With tearful eyes, as she looked at Kenji, the only feeling that filled her was guilt. Nothing more than guilt. There was no happiness—unlike him, who seemed completely satisfied.
"You really are very special…" Kenji said, gently stroking her face.
Sayuri forced a small smile but didn't respond. Her hand immediately went to the doorknob, turning it quickly, as if she needed to escape.
"I should get inside. Thank you for tonight," she said, avoiding his gaze.
"I should be the one thanking you," Kenji replied with a smile. "I can't wait for our next date."
She only nodded, unable to say anything else. As she climbed the stairs, the tears came uncontrollably.
"What did I do…?" her voice broke. "Why did I let this happen…?"
She covered her face, trying to hold back her crying, but it was useless. The weight in her chest only grew—full of guilt, confusion, and fear.
But nothing hurt more than those words… "He likes someone else."
She squeezed her eyes shut. It kept cutting into her again and again, like a blade that never stopped.
Because deep down, she knew that no matter how much she tried to run, deny it, or replace it… her heart still belonged to him. And that was exactly what destroyed her.
Several days passed. Kenji was always with her, taking her to amazing places. He was truly trying hard to win her over.
Little by little, the streets began to change. Golden lights decorated shop windows, trees appeared in the squares, and the air carried that magical end-of-year feeling.
"The winter festival is next weekend…" Kenji said, resting his arm on the table. "You're coming with me, right, Say?"
"Ugh, you could give my friend some space," Yume complained, crossing her arms.
Kenji laughed.
"Relax… I just want to stay close to my future girlfriend."
Sayuri's face immediately heated up.
"Hmm… already at that level?" Yume teased, smiling. "When you get married, I'll be the maid of honor."
"Don't exaggerate," Sayuri muttered, embarrassed.
"I like the idea," Kenji joked, lightly holding her face.
That was when the café door opened and Jun walked in.
"What idea?" he asked, pulling out a chair and sitting right in front of Sayuri.
Kenji didn't waste time.
"The idea of Yume being our wedding maid of honor."
Sayuri looked away, but she couldn't help watching Jun's reaction. He let out a small laugh.
"Ah…" he murmured. "It's impressive how fast things change around here."
Their eyes met.
He wanted to provoke her more.
"These days, people fall in love so easily… they're already talking about marriage."
The words carried intention. A direct jab.
"What can I say?" Kenji shrugged, smiling. "People can't help but fall for me."
"You know, Jun…" Yume said, crossing her arms, "some people actually admit what they feel. You should try it too, before you regret it."
Jun kept his eyes on Sayuri.
"And who said I didn't admit it?" he replied firmly. "I like someone."
His tone shifted.
"There's only one person who has my heart," he continued, "and I think there always will be."
Sayuri lifted her head, and Yume almost jumped from her seat.
"Don't joke! Do I know her?!" she teased.
Jun didn't answer immediately. He kept looking at Sayuri.
"The only thing you need to know…" he said, not looking away, "is that she's beautiful like an angel…"
Sayuri held her breath. To her, he was talking about another girl. But Kenji knew it was about her—and he didn't like it at all. Afraid his lie would be exposed, he quickly interrupted.
"Well, this has been fun, but I need to take Sayuri home. I promised her parents."
Yume rolled her eyes.
"Fine, fine… take care of her, okay? Bye, girl!"
"Bye…" Sayuri replied, still lost in thought.
She stood up. Her eyes met Jun's again, and his were still on her.
"We'll see you at the winter festival," Kenji said, taking control of the situation.
Once they left, Yume stared at Jun.
"What?" he asked impatiently. "Never seen someone like me before?"
"Jun… handsome Jun…" she leaned over the table, smiling. "Tell me who she is. It's that girl, right?"
"I'm not telling you, and stop looking at me like that. You look like a puppy," he said, already standing up.
"Pleeease, Jun…"
"Bye, Yume."
"Ugh… that boy," she muttered, pouting.
Even so, Jun was completely destroyed inside. That had been the closest thing to a confession he had ever made. But of course… she didn't understand. And how could she?
He walked home alone, not knowing what to do with what he felt.
When he arrived, he didn't go inside. He sat on the front steps, staring into nothing. From his pocket, he pulled out the small notebook he always carried. He took a deep breath and began to write.
Looking at you… I liedWanting you… waiting for youIn your kiss I got lost…Pushing you away… hurting you…Loving you…
"Jun…?"
The voice pulled him back. He slowly looked up.
"Sayuri…"
Immediately, he closed the notebook and stood up.
"Looking for my grandma?" he asked flatly, already turning toward the door.
"Yes… I wanted to order a cake," she said. "Are you okay? You look… upset."
He let out a short, bitter laugh.
"Funny…" he said, looking sideways. "You worried about me? What will your boyfriend think?"
The word hit like poison.
"My boyfriend? I don't have a boyfriend, Jun…"
Jun froze. Who was lying?
"You don't?" he frowned. "Kenji told me you were together…"
"Why would he say that?"
He tried to process it, but he was too tired to push further.
"I'll tell my grandma," he said.
She grabbed his arm. He stopped. Her touch made his heart race.
"What did I do to you? Why do you hate me so much?" Sayuri asked, her voice breaking.
He turned, surprised.
"Please, Sayuri…" he murmured, almost begging her to stop.
"Is it that other girl?" she insisted. "Is that why you're like this?"
"Other girl?" he frowned. "What are you talking about?"
"Kenji said… you've liked someone for a long time."
He laughed—but there was no humor in it. Only anger.
"Seriously?" he ran a hand through his hair. "So that's how it is… playing fair, huh?"
"I need to know, Jun… please…"
He closed his eyes, anger building—at his friend, and at the situation.
"Go home, Sayuri. You'll get sick again," he said coldly. "I have nothing to say to you."
He continued:
"Believe whatever you want. Believe him, if you want."
Before entering, with his back to her, his hand on the doorknob, he whispered:
"I don't hate you… I couldn't…"
Then he went inside, leaving her there with no answers—for now. But she wouldn't let it end like this.