Summer Daze

This was the best bath he ever had. Toshiki leaned over the tub. This was a weird afternoon. They didn’t know each other. She didn’t know why she took him in. Yumi might be a bit too trusting. Or maybe…

Toshiki shook his head. Stop it! That’s not her. She’s gone. It’s not possible!

He looked up when he heard a knock on the bathroom door.

“Yeah?” Toshiki asked.

“Are you okay in there?” Yumi asked.

“Yeah!” he said.

“Okay, I let you some clothes on the counter,” she said.

“Okay,” he said. The man sat back in the tub. His mind went back to his host. She reminded him of her. Both were gentle souls. She was at least. He just met Yumi. Such a strange girl. Then again, she was strange too. The bath was nice though. He even got to wash his hair.

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Yumi was cooking in the kitchen. She smiled and hummed to herself. She figured she would make something simple. Like some stew.

“Hm,” she said. “Needs more garlic.” Maybe some more spices too. Yumi paused when she heard footsteps. She looked over her shoulder.

“Oh, you’re here,” the girl said. “How was your bath?” Toshiki stood in the doorway.

“Good,” he said. He looked so much better now. The jeans and gray Asakawa Maki shirt looked great on him. He just needed a shave and a haircut.

“Looks good on you,” Yumi said.

“Uh… Thanks,” Toshiki rubbed the back of his head. He nervously laughed. Yumi giggled.

“Dinner will be ready,” she said.

“Oh. What are we having?” he asked.

“Curry stew,” the girl said. “I made the recipe myself.”

“Ah,” Toshiki said. “I see.” He got a better look at Yumi now. She was cute. He’d give her that. He couldn’t take his attention off of her. What was it about her? Why did he think about her when he saw Yumi’s face? It didn’t make sense. They just met. But still…

“All done!” Yumi said. She dipped out the stew into bowls. Toshiki sat down at the table. The girl served them both dinner. Yumi sat down in front of him.

“Tell me how it is,” she said. Toshiki nodded.

“This is good,” he said. Yumi’s eyes lit up.

“Really? You mean it?” she asked. “Oh! I’m so glad you like it!” Toshiki kept his focus on her. She was so young. But he still saw her. It shouldn’t be like this. Yumi was so young. Too young for him. He couldn’t think of her as her. It was then Toshiki noticed Yumi staring at him.

“What?” he asked. “Do I have something on my face?” Yumi shook her head, smiling. The man blinked with more food in his mouth. This felt so wrong. Why was his heart beating so fast? No. It can’t be. She’s not her. But still…

“Are you feeling okay?” Yumi asked. Toshiko gave her a blank stare.

“Um… Yeah, yeah,” he said. “I’m fine.” The man ate more stew. This was getting awkward. Toshiki cleared his throat. He was going to have to deal with this later. Good thing this stew was good.