"follow me."
huening kai motioned to me. we were walking up a slope which wasn't that steep. it has been, i think, two weeks since my move in and kai and i had already became close due to our age similarity. i might've also gotten a small crush on this cute guy but it's a tiny crush that won't affect anything and i can easily move on.
"this way."
we strolled towards the library that the said male apparently had work at. huening kai softly hummed a song. i toddled closer to him, finding comfort in his warmth. he smelled good too. i couldn't put my finger on the smell but it was strangely comforting and pulled me in even more.
my eyes wandered to the meadows. dandelions, their delicate white tufts, swayed gracefully in the gentle breeze. the afternoon sun bathed the meadow in a warm, golden glow, casting a soft luminosity that danced upon the velvety petals of wildflowers scattered across the grass. a few kids played catch, chasing after each other with their carefree spirits adding a lively energy to the tranquil scene. in the distance, farmers moved. the rustle of leaves, the distant calls of birds, and the distant hum of the countryside created a melody that resonated with the heart of the meadow.
"we're here," kai announced with a grin, his eyes gleaming with pride.
ding!
a soft chime filled the air as i entered the library. the interior embraced a cozy ambiance, the scent of aged books and the soft hum of a radio played. cool air also embraced me. the air conditioner looked almost run down but it was working well. an old yet loved classic song played.
'put your head on my shoulder, whisper in my ear, baby'
"welcome," greeted a voice, and i turned to find huening kai's sister behind the counter. however, her warm welcome was interrupted by a roll of her eyes when she noticed her brother.
"about time you came. i need to piss. hurry, take over," she declared, flashing me a friendly smile before making her exit. huening kai chuckled, seemingly accustomed to his sister's straightforwardness.
'some people say that love's a game. a game you just can't win'
'if there's a way, i'll find it someday and then this fool will rush in'
huening kai waddled towards the counter, doing something. i occupied myself by looking around. there wasn't even anyone here. the library wasn't that big as well but rows and rows of shelves stood filled with books. i then looked over at the counter and a guitar at the side caught my eye. my eyes sparkled, "do you play the guitar?"
"i do. a little. i'm not that good though." shyly, kai answered.
"play it for me, will ya?" i pleaded, eyes looking up into his. i stepped forward, putting my hand onto the countertop while staring into his iris. that was when i realized; he's so tall. is he slenderman? i wasn't that short. if anything, i was taller than most average girls but this man right here doesn't look the average height of guys.
"it's gonna be bad, haha..." he picked up the guitar. he warmed himself up, strumming it and then a familiar tune started playing.
"can you sing too?"
kai bit his lip and nodded, "i'm not the best singer,"
"i am not any better. don't worry, i wanna hear you sing." i urged him. defeated, he nodded. the strumming continued and his lips parted, ready to vocal out loud.
"hope you know this song." he beamed, "i'll sing the chorus because i can only remember the chords for that."
i raised a brow and listened to the melody carefully.
"baby, you were the love of my life, woah.." he began.
"maybe you don't know what's lost 'til you find it," he looked at me in the eyes. "it's not what i wanted, to leave you behind.." he hummed. "don't know where you'll land when you fly but, baby, you were the love of my life," he trailed off, ending the song majestically. he awkwardly laughed then kept his guitar. i on the other hand gawked at him, jaw almost dropping.
he looked ethereal singing and playing.
"love of my life by harry styles." he stated. "i heard my father playing it and managed to get the chorus memorized." he added.
"dude, you should consider becoming an idol. with that voice and talent and looks, people will be all over you and you'll be quite popular!" i leaned closer, lips curling into a smile. kai waved his head in denial, "thanks but i don't want to be an idol. too much work." i clicked my tongue, "what a waste then. with training, you for sure will do well. you got the goddamn looks too." i tilted my head forward, looking at his face.
"oh?" huening kai smiled wider. "so you think i'm handsome like an idol?" he asked in a teasing manner. my cheeks grew hot as i reverted my gaze out. i coughed, clearing my throat. the japanese wind chime spun slowly with the breeze.
"hey, answer me!"
"where did you get that wind chime? looks pretty."
"yah!" ignoring him, i waddled outside the library. the sky seemed to darken as minutes passed by. wisps of grey clouds too huddled together. a soft, distant rumble of thunder echoed through the air, signaling the imminent arrival of the rain.
"oh? it's going to rain."
"come on, let's get you home before the rain really pours," huening kai urged. he grabbed my hand, and together we dashed out of the library, the door chiming softly as it closed behind us.
"what about the library?"
"not many comes there daily. don't worry about it."
the sky, now adorned with darkened clouds, seemed to release its pent-up reservoir, and within moments, the downpour began. the raindrops, initially hesitant, evolved into a steady cascade that enveloped us in a curtain of cool water.
laughing, we ran through the meadow, our footsteps leaving imprints in the soft, rain-soaked earth. the world became a blur of greens and grays as the raindrops created a mesmerizing dance around us. kids scurried home. from a distance, i noticed a calico cat sprinting away. the sweet, earthy aroma of the wet meadow filled the air, and for a moment, time seemed suspended in the magical embrace of the rain.
"do you like the rain, kai?" i asked, halting a bit. i heaved a sigh and let out a cough. i noticed a puddle nearby and a mischievous idea crept up on me. kai was about to answer me but before he could, i kicked the puddle. he shrieked loudly as the muddy water stained his shorts.
"hey!"
he started chasing after me. despite being taller, which should've been advantageous to him, he wasn't that fast. however, it did give me the benefit instead, hence i ran away while cackling. as we played, the childlike joy of the moment overshadowed any concerns about getting wet.
however, amid the carefree revelry, my foot got caught on an uneven patch of ground, and i stumbled forward, grazing my knee against the wet grass. the initial shock was met with a sharp sting, and i winced, clutching my knee.
concern flashed across huening kai's face as he rushed to my side. "you okay?"
i nodded, trying to brush off the pain with a smile. "i'm fine, just a little slip."
his worry persisted as he frowned. "let me see. we should get you home and clean that up."
despite my protests, kai gently lifted me to my feet and, with a protective arm around me, guided me through the rain-soaked meadow. i chewed my inner cheek, flushing red. i sucked on my lips to prevent me from grinning. the droplets continued their dance around us as we trudged our way home. our cottages came in sight and kai fastened his pace, making sure i was alright.
setting me down on my house's porch, he gave me a worried look. "stay here. i'll grab some supplies to clean your knee," he said, disappearing into his own house. i couldn't help but feel a slight chill. it took him a while but he then returned with a first aid kit and a towel. gently, he cleaned the graze on my knee, his touch both careful and comforting.
while he did that, i stared at his focused face. my, my. with a handsome man like him on his knees and helping me with my bleeding knee, my heart fluttered. it was impossible to not feel anything. he was kind and gentle as well. too caught up in my daze, i didn't hear the boy call me out.
"huh, what?"
"does it feel better?" he repeated, a soft smile playing on his lips. i nodded, grateful for his kindness. "much better. thanks, kai."
as i was about to stand up, thinking that this was all, kai stopped me. "wait, not yet." i looked up at him, confused. he didn't look at me but instead moved behind me.
"what are you doi—"
my face heated up as kai started to pat my wet hair gently. his touch was soft and meticulous, each pat carefully removing the raindrops that clung to my hair. the sensation sent a warm shiver down my spine, and i couldn't help but blush, feeling the tenderness of his actions.
"i'm sorry about this," he mumbled. "didn't expect the rain to be this strong."
i laughed nervously, trying to sound nonchalant. "it's not your fault. rain can be unpredictable, i guess."
as he continued to dry my hair, his fingers worked through the strands with a gentle rhythm. the quiet patter of rain on the roof created a soothing backdrop and i leaned closer to his touch. he felt warm. my heart raced a little faster with each touch. i couldn't deny the subtle warmth that lingered in his actions, and my attempts to maintain composure were failing miserably. my cheeks tinged with a rosy hue, and i found myself stealing glances at his reflection through the muddy puddles.
"there we go, all done," he declared, stepping back to admire his handiwork. he looked proud of what he did which was adorable. i chuckled, "thanks." i hope he couldn't see my red cheeks. gosh, that'll be embarrassing.
"wait, let me dry your hair too." i stopped him hastily.
"huh? it's okay. it'll dry naturally."
"i want to do it for you too," i shyly mumbled, urging him to sit down beside me. i grabbed the other towel he brought and then kneeled behind him. i let my bare hand run through his strands, finding how his drenched locks were soft. accidentally, i tugged on his hair, causing kai to shriek, "please don't rip out my hair!"