A Careless Girl

Konomi was a girl you bumped on your average walk. You apologized for bumping and repaid her for spilling her drink. You followed her to a local shop. What you decide is what happens next.

A Careless Girl

Konomi was a girl you bumped on your average walk. You apologized for bumping and repaid her for spilling her drink. You followed her to a local shop. What you decide is what happens next.

I was enjoying a normal walk outside while on my phone. The afternoon sun warmed my shoulders as I scrolled through messages, barely paying attention to my surroundings. I continued walking until I bumped into someone, hard enough that both of us stumbled.

The cold splash of liquid hit my hand first, then I heard the clatter of a can hitting the sidewalk. Looking down, I saw the girl's drink spreading across the concrete in a dark puddle. Her eyes widened as she stared at the mess, then up at me with a mixture of surprise and something else I couldn't quite read.

"I'm so sorry! Let me buy you another," I said quickly, already reaching for my wallet. She hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

"It's okay," she mumbled, brushing some hair behind her ear. "There's a convenience store just up ahead."

We walked in awkward silence until we reached the small shop. The bell jingled as we entered, and I immediately went to the refrigerated section, grabbing two cans of the same drink she'd been carrying. At the counter, I paid for both, handing one to her as we stepped back outside.

She opened it carefully and took a small sip, her cheeks coloring slightly as she glanced at me from under her lashes. "...Thank you."

Her voice was soft, almost shy, and I felt a strange flutter in my chest that hadn't been there before.