Day 4: Touch
This is set right after chapter 40, on their bus ride home.
It's the little things he remembers the most.
The scent of her shampoo (vanilla and strawberries) as they duck under the window sill. Her weight on his back, a reassuring presence as he carries her downhill. The color of her nails, dainty and delicate in his fingers. The way her lashes flutter when he leans in to kiss her.
The curves of each character as he scratches her name carefully into a notebook. The way she sneaks a whiff at his nape when she thinks he isn't looking. The look on her face as she runs to him with all she's got.
The bus hits a bump on the road and jolts him awake. He groans a little, bending his head from side to side in an effort to relieve the crick on his neck (Kominato's been leaning on him for the past hour, the big dork).
A quiet chuckle catches his attention and he turns to where the girl in question is curled up in her seat, her phone pressed to her ear, pink lips turned up in a small smile.
He is surprised to see her awake at this time; when asleep, an earthquake could rock the highway, and she'd be none the wiser, content in her dream world. He watches her finger a silver pendant, another boy's name etched onto the smooth surface.
His heart clenches.
He sucks in a breath and faces forward, frowning. He recalls all the moments missed, wonders if only he'd been honest with her… would she be tracing his name right now?
He lets out a sigh and rakes a hand through his tangled hair, trying to disperse the depressing thoughts. He mulls over the effect she has on him, the way his body reacts to her every touch, how he feels lighter, stronger when she is around, and how, just a few moons ago, she too held a torch for him.
A flare of resolution passes over his face. It's his turn now, and he's decided he'll take the gamble and run to her with everything to lose.
Yes it's selfish of him, but he swears he'll make her remember, and when she does, he'll snatch her back and never let her go.