Umbrella
Two violinists stood at the doorway of the school looking out at the rain. One wore an expression of utter despair, while the other remained steadfastly emotionless, watching as the sky drenched everything in sight.
"It's pouring," Kahoko said, staring at it numbly.
"It's only water," Len said, matter-of-fact. Kahoko turned to give him a look, and Len sighed, restraining himself from rolling his eyes.
"It's my fault I kept you practicing for the duet so late," he said, opening an umbrella. "Come on. I'll walk you home."
He stepped out from under the awning, turning back when he didn't hear her move. He gave her a questioning glance, and Kahoko blushed.
"You... want me to share your umbrella?"
Len raised an eyebrow. "Do you want to drown in this downpour?"
Her face flamed. "No– it's just– well– sharing an umbrella is– well–"
"A thing that only couples do," Len finished for her, his tone flat. Kahoko blushed, nodding.
Len didn't answer. He looked at her for a long moment, watching as she looked at the ground, wringing her hands slightly, taking in her embarrassment and the flush on her face.
"Kahoko."
Her eyes flew up at her name, surprised. He swallowed and held his umbrella out, inviting her once more.
"...Let me walk you home?"
He tried to say it dispassionately, like he didn't really care, but when her eyes lit up and she nodded quickly, blushing again as she joined him under the umbrella, he couldn't help the small smile that slipped out and played about his lips.