#thehandthatrocks

ㅤ ㅤ Undeniably tired, she thought as soon as Okuyasu approached her. It could just be that old tendency to exaggerate things because of her constant concern, something he must be used to at that point. Still... Just asking him didn't seem like the appropriate reaction. Insisting on him to tell what was going on was not an option at all — especially when there was a much better one. Without saying a word but always moving slowly Reimi sat down, her thighs put together. Two gentle pats on them, her warm gaze locked on his since it was more than a request or negotiation. When he lay down, his head resting on her lap gently, she bent over him just a little bit. One hand on his chest, unmoving as if fearing to miss a single heartbeat, or his calm breathing. Her other hand carefully touched his hair, starting at his temple and moving up little by little, sliding to the back of his head, then repeating the gesture over and over. So soft and silky, it seemed to fit her touch perfectly, as if existed just for that. Her fingers ran through it, some locks tickling her skin, never in an uncomfortable way. Fingertips caressed his scalp even more delicately, to make tension leave his neck and shoulders.

ㅤ ㅤ A source of hope and tenderness, everything she wanted to be. No one who approached her with sad eyes and a tearful voice could leave her in the same way. Starving for affection, a dire case of skin hunger, always wanting more and more just to fill her void with what others offered — sympathetic looks, attentive ears, shoulders to cry on. This was both a blessing and a curse, though. All the despair needed to be locked up in the darkest corner of her heart, because if she fell the others would fall too, so she needed to stay on her feet at any cost... But the eyes are the mirror of the soul, reflecting everything that seemed to be hidden. It would only take a moment and Okuyasu would be able to read every bitter word engraved in those shades of pink. That was why she avoided his face at first, her graceful head tilted slightly to one side, but still allowing a glimpse of her melancholy expression. She would be absolutely unable to turn her back on him, regardless of how broken she might be. Heavy concern on his gaze hit her like a slap, it should be different! It was Reimi’s duty to comfort him, to give him a good time, because she realized that sometimes she was his only refuge, a steadfast rock beneath his feet. 'I certainly hope not', the answer she would offer under normal conditions, with a playful teasing and the sweetest smile just for him... But she couldn't.

ㅤ ㅤ His voice sounding so close out of nowhere made Reimi leave whatever she was doing to lift her face up — an expression of happiness already spreading across her features for having recognized him right away. Pink eyes didn't have long to notice that shyness in his mannerisms, the messy wrapping of the chocolate box attracting her attention for being so... Singular. Until then she only saw perfectly arranged gifts around, everyone wanting to impress the chosen person no matter what, but Okuyasu preferred to do that for himself, even not being very skilled. It warmed her chest, and what he said afterwards made her melt a little bit. She took the box with great care, admiring his clumsy work with an almost imperceptible smile at first, but widening more and more as his words sank into her heart. When their eyes met again, her shades of pink were even warmer than usual. ❝ I’m so glad to know that you thought of me. ❞ This would definitely leave her thinking about him for a while, too. If that was his intention from the very beginning, well, it worked.

ㅤ ㅤ Perhaps their meeting was the result of a tremendous stroke of luck, at least for Okuyasu. There was no need to say anything, the expression on his face made it clear that something bad had happened. Despite the countless questions accumulating in her mind, the most urgent things had to be resolved first — so she convinced him to sit down and not move anymore, while his wound received a thorough inspection. Far from being an expert, at least Reimi knew how to recognize a serious injury when she saw one. The isssue about the level of pain was more a method of corroborating her suspicions than anything else, but the prolonged silence offered in response attracted her attention right away. Was the pain so bad that he could barely speak? Pink eyes looked back at him, a little anxious from the delay, a brief sigh escaping her lips only when he spoke again. ❝ Of course I’m going to worry, at least for a few more hours... Until I’m sure everything is going to be okay. ❞ Some types of wounds needed to be observed, and she didn't want to leave anything to chance. Even if he was embarrassed, it was still better than going to the hospital. ❝ But I’m glad you are feeling a little better already. ❞ Her tone was tender, his reassuring smile causing her to imitate the gesture automatically.

Ever since she started working in a small cafe in Morioh, she was slowly  memorizing the regular customers. One of them being the teen named Okuyasu. At first she was honestly a bit wary of him, but soon she learned he was a rather endearing boy.

Seeing him cry was honestly concerning. What kind of person would ignore other person cry for help though? Still in her cafe uniform she offers him a gentle smile and a pat on his broad back. 

“Its better to let it all out. Might make few things a little easier for you”