Emi had finally tracked the lab to its prefecture. Weeks of inquiries, quiet observations, and small clues had led her here. She had learned to be patient, waiting for the right moment — not to startle him, not to frighten him, but to apologize properly and explain everything.
She spotted him leaving the building one evening, the golden glow of the setting sun casting long shadows on the pavement. Her heart raced as she quickened her pace, careful to stay at a distance. Today would be the day. Today, she would finally speak to Haruto.
But as she drew closer, her heart sank.
Haruto wasn't alone. He was walking arm in arm with a woman — graceful, confident, and clearly familiar with him. Her hair was tied neatly into a bun, her glasses reflecting the sunlight, and her uniform suggested authority. Emi recognized her from the stories she had heard around the lab: Ayaka Fujimoto, Haruto's superior and quiet source of comfort during his long months of recovery.
They walked together, laughing softly, the casual intimacy between them like a knife twisting in Emi's chest. Haruto's arm rested lightly around Ayaka's shoulders, and her head tilted slightly toward him as they spoke. For a moment, Emi thought she might be dreaming — or perhaps this was punishment for all the mistakes she had made.
She stopped behind a tree, hiding in the shadows, her chest tight and her hands trembling. Every step they took felt like confirmation of what she feared most: Haruto had moved on. He had built a life where she had no place.
But even as jealousy and heartbreak surged through her, she reminded herself why she was here. She had to speak to him. She had to apologize. No matter the risk, no matter the discomfort, she owed him that much.
Taking a deep breath, Emi decided she would wait until they parted ways. She would follow at a safe distance, observe, and find the perfect moment to approach — even if it meant swallowing the lump in her throat and hiding the ache in her chest.
Haruto and Ayaka continued down the street, unaware of the figure trailing behind them. Emi's resolve hardened. No more hiding. No more excuses. The past would be confronted, and whether Haruto forgave her or not, she would finally speak her heart.