The morning breeze carried the scent of blooming sakura through the open window.
"Papa, hurry up! You'll be late for work!" Hikari's voice rang from the kitchen.
I stepped out, adjusting my shirt, only to find her standing on a stool, clumsily frying eggs. Her apron was too big, the strings dragging behind her like a tail.
I chuckled. "Hikari, you'll burn the pan again if you don't pay attention."
She puffed her cheeks. "Don't treat me like a kid. Remember? I used to cook for you all the time before."
My heart skipped. She was right. My late girlfriend had loved cooking, though her meals always ended up half-burnt.
I walked over and gently placed my hand over hers, guiding the spatula. "Then let's do it together… like before."
Her cheeks flushed, but she smiled. "Mm… together."
The sizzle of eggs filled the silence, but in that moment, it felt like our hearts were speaking louder than words.
---
Later that day, we went shopping.
"Papa, hold my hand," Hikari said, reaching out without hesitation.
I hesitated for a second, glancing at the busy street, then slowly took her hand. It was warm and soft, smaller than before, yet carrying the same comfort I had once known.
She leaned against me, whispering, "See? This feels right, doesn't it?"
I didn't answer. But my hand tightened around hers.
---
At night, after dinner, Hikari dragged me outside. The sky was clear, stars scattered like diamonds.
"Do you remember?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly. "We used to sit under the stars just like this. You told me… that as long as we were together, even the darkest nights would shine."
The memory stabbed deep into my heart. I remembered every word.
Hikari leaned against my arm, her eyes glimmering like starlight.
"This time… let's make more memories. A thousand times more than before. I don't care what I look like now, or what people think. All I want… is you."
Her words melted the last of my resistance.
I placed my hand gently on her head, whispering, "Then let's live each day together. Just like this. Always."
And beneath the stars, our hearts beat as one—two souls who had found each other again, in a love that refused to fade.