The deadline for the time Yaina and Ren were supposed to live together had already passed. What had started as an uncomfortable situation had turned into a genuine friendship. It wasn't deep or effusive, but it was real.
When Sanli arrived at his son's house after a long work trip, he stopped at the doorway, unable to believe what he was seeing. Ren and Yaina were in the kitchen, preparing lunch together. She was cutting vegetables, and he was setting the table.
Sanli smiled, a mix of surprise and warmth.
"What a great gift I received today," he said as he walked in. "My wife and my son, friends. That truly makes me happy."
Yaina looked up from the knife and smiled to the side.
"It wasn't easy, you know," she said lightly. "But I really enjoyed spending time with Ren. Somehow, the way he is and the vibe he gives off… it brings joy."
Ren blushed a little and lowered his gaze to the plate he was placing.
"I feel the same," he murmured.
Ren turned his head toward his father.
"You were right, Dad. Yaina is a very kind person."
Sanli chuckled softly.
"I'm glad to hear that. Truly."
When they finished eating, Sanli and Yaina got ready to leave.
His father crossed the doorway first, then Yaina, but she didn't leave completely; she stopped at the threshold.
Yaina looked at Ren, who was standing in the living room with a worried expression.
"Ren? What's wrong?"
Ren sighed, looking at the floor.
"It's Miya."
Yaina frowned.
"She still hasn't replied to you?"
"No. Since the day we went out together… she hasn't talked to me again. Do you think she got angry?"
Yaina stepped closer and placed a hand on Ren's shoulder.
"If you want to know that, you should talk to her. She doesn't live far away. Come on, knock on her door and ask her. Don't stay stuck with that worry."
Ren nodded slowly.
"You're right. I'll do that."
Yaina smiled.
"Good. Take care, Ren. I hope to see you again soon."
"Yes," Ren said with a sincere smile. "Thank you, Yaina."
When they left, Ren stayed alone in the living room, looking toward the window that faced the house next door. The sunset light dyed everything orange. For some reason, that felt like the right signal to do what Yaina had advised.
Ren crossed the few meters that separated the two houses.
He reached Miya's door and rang the bell.
He waited a few seconds, and the door opened.
Miya was there, her hair loose and her expression neutral. Not cold, but not warm either. Just distant.
"Hello, Ren," she said softly.
"Hi…" Ren replied, scratching the back of his neck. "Can I come in for a moment?"
Miya stepped aside without saying anything.
They went in. The living room was tidy and silent. Miya sat down on the couch, and Ren remained standing.
"Miya… since that day at the restaurant and the cinema… you haven't talked to me. Are you angry with me?"
Miya looked at him for a moment, then lowered her gaze to her hands.
"I'm not angry, just… I don't know."
"Because of what happened? Because of the water? Or because of… Yaina?"
Miya sighed.
"A bit of everything," she admitted. "Seeing you with her… so comfortable hurt me. I didn't expect it. I thought it was just you and me, you know? Suddenly she appears, your father's wife, living in your house, and you… you smile at her like it's nothing. But the real problem was how you treated me when I was resting on your legs. It wasn't my intention."
"It wasn't my intention either, I just pushed you away…"
A few soft whimpers escaped from Miya, but they didn't sound like pain. They were more like a balloon slowly deflating.
"Is something wrong with you?"
"No, nothing. Go on."
"As I was saying—"
At that moment, Miya laughed.
Ren looked confused by what was happening. Seeing that, Miya said:
"No, Ren… I lied to you. I'm not angry with you. I was just sick for a few days."
Ren stepped closer, worried, leaning slightly toward her.
"What's wrong, Miya?"
"Nothing that can't be fixed," she replied, trying to smile. "Don't worry."
"Then… that was the reason you didn't talk to me?"
"Yes. I was in bed almost all the time. But now, with you here… I feel a bit better."
Ren straightened up, looking around the living room.
"Can I do anything to help you? I don't know… water? Medicine?"
Miya looked at him with tired eyes.
"Yes… if you help me get to my bed. I used much more energy than I thought I had."
"Of course. Come."
Carefully, he slipped an arm under hers and helped her stand up. Miya leaned on his shoulder, walking slowly toward her bedroom. Ren noticed how fragile she felt at that moment.
They reached the bed. Miya let herself fall onto it with a sigh of relief, settling against the pillows.
"Thank you…" she murmured. "Ren, could you make me something to eat?"
"Of course."
Ren went down to the kitchen. He checked the fridge and the cabinets; there he found chicken, vegetables, and rice. With that, he decided to make chicken soup, something suitable for someone who was sick.
When it was ready, he served it and took it upstairs.
When he entered the room, he saw Miya sleeping in her pajamas. The fabric was a soft purple color, with small wine-red details.
The room was impossible to overlook, as it looked like it had come straight out of a fairy tale, with so many plush toys piled up all around. Everything was cozy and sweet, except for the nightstand.
There were six books stacked there. Most of them were fantasy.
Ren was surprised. He hadn't imagined Miya as someone who read so much. But there they were, worn, with folded corners and bookmarks.
One of the books caught his attention. The title was sad, because it gave meaning to the ending.
A child born to die, not to live. That was one of the phrases that stayed in Ren's mind, and not only that, but also its tragic ending.
[He suffered in an agony of indescribable pain for more than eight minutes.]
It is a sad ending for anyone.
At that moment, Miya woke up.
"Here you go," Ren said, sitting down carefully. "Chicken soup. I hope you like it."
Miya sat up a little, leaning against the pillows.
"Thank you…"
After eating, Miya lay back on the bed.
"It was delicious… Thank you, Ren."
"You're welcome. Get some rest."
Miya closed her eyes to sleep. Ren patiently waited a few minutes to see if she needed anything else.
After finishing reading for the tenth time the ending of that book that had caught his attention, Ren stood up quietly and walked toward the door.
Then, a murmur stopped him.
"R… Ren…"
Ren turned around and saw Miya talking in her sleep.
"Ren… I… I…"
Ren approached, curious.
"Yes, Miya? What is it?" he said, kneeling down.
"Ren… I… I… I lo-lo-lo… love you…"
Ren straightened up abruptly. His heart started pounding so hard he felt like it was going to burst out of his chest.
His face flushed instantly.
Ren, almost without a voice, replied:
"I love you too."
Chapter 16: My Darling