The plan was simple—yet bold.
Aira sat by her window, tightening the last loop on a soft lavender flower she had crocheted for strength.
Across the city, Yuu adjusted the sleeves of his plain kurta, his heart calm but strong.
Today, no more hiding.
They had chosen a small family restaurant with open windows and soft wooden walls. Aira invited her parents to lunch there—without mentioning who else would come. Yuu did the same.
Two different families, arriving at the same place, seated at the same table—confused glances exchanged.
Her father stiffened. His mother narrowed her eyes.
Silence settled like thick fog.
And then the door opened.
Aira and Yuu walked in—together.
Holding hands.
Heads held high.
No hesitation.
Aira wore a pale pink top with a soft white shrug she had crocheted herself. Yuu wore a navy jacket, simple but proud.
They walked straight to the table.
No fear.
Her father's fists clenched. His mother's expression darkened.
But before anyone could speak, Yuu said firmly,
"We're not here to fight. We're here to speak our truth."
Aira continued, her voice calm,
"We love each other. But we also respect you all. That's why we want to clear everything today."
A silence fell again—but this time, not so heavy.
Yuu sat down beside Aira, facing the parents.
"We don't want to be together against your wishes. That's why we need to know—what really happened between our families?"
Her father looked away.
His mother exhaled sharply.
Then, slowly, the pieces of the past began to unfold.
A loan that was never properly communicated.
A message that was never delivered.
A favor mistaken as betrayal.
Words twisted.
Meetings missed.
Pride wounded.
In just a few moments, years of assumed hatred… fell apart into a pile of misunderstandings.
Still, old wounds are not easy to heal.
"I still don't think this is a good idea," Yuu's mother said flatly.
"I'm not sure she's the girl for you."
"And I don't know if he can really secure your future," Aira's father added sternly.
Yuu leaned forward.
"Then don't believe words—watch actions."
Aira nodded.
"Please give us time. Watch us. Be part of our lives for some months. If after that you still feel the same, we won't force anything."
Her voice cracked slightly, but she stayed strong.
The parents exchanged glances—unsure, but listening.
After a tense few minutes, they all quietly stood and left without a clear answer.
No shouting.
No approval.
No blessings.
But also—no rejection.
As the restaurant emptied, Aira and Yuu remained seated.
She looked at him with a small smile.
"They listened…"
He looked back, eyes warm.
"That's all we needed for now."
They stood up and walked out hand in hand.
The first storm had passed. The sky wasn't clear yet, but the clouds had started to break.