Flashback End
"Oye."
The familiar voice snapped Luna back to reality. For a moment, she had been lost in the haze of memories, but now—he was here, real, standing right in front of her. Everything felt too much like a dream, and she didn't know what to do.
"Did you forget me again?" he asked, his tone soft yet teasing.
Her head quickly shook in denial before she could even think. "No."
He chuckled, the sound warm and deep, before bending down slightly to pick up the puppy she had been petting. Holding it effortlessly in his arms, he glanced at her with a small smile. "You're still the same."
Luna's heart thumped wildly, but she forced her voice to sound steady—bold even. "I mean… I remember you. But you've grown up a little, and your hairstyle's different. That's why it was hard to recognize you."
Her words sounded confident, but inside she was trembling.
He studied her for a moment, amusement dancing in his eyes, before leaning down just enough to meet her height. His voice dropped low, almost playful. "Did I change? Become more handsome?"
Her stomach flipped. Heat rushed to her face. She stammered, fumbling over her words. "I–I mean, no! I meant—your height. Yes, your height!"
Another chuckle escaped his lips, and he reached out to pat her head gently, just like he used to all those years ago. "Still the same," he murmured again, this time softer, before straightening back up, tall and steady before her.
Luna's heart refused to calm down
suddenly...
The garden door creaked open, and a group of boys strolled in, loud and carefree.
"Haru!" one of them called, his tone impatient. "How long do we have to wait, man? You still haven't changed? The movie's gonna start!"
Haru sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, clearly annoyed at being rushed. But before he could answer, another boy stopped mid-stride. His gaze landed on Luna, who stood clutching the puppy tightly against her chest.
"Eh? Who's this little girl?" he asked with a playful grin, stepping forward as if intrigued.
Luna opened her mouth to explain—but Haru's voice cut in smoothly, his eyes flicking to hers for just a second.
"She's my cousin More like a little sister to me." haru stated while looking at her warmly
Luna froze. little sister? Her lips parted, but the words stayed stuck in her throat.
The boy who had asked ignoring Haru's slightly cold tone, crouched down to Luna's height. " What's your name, little sister?"
"I'm Luna," she finally said softly,
The boy chuckled. "Luna? Cute name. No wonder Haru's hiding you away from us."
That earned him a sharp glare from Haru, who stepped closer, placing his hand gently but firmly on Luna's shoulder as if to draw a line. His tone was calm but carried warning.
"Don't tease her. Let's go—we'll be late."
His friend raised his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. Relax, Mr. Overprotective."
The group laughed, but Haru didn't join them. Instead, he bent slightly toward Luna, his voice dropping so only she could hear.
"Don't mind them. They joke too much."
And with that, he finally pulled away, walking toward the house with his friends still teasing him.
Luna, left behind in the garden, pressed a hand over her racing heart. little sister… huh? The word felt strange on her tongue.
"Luna!" her mother's voice rang from the doorway.
She blinked, snapping out of her daze, and turned toward the house. Haru had already disappeared outside with his friends, and the garden felt strangely empty without his presence. Hugging the puppy one last time, she hurried back inside.
Her mother glanced at her with a knowing smile. "Did you meet your brother?"
"Yes, Mom."
Her mother didn't press further, only ruffled her hair affectionately before guiding her toward the dining room.
The big dining table was filled with chatter and laughter—her grandfather at the head, her parents on either side, and relatives who'd gathered to welcome them into the city. Plates of steaming food were passed around, clinking dishes filling the warm air.
Everyone ate heartily. Everyone… except Haru.
Luna couldn't help but notice the empty chair at the table. He hadn't come back after leaving with his friends. She pushed her rice around her plate, pretending not to care, though a part of her was oddly restless.
After lunch, while the adults spoke about house repairs and neighborhood matters, Luna slipped away to her room. Tomorrow was the first day at her new school, and the thought made her heart beat with both excitement and nerves.
She carefully arranged her notebooks, pens, and uniform on her desk. Then she checked her bag twice, even thrice, to make sure everything was perfect. Tomorrow, a new beginning, she told herself with a small smile.
Evening turned to night. Downstairs, the family gathered again for dinner, but Haru's seat remained empty. Luna found herself glancing at the door each time footsteps echoed outside, only to be disappointed when it wasn't him.
After dinner, she quietly excused herself and went upstairs. The room was silent except for the faint hum of the city outside. She pulled her small diary from her bag, opened to a fresh page, and began to write in neat, slanted handwriting:
"Dear Diary, today was the first day in Grandpa's house. The garden is so big, and I met a cute puppy. I also saw… him. Haru. I don't know how to explain it, but he feels so familiar, like a memory I almost forgot. He's different from when I last saw him, taller and… and more handsome. But he called me his little sister?… Why did that make my chest feel weird? I cant wait to grow up TvT. Tomorrow is my new school day—I'm excited but nervous. Maybe I'll see Haru again then. Good night."
She closed the diary, tucked it under her pillow, and lay back on her bed. As her eyelids grew heavy,
Her last thought before sleep took her was simple, almost childlike: He still remembers me…
And the night in her grandfather's house stretched quiet and calm, wrapping the beginning of a new chapter in Luna's life.
Tomorrow Morning
The next morning sunlight spilled gently through the curtains, waking Luna earlier than usual. For once, she didn't need her mother's call to get out of bed—her excitement for the first day at her new school was enough.
She jumped up, brushed her hair neatly, and put on her crisp uniform that smelled faintly of new fabric. She looked at herself in the mirror, smoothing her skirt nervously. "New school, new start," she whispered, trying to boost her own confidence.
Downstairs, the breakfast table was already buzzing. Her mom was packing lunchboxes, her grandparents chatting softly over tea. But Haru's chair—once again—was empty.
"Eat quickly, Luna, or you'll be late," her mom reminded with a smile.
Luna nodded, nibbling on toast, though her mind kept wandering to Haru. Did he stay out all night? Did he even come home? She quickly shook her head, not wanting her thoughts to ruin her mood.
After breakfast, she slung her schoolbag over her shoulder and stood at the door. "I'm leaving!" she called, her heart racing with anticipation.
Her mother followed, tying Luna's shoes properly. "Be confident, okay? You'll make new friends."
Just as Luna was about to step outside, she froze—because at that exact moment, Haru appeared at the gate, wearing his casual clothes, earphones dangling around his neck. His hair was slightly messy as if he hadn't slept properly.
Their eyes met for a brief second.
Luna's breath hitched, but she quickly looked away, pretending to focus on adjusting her bag strap.
Haru raised an eyebrow lazily, his voice carrying a teasing edge. "First day, huh? don't cry at first day of school my little sister."
She looked at him unbelievable eyes , not trusting her voice, and hurried past him. But her heart pounded harder than ever, as if her first day had already begun with a test she wasn't prepared for.
------
The moment I saw him my world stood still,
A gaze so familiar,yet new in it's thrill
one day without him feel longer than years
i wait in silence with hope and fear
.