The sky was painted in streaks of orange and pink as Aiko approached the little café near the train station. Ren was already waiting, leaning casually against the doorframe, a warm smile on his face.
"Hey," he greeted, opening the door for her. "You made it."
Aiko smiled, feeling a flutter in her chest. "Of course. I wouldn't miss this."
The café was cozy, with soft music and the rich aroma of coffee and pastries filling the air. They found a small corner table by the window, giving them a view of the fading sunlight.
Ren slid into the seat across from her, his gaze soft. "It's nice here, isn't it?"
Aiko nodded, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Yeah… it feels warm. And quiet. Perfect."
They ordered hot chocolate and small desserts, chatting about everything and nothing—school projects, favorite books, and the funniest things that had happened during the week. Aiko found herself laughing more freely than she had in days.
At one point, a stray piece of whipped cream landed on Ren's nose. Without thinking, Aiko leaned across the table and wiped it off with her finger. Their eyes met, and Aiko felt her cheeks heat instantly.
"You're really good at making me smile," Ren said quietly, voice low enough that only she could hear.
Aiko's heart fluttered. "I… I like making you happy," she whispered, barely able to meet his gaze.
Ren leaned back slightly, a soft smile on his lips. "You always do."
They spent the next hour sharing small bites of desserts and teasing each other gently, the kind of playful intimacy that made Aiko's heart race. When they both reached for the last piece of cake at the same time, their hands brushed, and they froze for a moment, both laughing softly at the coincidence.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow across the café, Ren reached across the table and lightly took Aiko's hand. "I'm really glad we did this," he said.
"Me too," she replied, squeezing his hand gently. Her heart felt full, warm, and peaceful all at once.
Walking home afterward, their fingers intertwined naturally, and Aiko realized how much these simple outings meant to her. It wasn't about grand gestures or dramatic confessions—it was about quiet laughter, soft touches, and shared moments that made her heart feel lighter every time.
As they approached the street where they would part ways, Ren looked at her with that gentle smile that always made her stomach flutter. "Same time next week?"
"Absolutely," Aiko said, leaning slightly on his shoulder as they walked the last few steps together.
Even after he left, Aiko's heart lingered in that golden light of the sunset, carrying the warmth of his hand, his smile, and the quiet joy of simply being with him.