Kumiko and I felt something for each other from the beginning. It was not one of those strong, impulsive feelings that can hit two people like an electric shock when they first meet, but something quieter and gentler, like two tiny lights traveling in tandem through a vast darkness and drawing imperceptibly closer to each other as they go. As our meetings grew more frequent, I felt not so much that I had met someone new as that I had chanced upon a dear old friend.
The relationship between the narrator and Kumiko starts with a subtle connection rather than an overwhelming passion. Their bond is akin to two small lights moving together in the dark, suggesting a slow and natural alignment between them. This gentle feeling fosters an atmosphere of familiarity and warmth, rather than impulsive excitement commonly associated with new relationships.
As they meet more often, the narrator experiences a deepening sense of comfort, feeling as if he has reunited with a cherished friend from the past. This sense of recognition enhances their interaction, creating a meaningful relationship built on trust and shared moments rather than mere chance encounters.
