I felt the urge
to call his name,
if only to draw his attention.

However,
he must have been able to sense my eagerness,
because he suddenly turned his head around
to look at me,
--his blue gaze shining like stars,
even in daylight.

"Um..."

My plans foiled,
I could only utter some improvised lines.

     "H-how are you today?"

He blinked at my unusually formal words

and then proceeded to chuckle spontaneously.

Just like the other night.

    "You know, Asami...

      there's no need to be so stiff."

He said,

though tears were already gathering
at the corners of his eyes from his laughter.

     "We're not strangers, right?"