Mayura's Gift
Snow started to gently fall down from the sky when Shimon was making his way towards the library to make progress on his mountain of paperwork when he spotted Mayura walking out. She had a messenger bag thrown over her shoulder and she looked like she was ready for a nap. When they made eye contact, Mayura smiled so warmly that Shimon couldn't help but wonder if his cheeks had started to blush.
"What brings you to the library?" Mayura asked when Shimon walked up, one hand in his pocket while the other clutched a white bag. "Doing some late night research?"
Shimon shook his head and lifted the bag of paperwork in front of her face. "I got secretary duty. Apparently, my family doesn't think that I should be doing anything too harsh or intense until I'm used to living with...my condition."
Mayura reached out and gently touched his hand. Her skin was warm and soft, almost like she was made out of the richest fabric. She gazed into his eyes with concern. "Shimon I told you at the hospital...please don't beat yourself up. I don't like seeing you put yourself through even more torture."
"Mayura..." Shimon said softly. He noticed that other people around them had started to stare at them and he could feel his cheeks begin to redden furiously. So he grabbed her by the hand and lead her to a secluded garden right outside the library so they could talk a little bit more in private. He sat down with her on one of the benches and to Mayura's surprise, he linked their fingers together tenderly. "Sorry. I thought it'd be better if we spoke in private."
Mayura nodded her head but looked away with a blush when she realized that he wasn't going to let her hand go even though they were alone together. She used her free hand to pull out a small bundle out of her messenger bag and lifted it up to Shimon.
"What's this?" Shimon asked, looking at the bundle of fabric.
Mayura chuckled. "What does it look like? It's a scarf you dolt."
She unwrapped the scarf and tenderly used her hand to wrap it around Shimon's neck. Even though her fingers were covered with prickles of blood, the end result was satisfying to look at. She was glad that she remembered how to knit.
Shimon set the bag of papers down on the bench and gently touched the scarf Mayura made him. Even though it looked a bit rough around the edges, the intense reds and oranges she used were beautiful and warm. He gave her a smile and closed his eyes. "Thanks."
"You're welcome." Mayura replied, happy to see him so happy with the gift. "I hope it'll keep you warm."
Shimon leaned forward and to Mayura's surprise: he kissed her on the cheek. It was a very swift kiss, just a quick peck and nothing more. But she could feel the warmth of his lips even though the contact was so brief.
"I gotta get started on this mountain of work or else I won't get home in time for dinner. I'll see you later." Shimon said abruptly, he let their fingers slip away from each other and turned on his heel towards the entrance of the library. Leaving Mayura to sit there to wonder what just happened.