Emi had arrived in the city with hope and nerves tangled in her chest. She had been imagining this moment for months — seeing Haruto again, hearing his voice, maybe even finding a way back into his life. But nothing could have prepared her for the sight that met her eyes: Haruto walking hand in hand with Ayaka Fujimoto, their smiles easy, their closeness natural and warm.
Her heart skipped a painful beat, but she forced herself forward, calling out softly, "Haruto…"
He turned, and for a brief moment, the weight of recognition, regret, and memories flashed across his face. Emi stepped closer, her voice trembling, "Why… why did you decide to marry her? After everything… after us?"
Haruto's gaze softened, and he took a deep breath. "Emi… it's not about replacing you, or forgetting what we had. It's just… she has qualities I needed in this moment of my life. Patience, understanding, someone who could stand by me quietly while I healed, someone who never judged my past… qualities you didn't have at the time. And it's not that you didn't have them — it's just that… back then, we couldn't be what each other needed."
He paused, seeing Emi's tears, feeling the weight of her regret, and allowed himself a small, almost imperceptible softening in his tone. "I've moved on, Emi. I want you to have a happy life too. Truly. But that life… it won't include me. I've found someone who makes me feel whole again."
Emi's chest tightened, her voice barely a whisper, "I… I see. I… I'm sorry, Haruto. I never meant to hurt you…"
Haruto nodded, a small, gentle smile on his lips. "I know. And I forgive you. But some things… some doors, once closed, don't open again. You have to live your life, Emi. Find happiness for yourself. I'll be okay. I promise."
With that, he turned and walked away, hand still in Ayaka's, leaving Emi standing alone on the street. The cherry blossoms drifted around her, soft and indifferent, as if marking the finality of the moment.
Emi's tears fell freely, but amidst the sorrow, there was a quiet understanding. She had lost him — not just to Ayaka, but to the choices she had made. And now, she would have to let him go, for good, and try to find her own path toward happiness.
Haruto, walking beside Ayaka, glanced once over his shoulder, a bittersweet pang in his chest. He had loved, he had lost, and now, he had finally found a warmth he could call his own.
And in that moment, both hearts, though separated, began to heal.