy to have something happen in the near future after a stressful week.

While the couple talked on the phone, Nanako just listened to Himari quietly from one side. She was silently assessing her own friend.

Hurm, not bad.

Unaware of her best friend's assessment, Himari kept talking to Kazuya on the phone. They were just talking about random things but, it was enough to keep a smile on Himari's face. She also talked about the minor details of her time in the mall right now.

After a few more minutes, the couple ended the phone call.

Himari had just placed her phone back inside the bag when Nanako poked her on the arm.

"What?"

Nanako smirked, "You could even talk about the children while calling him. It seems like you really like the siblings."

Aye, she understood that this new couple still didn't have deep feelings for each other but, the way they talked about the siblings sounded like a pair of husband and wife who spoke about their children.

"Chiharu is adorable and Izumi is a good boy," Himari smiled with her eyes twinkling. She seemed proud to talk about the two siblings.

"Okay, okay. I won't nag at you anymore," Nanako shrugged, thinking of her initial worries, "As long as both of you are good and you're happy, I won't mind about Mr. Hayashi's circumstances."

Both of them were adults. As to how Nanako saw it, Mr. Hayashi was a sensible man like her friend. The couple shouldn't have any problems in discussing either minor or major things if they didn't bottle up their feelings and unable to comprehend the other party's meanings.

Even though their honeymoon period might come to the end later, Nanako still believed this new couple could work against the odds if they were really serious about one another.

"Hehe, thank you, Nanako~"

Himari didn't see how her smile softened at this time as if honey dripped from her eyes. She was glad to hear her dear friend's good evaluation of the man she chose. 

Soon, the day changed into the night before the sun rose again the next day.

It was time for a trip to the strawberry farm!

"Meow~ Meow~"

Chobi meowed at Himari's legs as his mama was busy wearing her clothes. He didn't really understand but it seemed like his mama would go out today?

"Sorry, Chobi, I can't bring you along this time," Himari slightly bent down and patted her furry son's head, "I'll let you have your favorite wet food once I'm back home, okay?"

Chobi's pointy ears perked up.

It seemed like his mama was mentioning something that he loved!

"Meow~~"

Himari smiled in helplessness when Chobi suddenly ran under the low table and sprawled on the floor. Hidden by the table, she could hear the chubby tabby let out a long purr.

What was wrong with this guy?

Ding dong~

Once again a helpless smile curved on Himari's face. But, right now it was directed to the one who was ringing the bell instead of her chubby son.

"Didn't I tell you that you could just wait in the car?" Himari laughed once she opened the door, revealing the figure of a familiar man.

"I want to get myself a glass of water. Can't I?" Kazuya asked while raising his brows, justifying his reason for coming upstairs to her apartment.

Himari rolled her eyes, "Yeah, yeah. Come inside."

Last night, Chiharu specially asked Kazuya to make a call to Himari. The dumpling wanted to convey that all of them should wear the color pink and white for their trip to the strawberry farm.

She wanted to matchy matchy with everyone! 

"Chiharu has a strawberry dress! It's so cute ah! Chiharu shows it to Teacher Kato tomorrow!" said the dumpling with enthusiasm before Kazuya nagged at her, urging her to go to sleep early.

Thus, with the dumpling's dress in mind, Himari chose a short-sleeved white shirt. The collars had little strawberries printed on them. A pair of wide legs ankle-length pants in deep burgundy color complimented her shirt. A ribbon in the same color was tied around the waistband. 

"It's rare to see you wearing pants," Kazuya commented after he sipped the water he coveted.

As for him, he just wore a simple white shirt with a black jacket and long black pants for today. 

"I think it's easier to move around at the farm. If not, I'd just wear my favorite skirts," Himari replied.

She loved to wear dresses and skirts. That was why she didn't have many collections of pants inside her wardrobe.

Kazuya curled up a smile. His eyes crinkled as he said in a low voice, "Either way, you look cute."

Himari blushed. Her cheeks were almost as red as the little strawberries dotted on her white collars.

Could he not suddenly compliment her right in the face like that?

She wasn't prepared ah.