Yui felt hollow — her mind still replaying the kiss, the rain, and the way Haruto's voice had trembled when he'd whispered "just one day."
Without turning on the lights, she made her way to her room. The silence followed her like a weight.
Steam fogged the bathroom mirror. Yui stood under the shower, her forehead pressed against the cold tile. Water poured over her, washing away the smell of rain, the feel of his touch — or trying to.
Her mind wouldn't stop. Every drop that slid down her neck reminded her of Haruto's hand there. Every blink came with his face — that strange, unreadable mixture of pain and desire.
She shut the tap with a sharp twist, letting the silence crash in again.
By the time she stepped out, towel drying her hair, the living room glowed softly in the kitchen light. Masaru was there, humming faintly, sleeves rolled up, flipping something in a pan.
Yui's expression was blank — unreadable, her damp hair brushing her shoulders, her oversized T-shirt slipping down one side of her shoulder. She walked past him, opened the fridge, and took out a bottle of cold water.
Without a word, she tilted her head back and drank.
Masaru glanced up from the stove. His eyes narrowed slightly.
"Did you kiss somebody?"
Yui choked.
Water spilled down her chin and splashed right onto Masaru's face.
He blinked, dripping, his expression somewhere between disbelief and irritation. "So you did."
Yui coughed violently, waving her hands. "Wha— what nonsense! No! I just— I just had too many blueberries!"
Masaru raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Blueberries."
Yui nodded rapidly, clutching the water bottle like a weapon. "They… turned my lips blue."
Masaru sighed, wiping his face with the kitchen towel, muttering, "Blueberries don't make you blush like that."
Yui's cheeks turned redder. "Stop saying embarrassing things!"
He smirked faintly and turned back to the stove, letting her fume in silence.
When dinner was ready, they sat across from each other. The faint jazz playing from Masaru's phone filled the gaps between their words.
Masaru placed his chopsticks down. "Yui."
"Hmm?" She looked up, still poking her rice absentmindedly.
"There's someone I want you to meet," he said, tone careful.
Her eyes lit up instantly. "Oh my God, finally! Are you dating someone?!"
Masaru's ears turned a suspicious shade of pink. "It's not— I mean— yeah."
Yui leaned forward eagerly. "Then at least show me a picture!"
He dodged her gaze, stuffing food into her mouth before she could speak again. "Eat first."
"Masaru!" she mumbled with her mouth full.
"Maybe," he said slowly, "you've already met that person before."
Yui blinked. "What?"
But Masaru only smiled faintly, turning his attention back to his bowl. The topic was closed — for now.
After dinner, Yui stretched and stood up. "I promised Mei I'd read her bedtime story tonight. So I'll sleep at Yamada-san's place."
Masaru nodded, rinsing the plates. "Be careful. Don't stay up too late gossiping."
"I'm going for a child's story session, not a girls' night," she said, sticking out her tongue as she grabbed her jacket.
The rain had finally stopped when she stepped outside. The streets were glistening, reflecting the city lights like spilled stars.
At the Yamadas' house, Yui rang the bell.
Himari answered, her face gentle but tired. She smiled warmly. "Yui-chan! You're here."
"Yes, sorry I'm late," Yui bowed politely.
Himari waved it off. "No, no. I'm grateful. I have some work to finish, and I'll be out until morning. Can I leave Mei with you tonight?"
"Of course," Yui smiled. "She's a sweetheart."
Himari chuckled softly, handing Yui a bowl of fruit. "Here, have something first. I'll get going."
"Thank you," Yui said, taking it.
Himari kissed Mei's forehead before leaving, whispering, "Be good, okay?"
Then she was gone, the faint sound of her heels echoing.
The house felt cozy — faint lavender scent, soft light, the rustle of curtains from an open window.
"Yui-neesan!" Mei ran up with a pillow almost her size, smacking it against Yui's arm.
Yui gasped in mock offense. "Oh? You're challenging me?"
A giggle. Then another pillow hit her square in the chest.
Soon, the room was filled with laughter and flying feathers. Mei's squeals mixed with Yui's teasing shouts as they tumbled over the bed, laughing breathlessly.
When they finally collapsed, exhausted, Yui brushed Mei's bangs gently aside. "Okay, time for a story."
She turned to the small shelf, scanning the colorful spines. "What should we read tonight…?"
But before she could pick one, Mei's voice came softly from behind her.
"Yui-neesan…"
"Hmm?" Yui didn't look back, still searching the shelf.
"My Haruto-uncle is really sweet, you know. He buys me gifts, takes me out, and always listens when I talk."
Yui froze.
Her back stiffened, fingers hovering over the books. "Oh?" she said lightly, forcing a neutral tone. "That's… nice of him."
Mei continued, swinging her legs. "He's really kind. But nowadays, he smiles differently. Mama says he's been happier recently. Maybe it's because of you?"
Yui turned sharply, her face half-hidden by her hair. "W-why would you say that?"
Mei giggled. "Because when you're around, he smiles beautifully. Isn't he handsome?"
Yui's cheeks turned crimson. "Mei!" she protested.
Mei laughed again and climbed out of bed, wrapping her little arms around Yui's waist from behind.
"Don't tell him I said that, okay?"
Yui tried to scowl but ended up smiling despite herself. "You little troublemaker…"
She picked up a random book, gently lifted Mei, and dropped her back on the bed. "Enough of your teasing. Story time."
Mei giggled and snuggled into her blanket. Yui began to read, her voice soft and melodic — but her mind far away.
By the time the story ended, Mei was asleep, her little fingers clutching the edge of Yui's shirt. Yui brushed a stray hair from her forehead and smiled tenderly.
Quietly, she slipped out of the room.
The house was dim, lit only by the small lamp in the living room. Yui walked over to switch it off — but paused.
On the cabinet stood a framed photo — Himari and Mei, smiling under cherry blossoms.
Yui tilted her head. Something about it felt… off.
Mr. Yamada was nowhere in sight.
She frowned slightly. Himari was married — everyone in the building knew that. But Yui realized she'd never once seen her husband. Not in person. Not in any photo.
Even Mei — bright, talkative Mei never mentioned him.
Her chest tightened faintly.
Strange.
She brushed the thought aside and turned off the light.
As she walked back toward the guest room, her thoughts shifted —first to Himari's missing husband, then to Mei's words, then inevitably… to Haruto.
Why is he doing all this?
Her heart gave a small, traitorous flutter.
She pressed her hand against it, whispering into the dark,
"Stop."
But her reflection in the hallway mirror smiled faintly back — as if mocking her.
The house fell quiet. Only the sound of the clock ticking.
Yui sat on the edge of the bed beside sleeping Mei, as she drifted off to sleep.