I let out a quiet breath, my voice softening as I tried to explain. "I just wanted to give Haruna a surprise," I said, a small smile tugging at my lips despite the weight of the moment. "I only got back from my trip a little while ago. I didn't even stop to unpack—I came straight here."
Yuko nodded slowly, her fingers still lightly curled around mine, as if she were afraid to let go—like she was holding onto something precious, something she thought she might lose again. For a moment, I let myself believe that this fragile connection could last, that the warmth of her hand in mine was enough to bridge the distance between us.
But then, almost imperceptibly, her grip loosened. Her fingers slid away from mine, one by one, until her hand fell to her side. The loss of her touch was sudden, like a breath held too long finally being released.
