As the months passed, Haru's life became increasingly entwined with Yuliy's. They shared quiet moments by the river, exchanged brief conversations in her shop, and did daily chores together. Yet, even though they grew closer, Yuliy remained an enigma.
That evening, Haru's curiosity got the better of her when she saw him walking across the bridge where she first laid eyes on him. 'Where is he going?' She thought to herself.
She decided to follow him, noticing that he was heading up the sandou of the Hirose shrine. She followed him closely and then found him kneeling before the worship hall by the stone steps. "Dogeza?" she questioned herself. "What would he possibly be apologising for?".
She tiptoed through the torii gates and towards the first tree while taking in the scene of Yuliy. When he rose, she rushed forward to the tree, slamming her body against it and accidentally blurted out a sound. He turned around quickly and was startled at the sight of her hugging the tree.
"Haru," he said, his voice sharp with surprise. "What are you doing?"
"I could ask you the same," she replied, her tone softer, trying to hide her guilt. Thinking about this for a second, she cleared her voice and moved towards him, "I wanted to make sure you were alright."
Yuliy sighed, his shoulders sagging unknowingly, "Some things are better left unspoken."
"Maybe," Haru said gently, knowing what this shrine meant, "but sometimes sharing them makes the burden lighter."
For a moment, Yuliy looked as though he might speak. But then he shook his head, offering her a small smile. "Thank you, Haru."