The Shopping Trip
"Hagi, no. We came here to get you a new jacket. I don't need that dress." Saya had been admiring a red sundress, the kind that feels like a cloud when you wear it. She had been foolish not to expect Hagi to notice.
"And I don't need a new jacket. But you're buying me one, so I am buying you this dress." Hagi saw her register defeat and chuckled. She could be so stubborn. They turned and headed toward the checkout. The cashier, and pretty girl of about nineteen, perked up and looked at Hagi with interest. She was petite, with waist-length hair and deep green eyes. She had a nametag, letting the world know that her name was Sarah.
"How sweet of you, buying a dress for your little sister." Sarah purred. "Hagi, isn't it? I've seen you playing your cello around town. Your sister is usually with you then as well, isn't she? You seem very close." Hagi shifted uncomfortably as she spoke. Saya was struggling not to let her eyes go red. "I am NOT his sister! Why does everyone assume we're related?" she thought defiantly.Sarah scribbled her phone number on the receipt, and handed it to Hagi. She smiled and winked. "Leave your sister home next time."
That was too much for Saya. Saya stepped forward until she stood next to Hagi, turned him until he faced her, and kissed him. "I am NOT his sister!" she shouted. She grabbed the bag and walked out of the store, oblivious to the stares and Sarah's stunned expression. Hagi was right behind her and neither one of them looked back.
Once they were outside, Hagi looked and Saya and asked, "Then what are we?" "What?" "In the store, you said that we were not family. Then what are we? Friends?" Saya mumbled something. "What did you say, Saya? I can't hear you." She mumbled a little louder. "What?" Hagi said, smiling. "G-girlfriend. At least, I want to be." Saya said, looking at the ground. Hagi grabbed her hand, smiling gently. "I would like that too." Saya looked at him, unsure if he was lying to her. As she slowly realized that he was telling the truth, her smile grew.
They walked back to Omoro, smiling, hand-in-hand.
