A few days later, something changed.
Haruto came later than usual. He looked distracted. Tired.
Miyu noticed.
"Long day?" she asked.
"…Yeah," he replied.
He didn't stay long. Didn't talk much. Left quickly.
Miyu watched the door close, her chest tightening.
Did I do something wrong?
The next day—same thing.
She overthought everything. Her words. Her smile. The kiss.
That evening, she couldn't hold it in.
"Haruto," she said softly, stopping him outside the café, "are you… okay?"
He looked surprised.
"…I'm sorry," he said. "I didn't mean to make you worry."
He rubbed the back of his neck."Work's been heavy. And I didn't want to bring that here. This place… you… feel important to me."
Her heart softened instantly.
"…You can tell me," Miyu said.
He nodded.
"I'll try."
They stood there quietly.
Then Miyu leaned forward—hesitant—and pressed a small kiss to his cheek.
Haruto froze.
Then smiled—wide and real.