Hobby - 18

"Conversations are hard to maintain, which is why I don't like them," the girl with braided hair informs me. By some miracle, I've convinced her to meet me at one of the local coffee shops.

"This doesn't have to be a conversation," I reply.

She raises an eyebrow, seeming confused and skeptical all at the same time.

"Just answer one of my questions." I beg, whispering a "please" at the end.

She sips her tea, holding the pale yellow cup with a steady hand.

She sips again and again and again and...

"One question and one question only. I'll pick which one I answer." As soon as she finishes speaking, she sips again.

"Why are you looking for Nanako?"

"Is Nanako your friend?"

"Are you related to Nanako?"

"What's your name?"

Her responses are surprisingly fast.

"No comment."

"No comment."

"No comment."

She sips her tea. Unlike the first few times, her hand shakes.

"Hiroki."

"Hiroki? Isn't that a boy's name?" I ask.

She runs away, with tears streaming down her face.