Hiyori introduced Ren on a quiet Saturday afternoon.
They met at the café Hinako had recently opened a small corner for weekend visitors. The sun slanted softly through the windows, making everything feel calm and familiar.
Asahi was the first to smile, extending a hand without hesitation.
“So you’re the one,” he said, eyes twinkling.
Ren laughed lightly, shaking his hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Hinako, ever the curious twin, leaned forward with a mischievous grin. “Hiyori, you didn’t tell me he’s this tall!” She nudged her sister. “And he’s cute, too.”
Hiyori flushed lightly. “Hinako—stop teasing me.”
Hinako ignored her protest entirely. “Come on, Hiyo, smile! Ren, over here!” She pulled her phone from her pocket. Before Hiyori could stop her, she had snapped a dozen pictures, laughing at every awkward pose Hiyori made.
Asahi chuckled from across the table. “She hasn’t changed at all.”
Ren leaned back, amused. “I like her energy. She’s infectious.”
Hiyori looked at him and smiled—genuine, easy. It felt different from how she used to feel for Asahi: warm, light, and unafraid.
The group chatted for a while, swapping stories of daily life, work complaints, and minor victories. Asahi and Ren discussed their favourite coffee blends, while Hinako kept nudging Hiyori into playful photo poses. At one point, Hiyori caught herself laughing so hard she almost spilled her drink.
Later, Hinako suggested a group selfie. “All of us! I want proof that Hiyo finally found someone who makes her happy.” She draped an arm over Hiyori’s shoulder and pointed the camera at them.
Hiyori laughed, resting her head lightly against Ren’s shoulder. Ren smiled softly, careful and gentle. Asahi leaned in too, and Hinako’s laughter filled the frame.
“Perfect,” Hinako said, reviewing the shot. “You’re glowing, Hiyo.”
“Stop saying that,” Hiyori muttered, but her smile betrayed her.
As the afternoon wore on, the café emptied. Hiyori watched them together—the teasing, the easy laughter, the unspoken understanding—and she felt something settle gently inside her.
Her first love stood before her—not as longing, not as regret—but as family. And beside her stood Ren, steady, warm, exactly where he belonged.
Love, she realized, didn’t disappear.
It changed.
It waited.
And when the time was right, it found her again.
No comments:
Post a Comment