2. Sense of Smell [Vanilla
They had gone to a bookstore after school. Hino-chan wanted to look for a book recommended to her by one of her friends.
He would have accompanied the redhead to get said book, but she had gone to the romance section and his feet firmly planted themselves by the more masculine sports section. So he waited (somewhat) patiently, rocking back and forth on his heels.
He scanned the area not really looking at anything when his eyes caught a familiar figure entering the store.
"Fuyuumi-chan!" he called to the first year. Fuyuumi looked over to her left and saw Hihara walking toward her, a smile on his face. She smiled back, "Hihara-senpai"
"What brings Fuyuumi-chan here?" he asked.
"I have a book report for a class" she said walking towards the fictional section. Hihara walked in step with her, "So what book are you going to read?"
"I'm not really sure yet. What brings you here, Hihara-senpai? Looking for a particular book?" she asked as they stopped in front of the classics section.
He shook his head, "Nah. I'm here with Hino-chan, but the she went into the romance section" he made a face. Fuyuumi smiled. "I don't really like to read much anyway" he shrugged. He looked at the books before him, eyes widening, some of these were huge! He picked one up (it was heavy too) and flipped through the pages. Chapter upon chapter, filled with so many words. It seemed endless. He shook his head and put the book back, grabbing another.
Fuyuumi, meanwhile had found a book she thought suitable, and reached for it only to find it was just out of reach. She frowned and tried again. Nope. She couldn't reach the top and the books were too crammed together to pry it out by the sides.
This book was even worse. While thinner, it was filled with overly complicated words he wasn't sure he could even pronounce. He huffed slightly and put that one back next to the heavy one. Really, did Fuyuumi actually enjoy reading these sort of books?
He looked over at the girl and saw Fuyuumi on her tip-toes trying to grab a book just out of her reach. Hihara, helpful boy that he was, reached over her and snagged the elusive book. As he did so, a lovely scent surrounded him. Vanilla. Fuyuumi smelled like vanilla, warm and inviting and before he realized what he was doing, he had leaned forward and sniffed her hair.
Fuyuumi stiffened and Hihara promptly remembered where he was.
Did he just? Yes, yes he did and oh god what must she think of him??
Hihara jumped back holding the book like a shield between them. "Ah! Fuyuumi-chan, I, I didn't, I mea--"
"Hihara-kun! I found the book I was looking for" Hino smiled apologetically. "Sorry to keep you waiting. And Fuyuumi-chan, good afternoon" Hino waved to the other girl.
Fuyuumi looking rather flustered smiled back. "G-good afternoon Hi-hino-senpai."
Hino smiled, "So, looking for a particular book or just browsing?" she asked.
"Ah, yes. Actually, I found a book. H-Hihara-senpai" she trailed off blushing slightly.
Hihara jumped, "Oh! Right. Um, here. Sorry." He handed the book to her. "Sorry" her murmured again. Hino looked on curiously. Fuyuumi nodded her thanks and the two stood there rather awkwardly, not sure what to say.
Hino, not sure what was going on decided to take matters into her own hands.
"I'm ready if you're ready Hihara-kun. Bye Fuyuumi-chan" she waved, walking towards the check-out. Hihara looking relieved began to follow suit. As he passed her, he paused, running a hand through his hair and mumbled, Y-you smell pretty"
Fuyuumi blushed from the neck up.