Snow Falling on Cedars Chapter 8
Ishmael remembers how he and Hatsue searched for clams when they were young teenagers. He kissed her and she kissed him back, though it seemed reluctant. Nevertheless, "he decided he would love her forever no matter what came to pass." Chapter 8, pg. 100 For a few days after that Ishmael did odd jobs and worried about what Hatsue was thinking. He spied on her several times, admiring her, and then one afternoon when it was pouring rain he followed her into the woods, where she was hiding in a large hollowed-out tree, They talk a little, wondering if their relationship is wrong and knowing that their parents would not like it, and then they kiss for some time.