I'm not saying I'm a genius.
But I'm also not not saying it.
—
Because that?
What just happened?
That was my idea.
—
Ren is different again.
But this time, I trust it.
A little.
Not fully.
I'm not that naive.
—
We're walking back toward the pier—because apparently we're emotionally attached to that place—and he actually looks… relaxed.
Not fake relaxed.
Real relaxed.
—
"You're welcome," I say.
"For what?" he asks.
"For fixing your entire situation."
He rolls his eyes. "You didn't fix anything."
"I absolutely did."
Mio smiles faintly. "You helped."
"I carried," I correct.
—
Ren's phone buzzes.
He checks it.
No hesitation.
—
Yuna: I'll try to make more time this week
—
He reads it once.
Smiles.
Types back immediately.
—
Ren: You don't have to force it
—
He pauses.
Then adds—
—
Ren: Just don't disappear on me
—
I blink.
Turn to him slowly.
"Oh?"
He looks at me. "What?"
"That was… bold."
"It was normal."
"That was not normal. That was emotional."
Mio laughs softly.
—
The reply comes fast.
—
Yuna: I won't
—
Short.
But solid.
—
Ren puts his phone down.
No overthinking.
No staring.
Just… done.
—
I nod slowly.
"Okay."
"What?"
"That worked."
"I know."
"Don't get used to it," I say. "I'm still monitoring you."
"I didn't ask you to."
"You don't have a choice."
—
We reach the pier.
Same place.
Same ocean.
But the feeling?
Different again.
—
Mio leans against the railing. "You're more honest now."
Ren shrugs. "It's easier."
"Why?" I ask.
He looks out at the water.
"Because I know she's not going anywhere."
—
…Yeah.
That's it.
That's the whole thing.
—
Once you stop being afraid of losing something—
You stop holding it so tightly.
—
I cross my arms.
"Alright. New rule."
Ren sighs. "What now?"
"No more 'it's fine' messages."
He almost smiles. "Deal."
Mio nods approvingly.
—
The sun starts to set.
Slow.
Warm.
Steady.
—
No tension.
No weird silence.
Just… calm.
—
Summertimes are coming.
And for once—
Things didn't fall apart.
—
They actually got better.
—
…I hate that he proved me wrong.
But also?
—
Yeah.
I'll allow it.