The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden hue over the bustling streets of Tokyo. Akira Hoshino sat at her favorite café, sipping her matcha latte while sketching in her notebook. The café was filled with the soft hum of conversation, but her mind was elsewhere, drifting to thoughts of Leo Nakamura.
It had been nearly a year since they had started dating, and their relationship had blossomed beautifully. Yet, as Akira noticed couples around her exchanging loving glances, a flicker of uncertainty crept into her heart. "What does the future hold for us?" she pondered, absently doodling hearts around her sketches.
Just then, Leo entered the café, his eyes lighting up as he spotted her. He made his way over, a bright smile on his face. "Hey, beautiful! What are you up to today?" he asked, leaning over to kiss her cheek.
"Just dreaming a little," she replied, her voice laced with a hint of wistfulness.
Leo sat down, noticing the sketches. "These are amazing, Akira! You've really captured the essence of the city."
"Thanks! I've been thinking… about our future," she admitted, her heart racing. "Where do you see us in a few years?"
He paused, his expression shifting to one of contemplation. "I see us together, definitely," he said, his voice steady. "But let's take it one step at a time. We have all the time in the world."
Akira nodded, feeling both reassured and a little more anxious. What did "together" truly mean for Leo?