The steam from the kettle curled into the air, softening the sharp edges of the moment. Airi poured hot water into two cups, sliding one across the counter toward Ren. Her hands lingered on the ceramic as though the warmth was the only thing keeping her steady.
Ren accepted the cup, though he hardly tasted the tea. His focus stayed on Airi—her eyes downcast, her shoulders drawn in tight, as though she were bracing for something.
He wanted to ask what's really bothering you? But the words snagged in his throat. Instead, he said the safer thing."Thanks."
Airi gave a small nod, lifting her cup but not drinking.
The silence between them was no longer empty—it was expectant. They had agreed not to pretend, but Ren wasn't sure how to begin.
It was Airi who broke first."Earlier, when I said I was afraid of us disappearing… I wasn't just talking about distance." She set her cup down. Her voice dropped to almost a whisper. "I've been carrying things I haven't told you."
Ren's stomach tightened. Things she hasn't told me?He set his own cup aside, leaning forward. "What do you mean?"
Airi hesitated, biting her lip. Her fingers twisted around the hem of her sleeve."Back then—before I met you—there were things I thought I'd left behind. But lately… they've been finding their way back."
Ren's pulse quickened. He didn't press, but his silence urged her on.
"There's someone who keeps trying to reach me," she admitted. "Someone I thought was gone from my life. I didn't tell you because I didn't want to worry you… or make you think I was hiding something."
Her confession hung heavy in the room.
Ren's jaw tensed, a flicker of heat rising in his chest. "Who?"
Airi shook her head. "It doesn't matter. What matters is—I don't want to answer. I don't want them in my life anymore. But ignoring it hasn't made it stop."
Ren's hand curled into a fist against his knee. "You should've told me."
"I know," she said quickly, her voice trembling. "I know. But I was scared you'd look at me differently, that you'd see me as… unfinished, or broken somehow."
Ren's anger wavered, collapsing under the weight of her vulnerability. He leaned closer, lowering his voice."Airi, you're not broken. And you're not alone. If someone's trying to pull you back into the past—you don't have to face that alone. Not anymore."
Her eyes lifted to meet his. For a moment, the storm outside seemed to quiet.
"Do you mean that?" she asked.
He nodded without hesitation. "Every word."
Airi let out a shaky breath, relief softening her features. Yet, even as she smiled faintly, Ren caught it—the flicker of fear that hadn't gone away.
Whoever this person is… they're not just a memory. They're a shadow still reaching for her.
Ren's promise echoed silently in his mind. He had told her she wasn't alone. And now, he'd have to prove it.