Heartbeats and Illusions

Natsukawa Kanade had to admit that Kato Megumi possessed a unique, almost magical presence.

It wasn't just her uncanny ability to blend into the background—a skill he half-joked would make her a top-tier assassin. It was the way she could subtly guide the rhythm of a conversation, exerting an invisible influence without offending anyone.

By the time Kanade fully realized this, they were already sharing an umbrella, their paths having crossed unexpectedly in the rain.

He didn't particularly like rainy days—especially during the rainy season. The persistent drizzle seemed to seep into his very soul, amplifying the void left by yet another failed relationship. Yet, walking through this dreary weather with a girl like Kato Megumi brought a curious sense of solace, like a flicker of warmth in an otherwise cold and quiet heart.

"How's Kato doing lately?" Kanade ventured, attempting to fill the silence between them with casual conversation.

Kato tilted her head slightly, her calm gaze meeting his. "Hmm… Should I say it's good? Or bad?"

Her answer was as ambiguous as her expression.

Kanade scratched his cheek awkwardly, trying to gauge her mood. "Well, like… with school, friends, or hobbies? You know, normal high school stuff."

Kato gave him a faint smile. "Natsukawa-kun, you sound like a parent."

"Eh? Does your aunt often ask you these kinds of things too?"

"She does," Kato said softly, twirling a strand of her hair. "Sometimes she even asks about my love life."

Kanade blinked, taken aback. "Love life? You mean... you've actually been worried about that?"

Her calm demeanor made it difficult to imagine her flustered over anything, least of all matters of romance. In Kanade's mind, Kato was the epitome of composure, her emotions buried so deep that they might not exist at all.

But the notion struck a chord with him. For once, he felt they had something in common.

"I'm not the one who's worried," Kato clarified, her eyes glinting with subtle amusement as she glanced at Kanade.

Kanade froze. Was she implying...? No, it couldn't be. He straightened up, feigning nonchalance. "So... your aunt must be pretty invested in your romantic prospects, huh? Isn't that a bit nosy?"

Kato's lips quirked slightly, though the expression was fleeting. "I suppose. But maybe she's just concerned about me."

Kanade chuckled awkwardly, his gaze shifting to the rain-drenched street ahead. Her calm scrutiny was starting to make him uneasy, as though she could see straight through his carefully maintained facade.

The truth was, Kanade had always given his all in relationships. He wasn't the type to hold back his affection, nor was he one to linger on someone who had already rejected him. To him, it wasn't about moving on quickly—it was about protecting his self-respect.

Yet, despite his intentions, his reputation had morphed into something entirely different. Some saw him as a serial dater, someone who couldn't commit. It wasn't fair, but he had learned to live with the misconceptions.

"Why is Kato looking at me like that?" Kanade thought nervously. Her gaze was unwavering, and it felt like she was peeling away the layers of his self-assured exterior.

Just as he was about to stammer out an excuse to change the subject, Kato spoke again. "It's okay."

Kanade blinked. "What... is?"

"It's okay to feel misunderstood," she said gently, her slender fingers brushing against his forehead as if to comfort him. "Natsukawa-kun, you can be more willful. You don't have to carry the weight of others' opinions. Just do what you want to do."

Kanade's breath hitched. "But… what if people misunderstand me?"

"Then show them the truth through your actions."

"And if it's not a misunderstanding?"

"Then doesn't that mean you're doing exactly what you wanted to do?"

Her words were simple, but they struck a chord deep within him. For the first time in a long while, he felt the tension in his chest begin to ease.

Kanade chuckled, the sound light and genuine. "You know, Kato, you'd make a terrible mother. I mean, doting on me like this? Aren't you just enabling me to act out?"

"I'm still a high school girl, you know," Kato replied with a rare smile, though her tone was as steady as ever.

"Exactly my point," Kanade teased. "So stop treating me like a child, okay?"

Though the chill of the rain lingered in the air, a warmth spread through Kanade's heart, lingering long after their brief exchange.

But, in true Kato fashion, she remained silent, her expression serene. Yet her actions betrayed her thoughts. Her eyes, her posture—they all conveyed the same unspoken message: Right now, Natsukawa-kun is nothing but a child.

As if to prove her wrong, Kanade abruptly stepped out from under the umbrella, letting the rain drench him.

"You'll catch a cold like that," Kato said, her tone calm but her brow creased ever so slightly.

Kanade grinned. "Didn't you just tell me to be willful? I'm just taking your advice."

Spreading his arms wide, he let the raindrops pour down on him, the cold seeping into his clothes and hair. It was uncomfortable, yet strangely liberating.

But he wasn't reckless. After a few seconds, he stepped back under the umbrella, shaking the water off his arms like a drenched dog.

"Kato, you should try it sometime," he said mischievously, reaching for the umbrella handle.

Kato flinched, closing her eyes instinctively, but the expected splash of rain never came. Opening her eyes cautiously, she saw Kanade smirking at her.

Her cheeks puffed out in indignation, but she said nothing. Instead, she began walking ahead, the umbrella held protectively over her head.

Kanade panicked. "Wait, are you mad? I was just kidding!"

Her ears, tinged pink, betrayed her true feelings. She wasn't really angry. Her steps slowed just enough for Kanade to catch up, the umbrella naturally shifting to cover them both.

A sly smile tugged at Kanade's lips as he edged closer, shaking his damp sleeve ever so slightly so the droplets would land on her skirt.

"Natsukawa-kun."

"Yes?" He straightened up instantly, his guilt evident.

"I'm home now," she said, pausing in front of her gate. "See you tomorrow."

Kanade blinked. "Oh, uh, yeah! See you tomorrow!"

He watched her retreat, her figure disappearing behind the gate. Her lingering warmth still clung to his side, like a gentle reminder of her presence.

Kato, now alone, stood quietly under the umbrella, her gaze lingering on the spot where Kanade had been moments before. Slowly, she raised a hand to her forehead, touching the place where his warmth had transferred to her.