Bright irises

leaned down towards me,

observing my reaction from up close--

--so close that I could easily see my own surprised face

reflected in those clear pools of blue.

"It really is you..."

Ba-thump.

"I didn't think we'd meet here 

of all places..."

Ba-thump ba-thump.

"Not that I'm complaining. 

It's just..."

...Why?

"Having someone my age see me working here

is kinda embarrassing...

heh."

...Why...

"Being too self-conscious is not a virtue...

Kumo-san."  

"Ahhh, such a cold greeting...

I guess I still have a long way to go, huh?"

He joked.

Why is it that...  

"Hmph."  

"Is this becoming a comedy routine?"

...just from meeting you...

  "Don't be silly."  

"Haha, sorry sorry."

...and catching a glimpse of your bashful smile...

I clutched at my chest.

...my heartbeats start to become so unbearably loud?