"Do you want to go out?"
Those were the words Miya heard when she received Ren's call. The surprise lasted barely a second before turning into excitement.
"Yes," she answered without thinking. "Yes, I'd love to."
Ren suggested the time, and Miya agreed immediately. She hung up with a smile and went straight to get ready. First, she took a long shower, using a sweet-scented cologne that left her skin fresh and soft. When she looked at herself in the mirror, she felt strangely encouraged.
She chose a pale pink skirt, sheer stockings that reached her thighs, and high heels that matched the outfit well. When she was ready, she left the house convinced that, at last, Ren would fulfill that promise she had been waiting for so long.
Miya arrived at his door and knocked softly.
When Ren appeared, Miya's eyes widened. He was dressed simply, wearing a white shirt and black pants. It wasn't a formal outfit, but it suited him well.
"You're ready," he said.
"Yes, I'm ready. Shall we go?" Miya replied, smiling.
Ren nodded, though his expression hesitated for a moment.
"Yes, but… wait. Yaina is coming with us."
"…What?"
***
That day, which was supposed to be normal, wasn't.
Ren walked down the main street with two women at his sides, each beautiful in her own way. On his right was Yaina, her dark hair falling in perfect waves, and on his left was Miya, with her sweet smile and bright eyes that seemed to capture the sunlight. The boys passing by couldn't ignore the scene. Some stopped, others whispered with nervous laughter, and a few simply stared with their mouths half open.
Ren felt a cold sweat run down his back. He felt too many eyes on him, or rather, on Miya and Yaina. Everyone seemed to understand something he himself couldn't explain, as if the entire city shared a silent rumor behind his back.
They arrived at the restaurant Ren had chosen. It was a quiet place, with wooden tables and warm lights.
"Thank you for the invitation, Ren," Yaina said, resting her elbows on the table.
Ren replied with a smile.
"It's a good way to distract ourselves… right?"
Yaina tilted her head, amused.
"Yes, although I know it's not that simple for you. Especially when it's not just two of us, but three."
"Yes… a little."
Yaina let out a low laugh.
"Thank you for the date you promised me," Miya said softly. "That says a lot about you, Ren."
Ren nodded slightly.
"I promised you…"
"And you're keeping it. That's important."
Lunch or dinner, Ren was no longer sure, became uncomfortable. At least for him. Yaina seemed to enjoy it, starting conversations and laughing naturally. Miya responded with short, polite phrases, but with an undertone Ren couldn't ignore.
"And Miya," Yaina asked, taking a sip of water, "how did you meet Ren?"
Miya smiled innocently.
"I knew him very well… when I was sitting on his lap."
Ren spat out the water he had just drunk. The liquid flew out in an arc, splashing Miya.
For a second, the entire restaurant seemed to fall silent.
Miya remained still, the water running down her. Ren, panicking, grabbed a napkin and began to wipe her with clumsy, hurried movements.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice trembling.
"I'm not feeling very well. You got me wet, Ren. Not just my face… but my dress as well."
"Sorry, sorry, Miya, it wasn't my intention."
"Of course not," she said softly. "But now… you have to make it up to me."
Yaina watched the scene with one eyebrow raised, amused.
"Well, Ren. You have a special talent for accidents."
After the accident, Ren invited both women to the movies, mainly because of Miya. She had always shown interest in romantic films, or at least that was what he believed.
They arrived at the cinema. The lobby lights were bright, and the giant posters caught the attention of everyone present.
"Well, girls… what movie do you want to watch?" Ren asked, looking at the list of options.
The question sounded general, but his eyes were fixed on Miya.
Yaina shrugged.
"I want something suspenseful or scary."
Miya pointed at a poster with excitement.
"I'd like to watch that one. Lost in a World of Dreams."
Ren looked at the poster. It was an animated movie about dreams, loss, and impossible reunions.
"I want to watch that too," Ren said quickly. "They say it's very good."
"Really, Ren? You want to see it?"
"Yes."
He didn't really want to see it, nor did he even know what it was about. He had lied just to make Miya have a good time, after what he had done.
"Excellent."
Miya's eyes sparkled.
"You don't mind watching that movie, Yaina?"
Yaina sighed, but smiled.
"No, I'm not against it. In the end, I'm just a guest."
Two against one. The animated movie won.
They entered the dark theater and took their seats. Ren sat in the middle, with Miya on his right and Yaina on his left.
The movie began in a tragic way. The male protagonist lost his entire family in an accident. Years later, he discovered he had a lost sister who, after a long time living together, eventually became his wife.
This is disturbing.
Ren thought as he glanced at Yaina.
She looked tired and bored, her eyes half closed. She wasn't his sister, of course. She was his stepmother. But the idea of the parallel made his stomach churn.
Since the night they talked, Ren had been gentler with Yaina, and she had done the same, though only in small gestures. Everything had been possible thanks to the empathy that had emerged in him after that conversation and that photograph.
When Ren looked back at the screen, he noticed the movie had reached the scene where the male protagonist left behind criticism and stares to run away with his lost sister. Just then, something warm rested on his thigh.
Ren felt a strange déjà vu.
Carefully, he lowered his gaze. When he saw what had happened, he was left breathless. Miya was asleep, her head resting on his lap once again.
Ren stayed rigid for a few seconds. Then he carefully lifted his gaze when he noticed people starting to stand up. The movie had ended, and he silently begged that no one would notice what was happening.
As if fate were cruel, Yaina spoke.
"Well, Ren, Miya… the movie is over. Are we leaving now?"
Ren slowly turned his head toward her and saw that Yaina's eyes were wide open, fixed on Miya.
Ren's body began to tremble. He tried to smile to ease the situation, but it was the most awkward smile he had ever made in his life.
And now what do I do?
Chapter 15: Feelings