The Angel and the Clover

An Unexpected Encounter

The afternoon was quiet. The wind rustled the leaves of the trees in the park while people walked unhurriedly. Some children played near a fountain, and the sound of birds broke the silence. Sitting on a bench, a book in his hands, was Johan. His expression was as serious as ever. He read in silence, paying no attention to the people passing in front of him. A few yards away, Yotsuba Nakano was running back and forth. —Sorry! Coming! —she shouted as she chased a ball a child had kicked too far. The ball bounced several times... until it gently tapped Johan's foot. He looked up slowly. Yotsuba came running over, slightly out of breath. —I'm so sorry! Are you okay? Johan picked the ball up off the ground and handed it to her without a word. —Thanks... —Yotsuba replied with a big smile. She waited a few seconds, thinking he might say something more. But he didn't. —You're really quiet... —she commented with a laugh—. I'm Yotsuba. Johan remained silent for a moment. —Johan. That was all he said. Yotsuba smiled even wider. —Nice to meet you, Johan! He simply opened his book again. Most people would have left after such an awkward moment. But Yotsuba didn't. She sat down on the other end of the bench. —What are you reading? Silence. —Do you like parks? Silence again. —Well... you don't talk much, do you? Johan closed his book slowly. —I don't like to speak without reason. Yotsuba let out a small laugh. —Then I'll find a reason. That answer surprised Johan. He didn't show it on his face, but it was the first time anyone had responded that way. The minutes passed. They talked a little more. Actually, Yotsuba did almost all the talking. She told stories, talked about her sisters, about the things she liked, and about how she always ended up in funny situations. Johan only answered with short phrases. However... He didn't get up to leave. When the sun began to set, Yotsuba stood up. —I think I should be heading back. Johan nodded. She took a few steps, but then turned around. —Will you come tomorrow? He was silent for a few seconds. —Maybe. Yotsuba smiled with the same joy as always. —Then I'll wait for you! She waved goodbye and ran off. Johan watched her walk away. For the first time in a long while... He felt curious to return to the same park the next day.

A Promise

Chapter 2: An Unexpected Promise The next afternoon, the park was just as quiet as the day before. Yotsuba arrived a few minutes before the usual time. —What if he doesn't come...? —she thought as she watched the main path. She waited five minutes. Ten. Fifteen. Just when she was about to give up, she saw a figure walking slowly. It was Johan. With his hands in his pockets and the same calm expression as always. Yotsuba raised her arms enthusiastically. —I knew you'd come! Johan approached. —I said "maybe." —But you came! For the first time, Johan let out a nearly imperceptible smile. Yotsuba noticed it. —You smiled! He went back to being serious. —You imagined it. —No! I saw it! Johan shook his head as he kept walking. The two began to walk through the park. Yotsuba talked about anything. About the flowers. About the dogs that passed by. About the children playing. She even waved at strangers. Johan just listened. After a few minutes they reached a small café. Yotsuba looked at the sign. —Should we go in? —I didn't bring much money. —I'll treat you! —That's not necessary. —I insist! Finally Johan agreed. They sat by the window. Yotsuba ordered juice and a slice of cake. Johan only a coffee. —Are you always this serious? —she asked. Johan looked at his cup for a few seconds. —Always. —That must be very tiring. He didn't answer. Yotsuba smiled warmly. —Then I'll smile for the both of us. Those words made Johan look up. He wasn't used to people like her. When they finished eating, they walked through the park again. The sun was beginning to set. Before saying goodbye, Yotsuba extended her pinky finger. —Let's promise something. Johan looked at her, confused. —What? —Let's keep meeting here. Even if it's just once a week. Johan remained silent. Then he slowly raised his hand and linked his finger with hers. —Alright. Yotsuba smiled with a happiness impossible to hide. —It's a promise! For the first time in a long while, Johan felt he had a place he truly wanted to return to.

A Different Day

Several weeks had passed since that promise. It had become routine for Johan and Yotsuba to meet in the same park every afternoon. Although Johan remained reserved, little by little he was starting to talk more. They weren't long conversations, but Yotsuba noticed that each day he felt a little more at ease. That afternoon the sky was completely clear. The two walked along a path lined with trees. —You know? —said Yotsuba as she walked with her hands behind her back—. I used to think you were someone really scary. Johan glanced at her. —And now? —Now I think you're just a very lonely person. He didn't respond. Not because he was upset. But because, deep down, he knew she was right. They reached a small wooden bridge. From there they could see a lake lit by the evening light. The wind was gentle and everything was quiet. —Thank you for coming all these days —said Yotsuba with a smile. —You don't have to thank me. —Yes, I do. Johan looked at the lake for a few seconds. —I'm not used to someone wanting to spend time with me. Yotsuba lowered her gaze slightly. —Then I'm glad to be the first. He remained silent. For the first time in a long while, he didn't feel the need to leave. While Johan continued gazing at the landscape, Yotsuba smiled with an idea. She approached slowly. Without making a sound. And suddenly... She hugged him gently from behind. Johan's eyes widened slightly, surprised. He hadn't expected that gesture. For a few seconds he stood completely still. —What are you doing...? —he asked calmly. —Nothing special. I just wanted to give you a hug. Johan didn't try to pull away. He felt the warmth of that sincere gesture. It was a completely new sensation for him. After a moment, Yotsuba let go and took a small step back. —Sorry... Did I make you uncomfortable? Johan slowly shook his head. —No. It was... nice. Yotsuba smiled with a joy impossible to hide. —Then I'll have to give you more hugs! Johan let out a small smile. A genuine smile. Perhaps the first one Yotsuba had clearly seen. She stood watching him for a few seconds. —Now you really smiled. This time Johan didn't deny it. —I guess I did. They both started to laugh. The sun slowly disappeared over the horizon as the park filled with the colors of sunset. Without realizing it, that simple hug had changed something between them. They were no longer just two people who met by chance. Now there was a bond that both were beginning to cherish.

A Special Place

Chapter 4: A Special Place Spring was beginning to fill the park with color. The flowers had bloomed, the trees were covered in green leaves, and the air was pleasant. As every week, Johan arrived first. He sat on the bench where it all had begun. He looked at his watch. Only a few minutes to go. Suddenly he heard a familiar voice. —Johan! Yotsuba was running toward him, waving her hand enthusiastically. —Sorry I'm late. —It was only two minutes. —Then I was almost on time! Johan let out a small smile. It was such a natural gesture that he didn't even notice he'd done it. Yotsuba watched him. —You're smiling more and more. —Really? —Yes. And I like seeing you like that. Johan looked down slightly. He didn't know how to respond to a compliment. The two began to walk along the park paths. They talked about simple things. About Yotsuba's school. About the books Johan was reading. About the dogs playing near the lake. It was a quiet conversation, but for both of them it meant a lot. After a while they reached the bridge where the hug had happened. Yotsuba rested her arms on the wooden railing. —You know? This place became special to me. Johan looked at the lake. —To me too. She smiled. —I used to come here alone. Now I always look forward to this day. Johan was silent for a few seconds. —Me too. Those two words were enough for Yotsuba to understand how much had changed. Later, as they walked through the park, they found a little girl crying. —What's wrong? —asked Yotsuba, crouching down to her level. —I can't find my mom... Yotsuba gently took the girl's hand to calm her. Johan looked around carefully. After a few minutes he saw a woman searching desperately. —She's over there. The mother ran toward them and hugged her daughter. —Thank you so much! Yotsuba smiled. —It was nothing. The woman left with the girl, still grateful. As they continued walking, Yotsuba looked at Johan. —Even though you don't talk much... You always help when someone needs it. Johan replied calmly. —It's the right thing to do. Yotsuba smiled tenderly. —You're much kinder than you want to admit. Johan didn't answer. But that time he didn't deny her words. When the sun began to hide, they returned to the bench where they had first met. They both sat in silence. It was no longer an awkward silence. It was a silence full of peace. Yotsuba looked at the orange sky. —Do you think that many years from now we'll still be coming here? Johan looked at the same landscape. After a few seconds he answered calmly. —If you want to... I'll come. Yotsuba smiled with a happiness she couldn't hide. She knew those words meant much more than Johan was able to express. As the sunset covered the park, they both understood that this place was no longer just a meeting point. It was the place where a friendship had begun to turn into something much deeper.