This was the first conversation between sixteen-year-old Orion and sixteen-year-old Kira.
Half a month later, even after Kira's foot had healed, she continued to report a false illness. Her physical fitness was poor, and running nearly killed her. Compared to the sports classes everyone looked forward to, she preferred studying and doing homework in the classroom.
Most of the time, Orion also stayed in the classroom. Sometimes they didn't exchange a single word; she did her homework while he slept. Other times, they would chat aimlessly, often continuing their conversations until all the classmates had entered the classroom.
Their interactions gradually increased. Sometimes he would come over to ask her questions about assignments. Other times, he would casually buy her a drink she liked. Occasionally, a few candies would appear on her desk.
She would seriously explain the exam papers to him, quietly accept the snacks he gave her. And not refute when other classmates teased them about being a couple.
That summer, the weather was always unpredictable. The clear skies in the morning turned into thunderstorms by evening. As school ended, Kira hesitated, looking out at the pouring rain.
Her father was on a business trip, and her mother had gone back to visit her sick uncle. There was no hope of them bringing her an umbrella. Just as she was about to steel herself and run into the rain, a large blue umbrella blossomed above her head. She looked up at Orion, who awkwardly handed her the umbrella and then ran out into the rain. The rain soaked his school uniform and his hair. Standing in the rain, he waved at her. "See you tomorrow."
Every time Kira mentioned this incident, she would tease Orion. "That umbrella was so big, why didn't you share it with me?"
At that time, Orion was lying on her lap playing a game. "I thought you weren't interested in me back then. I was afraid that if I got too close, you'd dislike me."
Kira pinched his cheek. "How did you figure out that I was interested in you?"
Orion sat up earnestly and said seriously, "Because you cried."
Kira knew he was referring to the sports meet. As someone who was terrible at sports, she volunteered for the event to avoid being forced to compete, helping to maintain order, providing water to the athletes, and reminding them of upcoming events.
She hadn't expected Orion to sign up for the competition. After all, given that they both disliked physical education classes, she assumed he would naturally avoid the track. To her surprise, he made it through the preliminaries and straight into the finals.
Although he didn't win the championship, he did come in third. Unfortunately, he injured his knee when he didn't manage to control his momentum at the finish line. Kira rushed to support him, and the school medic came over as well. After a simple treatment of the wound, they advised him to rest.
He thanked them, declined the others' offers of help, and allowed only Kira to assist him in getting something from the classroom. On the way back to the dormitory after fetching the item, Kira remained silent. Orion stole a glance at her and noticed that her eyes were red.
He became anxious and quickly asked, "Kira, what's wrong?"
She didn't say anything, but her tears fell even harder.
He was flustered. "What's going on?" After a pause, he seemed to understand something and asked tentatively, "Are you worried about me?"
She still didn't speak. Orion had to pull out a tissue from his pocket and hand it to her. Kira silently accepted it, and the two remained silent.
Finally, Orion, like a magician, produced a silver necklace he had found in the classroom. His hands and forehead were sweaty, perhaps from nervousness or something else. He poked Kira and, lacking confidence, asked, "Hey, Kira, do you want to be my girlfriend?"
Kira looked up abruptly, her eyes filled with surprise and delight. It was an ordinary autumn afternoon, and the fragmented light illuminated Orion. He was full of anticipation, looking at her earnestly with sincerity and nervousness in his eyes.
Kira dug her fingertips into her palm. Her voice was soft but clear. "Sure."
Every time they talked about Orion's confession, Kira would roll her eyes. "So you really didn't know that I liked you back then? When Alfred and the others joked about us, I didn't say anything. Didn't you know that a girl not refuting means consent?"
Orion grinned mischievously. "Then why do you think Alfred and the others joked about us? Why do you think I skipped P.E. classes on purpose? Why do you think I initiated conversations with you?" Then he ruffled her hair. "Actually, I had been plotting this for a long time."
