Eiko took the tray from her, turning and setting it down but not moving out of the entry. She turned back to Yuki and grabbed both her hands. “I know we just met, but I like you very much, Yuki-chan. I hope we will be very good friends.”
Yuki’s breath caught in her throat, but she smiled brightly. Squeezing Eiko’s hands she managed to whisper, “I know we will.”
Longing to make a bolder move, Yuki sipped tea with Eiko, chatting about everything from family to classes to the latest manga. She learned that Eiko’s older sister was Mina and that she was very protective of her younger sister. Yuki was the eldest of her siblings, so she could relate to Mina, but she also understood Eiko’s desire to prove herself.
It was late and Yuki couldn’t stop yawning. Eiko didn’t notice at first, but eventually she pushed her cup away and rose. “Thank you, Yuki-chan. I would like to do this again.”
Yuki covered another yawn. Despite her eyes tearing and blurring, she didn’t want to say goodnight. “We should. Maybe dinner next time?”
Eiko wrapped her arms around Yuki’s shoulders, giving her a quick hug. “Good night, Yuki-chan.”