She glanced over at him as he struggled to get words out, a small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. It was endearing, this awkwardness between them; it made her feel connected to him in some inexplicable way. She wanted nothing more than to reach out and comfort him, to let him know that he didn't have to be alone in this. But for now, she remained silent, content to simply observe him from a distance, savoring the moment and the strange new feelings it brought forth.
Akira rose from the water and sat on the edge, putting only his feet in the water; it’s bad to be in hot water for a long time.
As Akira sat on the edge of the hot spring, Yuki watched him quietly, her expression thoughtful. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to their connection than either of them realized; that perhaps they were meant to be together in some way she hadn't yet discovered. The idea both excited and terrified her in equal measure, leaving her uncertain how to proceed.
For now, though, she decided to simply enjoy the moment, relishing the closeness they shared however fleeting it might be. She took a deep breath, letting it out slowly as she allowed herself to relax fully into the warm embrace of the hot spring.