The Second Encounter

That night, Ryo lay in bed, eyes open, the ceiling above him a blank canvas. But in his mind, it wasn't blank at all.

The image of her—Tsukiko Hoshino—burned into his thoughts like the afterglow of the sunset.

(Why do I keep thinking about her… That girl under the sunset… Her face… her voice…)

Sleep came late and restless.

The next day at school, the usual chaos returns. Kai’s voice cut through the chatter as he slung an arm around Ryo’s shoulder.

“Yo! What’s up, Ryo! Let’s hang out after school—you’re not busy, right?”

Ryo blinked, pulled out of his thoughts. “Hmm… after school? To where?”

Before Kai could answer, Noelle chimes in with her usual bubbly flair. “Cinder Restaurant! Their cake prices dropped! Like, seriously dropped. It’s their special cake too—it’s practically a festival. What do you say?”

Ryo hesitates. “After school… I’m a little busy but—”

(Wait… what am I saying? Am I… actually hoping to see her again today?)

He touches his forehead lightly, as if trying to reset his brain.

Kai laughs, raising a brow. “Busy with another ghost or something?”

“It’s not like the ghost’s gonna run away, dude. Come on, take a break. Just the three of us.”

Ryo let out a soft sigh. “Alright… I’ll come.”

“Yay!!” Noelle throws her hands up, practically dancing. “Cake! My lovely cake~!”

At Cinder Restaurant, the air was warm and sweet with the scent of vanilla and sugar. The soft interior lighting made everything feel calm and cozy.

Noelle bite into her slice with stars in her eyes. “Yammm… this is delicious!”

Kai nodded, chewing. “Yammm… not bad at all.”

Ryo studies the cake before tasting it. “It is good… but why such a low price? Eighty percent off? That’s insane.”

He narrows his eyes, inspecting the layers of cream like a food critic. (Are they in stock overflow or what?)

A nearby staff member smiles and explains, “It’s our eighth anniversary under the new management. The original owner's son took over this year, so it’s a thank-you celebration.”

“Ohhh, I see,” Noelle mumbles with her mouth full.

By the time they parted ways, the sky was already dipped in twilight. Ryo walks his bicycle across the bridge, the wind cool against his face. The fading orange light paints the river in glistening streaks, just like yesterday.

(Will she be there again today…?)

He glances toward the cliff, heart quietly quickening. And then—

There she was.

A figure in white, sitting with her head bowed under the softening sky.

Ryo didn’t even think. He ran. “Tsukiko-san!”

She look up instantly, startled—but her lips curled into a soft smile as soon as she see him.

“What are you doing here? It’s pretty late. The sun’s almost gone—”

(Was she… waiting for me? No, no, why would she…)

“I was waiting for you,” she said gently, like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Ryo stood frozen. His mind blanked. No clever response came, just the rapid thud of his heart. Her voice have wrapped around him like moonlight.

She tilted her head and smile again. “Did you get caught up in something? You’re late today.”

“I was… with my friends.”

He take off his backpack and pulls out a small box. “Here. It’s cake. From Cinder Restaurant—it’s their specialty.”

“For me?” Her eyes widens slightly. “Thank you… I’ll eat it at home later.”

The moon had risen now, soft silver brushing across the water below.

Ryo looks down for a second, then quietly said, “Tsukiko-san… I was really hoping you’d be here.”

“Huh?” she blinks.

“I mean… we said we’d see each other today, right? Are you free tomorrow?”

(What am I saying? Calm down. Easy… just breathe.)

Tsukiko laughs lightly, like wind chimes swaying in a breeze. “What about school?”

“It’s summer vacation now, so I’m free.”

She nodded, tilting her head. “Alright then. But now you should get going. It’s getting late.”

“What about you? Should I walk you home?” Ryo offered, his voice calm but heart fluttering.

“Thank you, Kazama-kun. But I’m not alone. My sister is waiting for me.”

“I see. Then… see you tomorrow. Be ready by ten o’clock.”

“I’ll be waiting, Kazama-kun.”

He waves, happiness bubbling under his skin, and she waves back as the moon watched silently above them.

To be continued...

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