Year of the Boar, Thirteenth Month, Day 16.

 It was difficult to talk to Airi today. I felt awkward about what I had said in the middle of the night. I do not like feeling so vulnerable and as the vestiges of early morning mist crept across the lawns and dissipated, I wondered if she had really meant it when she said her heart was mine.

I fretted and paced for most of the morning and our conversation over the mid-day meal was superficial and meaningless. I wanted to tell her that my heart would belong to her until the end of time, that I can barely breathe when she smiles at me and that when she sings, my knees turn to water but every time I opened my mouth to say those things, my throat tightened and my cheeks flushed. 

Atsuko finally decided to take matters in hand and asked me what on earth was the matter. When I told her what Airi had said, she smiled broadly and said she was happy that I had found a kindred spirit at last. Can that be true? She said I should just enjoy spending time with Airi and see what happens... I wish I knew how to do that...