The wind had softened that afternoon, brushing through bare branches as the sky yawned wide with pale blue and soft clouds. Hana checked the clock again: 12:56 PM. She was early. But she was already standing outside the small bakery Ren had texted about.
The warm scent of baked bread and sugar seeped through the frosted glass windows. Inside, golden light washed over tiny wooden tables and a counter stacked with pastries in neat rows. Hana stepped in, the bell above the door chiming softly.
She chose a seat by the window, nervously wrapping and unwrapping her scarf as she waited. Her fingers were cold, but her cheeks were warm — the kind of warmth that comes from quiet anticipation.
At exactly 1:01 PM, Ren walked in. He looked casual — layered in a navy hoodie under a coat, hair still a little damp from melted snow. When he saw her, he smiled. It wasn't big or flashy. Just soft. Real.
"Hey," he said, sitting across from her.
"Hi."
The silence between them wasn't awkward. It was gentle. Familiar. Hana fiddled with the menu, even though she had already decided on hot chocolate.
They both ordered something warm — hot chocolate for her, black coffee for him. For a while, they sipped in silence, watching the snow fall outside.
"I like it here," Hana said eventually.
"Me too. It's kind of hidden," Ren replied. "You wouldn't know it was here unless you were looking for it."
Hana smiled at that. "Like you."
Ren blinked. Then gave a small laugh. "Was that... a compliment?"
"I think so," Hana murmured, cheeks pink.
They talked more — about winter break, about the vending machine at school they both missed, about Popcorn the kitten climbing the curtains at Naoki's house. Hana found herself smiling more than she expected. Ren was easy to talk to. He always had been.
But she noticed something, too — a small leather notebook tucked inside his coat pocket. He kept it there carefully, his hand brushing over it now and then. Protective.
She didn't ask. Not yet.
Later, as they stepped back outside, the sky had dimmed slightly, snowflakes beginning to drift again. Hana pulled her scarf tighter.
Ren glanced at her hands. "You didn't bring gloves?"
She shook her head. "I forgot."
He hesitated, then pulled something from his coat — a pair of soft gray gloves. "Here. My hands get cold easily, but yours shouldn't."
She took them without a word, slipping them on. They were a little big, but warm. She looked up at him, her smile small but full.
They began walking again, side by side through the quiet neighborhood. Their shoulders brushed once, then again. Neither moved away.
As they walked, the snow fell heavier, gently sticking to their coats and hair. Hana looked up at Ren. "Do you still go to that bookstore near the station?"
"Sometimes," he said. "Only when I'm trying to think. Or when I'm not."
She nodded. "Maybe next time… we could go together."
Ren looked over at her, surprised, then smiled. "I'd like that."
They reached the corner where they'd part ways. Hana stopped.
"Thank you. For today."
Ren nodded. "Thank you for saying yes."
They stood there for a moment, unsure if either should move. Hana took a step back.
"See you soon?" she asked.
Ren gave a small nod. "Yeah. Soon."
She turned and walked away, glancing over her shoulder once. Ren was still standing there, hands in his pockets, watching the snow fall.
That night, back in her room, she drew the window of the bakery. Two cups. Snow outside. And a boy with a hidden notebook.
Then she picked up her phone.
She typed: "I think I'm ready to tell you something."
Paused. Deleted it.
Typed again: "What's in that notebook you carry around?"
She was about to press send — but her phone buzzed.
Naoki: "Can we talk?"
She stared at the screen.