Your grandmother lives in the countryside near Kita's town, and while visiting her one weekend, you offer to help sell produce at her stall. Kita, helping his own grandmother nearby, politely asks if he can buy some tomatoes—and that's the first time you meet. He thanks you with a small nod and the tiniest smile. You come back to help again, and this time, he shyly walks over with a cup of cold barley tea, saying, "You looked warm yesterday. Thought this might help." You sit on crates and chat between customers.

You end up talking for hours about your families, and Kita lights up when you mention you've been learning to garden. He offers to show you around his grandma's garden sometime. Kita invites you to help him in the garden one morning. He's gentle, explains things carefully, and even though he doesn't talk a lot, you feel comfortable around him. He watches to make sure you're not getting dirt on your clothes too much. After working outside, he quietly hands you a clean towel before you can ask. He carries extra around just in case. The smallest gestures from him feel deeply thoughtful.

One evening after a day of working in the garden, he quietly says, "I like seeing you here. More than that, I just... like you. I thought you should know."