For a while, the two of them simply sat across from one another, letting the reality of the moment sink in. The clinking of cups, the low murmur of other customers, the hiss of the coffee machine—all of it faded into the background.
Finally, Ayu leaned forward, her fingers tracing the rim of her untouched cup. "You're quieter than I imagined," she said softly.
Luv tilted his head slightly, the faintest smile tugging at his lips. "You talk enough for both of us."
Ayu blinked, then laughed—a genuine laugh, light and unguarded. The sound surprised even her. For so long, she had felt like she was forcing her smiles. But now, with him, it came naturally.
"You really are the same as online," she said after catching her breath. "Direct. A little too honest."
"And you," Luv replied, his gaze steady, "are… exactly how I thought you'd be. Stronger than you think. But you don't see it yet."
Her laughter softened into silence. His words struck something deep inside her, something raw. No one had ever said that to her—not without mocking or doubting. For a moment, her eyes shone, but she quickly looked down, hiding the warmth rising in her chest.
The minutes passed, and the awkwardness melted away. They talked about small things first—the train ride, the weather, the taste of the coffee. But soon, the conversation shifted.
Ayu leaned closer, lowering her voice. "Luv… do you ever wonder why it was us? Why we met? Out of all the people in the world?"
He looked at her, really looked, his black eyes unreadable yet intense. "Because we're the same. Broken in the same ways. Searching for the same things."
Her breath caught. She hadn't expected such a blunt answer. But it was true.
She nodded slowly. "I don't want to admit it… but you're right."
For the first time in years, Ayu felt the weight on her chest ease. She wasn't alone in her scars anymore.
They fell into silence again, but it wasn't uncomfortable. It was the kind of silence that meant something—the kind that bound people closer, without words.
Then Luv spoke, his voice low but firm. "Whatever happens next… I meant what I said. I'll protect you. Always."
Ayu met his gaze, and this time, she didn't look away. Her heart pounded, but not out of fear.
"Then I'll stand with you," she whispered. "No matter what."
And in that quiet café, with sunlight spilling through the glass and shadows beginning to gather outside, two promises crossed between them, unspoken yet eternal.
Outside, the two men still lingered at the corner. One of them tapped his phone, murmuring into it.
"Target confirmed. Both of them are here."