Sayuri and Jun seemed trapped in a fairytale at that moment. Everything was perfect. He planned every movement, every step, worried about doing everything right.
"Jun…"
"Yeah? What is it?"
"Let's grab something to drink… warm up a little?"
"Are you cold?" he asked, already taking off his jacket.
"Hey, relax," she laughed. "Take it easy."
"But you are cold—here, take my jacket."
"I'm fine, really. Come on, let's go."
She took his hand and led him to one of the drink stands.
They got some hot spiced wine and sat near a tree. She settled into his arms, relaxing against him.
"You know, Jun… I used to dream about this moment. There were nights I couldn't even sleep, just thinking about you."
He gently touched her face, and she continued:
"I thought this would never happen…"
"I'm sorry… I'm sorry I was so cold to you," he said after a pause. "I was scared of this feeling. It was something new to me."
She looked at him.
"You've never been in love before?"
"Never." He took a sip of his drink. "You're my first love."
Those words made her feel like she was floating.
"You're my first love too, Jun."
He hesitated for a second.
"Sayuri… have you told Kenji?"
She looked down at her cup.
"Not yet… and actually, I wanted us to keep it a secret for now."
"Wait… what? You don't want—"
She placed her hand over his mouth.
"Just until after the holidays. I don't want to ruin anyone's New Year."
Jun didn't like the idea. He knew he'd have to watch Kenji being close to her the whole time.
"I don't know if I can do that," he admitted, frustrated. "He's gonna be all over you… and I don't know if I'll be able to handle it."
"Jun… trust me. I won't let anything happen. I like you… only you."
She kissed him.
"Do you trust me?"
He pulled her closer, kissing her forehead.
"I do… come on, let's enjoy the night."
He took her to the game stalls—ring toss, fishing games—they had fun like two kids.
The night was perfect. He was a complete gentleman, and she was completely enchanted.
"I don't want to leave you" he said when they reached her house.
"Me neither… but I have class tomorrow."
Jun sighed.
"Ah… my good girl. I love that about you."
"You're cute," she said, hugging him. "I'll see you tomorrow, right?"
"Of course. Tomorrow… and the day after… and the next…"
"Haha, you're silly. Alright, I'm going in. Go home and get some rest."
"Good night."
Trying not to wake her parents, Sayuri walked quietly inside, went upstairs, changed into her pajamas, and lay in bed.
But she couldn't sleep. She was too happy. Her body just wouldn't shut down.
She grabbed her phone and looked at their picture from the festival.
"He's so handsome… so sweet…" she sighed.
Her eyes were getting heavy when a message popped up:
"I'm home. I can't wait to see you tomorrow."
— Kenji
She hesitated.
"I shouldn't reply now… I'll figure something out tomorrow."
She turned off her phone and fell asleep hugging the teddy bear Jun had won for her.
The next morning, as she stepped out for class, she was surprised. Kenji was waiting in front of her house.
"Good morning," he said, already pulling her into a hug.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, stepping back.
"I missed you. I wanted to see you."
She glanced inside the car.
"Yume's not with you?"
He frowned slightly.
"Why would she be?"
"I don't know… but I have to go to class."
"That's why I'm here. I'll take you."
Before getting in, she looked toward Jun's house, hoping to see him. But he was probably still asleep.
When they arrived at college, Kenji tried to kiss her. She pulled away.
"So… ready for the holidays?"
"Of course. It's going to be amazing… and special for everyone."
"I'm excited too."
He hugged her again.
"That's good, Say…"
"Well, well… lovebirds," Yume said, stepping out of a car. "Already excited?"
"Morning, Yume."
"Hey, rookie, did you miss me?"
"Not even a little," she replied.
Kenji hugged her, teasing.
"Yeah right, you can't live without me."
"Wow, so full of yourself. Come on, Say, I need to show you something important."
"Ooooh, secrets," Kenji said. "Have a good class, girls."
Yume leaned closer to Sayuri and whispered:
"Aren't you gonna kiss him?"
"Not now… let's go" Sayuri said, uncomfortable.
In the classroom, Yume sat down, excited.
"Girl, look at this," she said, opening her laptop. "I made a website for the guys. They can upload their songs and get feedback from fans."
Sayuri lit up immediately. She knew how important that would be for Jun.
"That's amazing, Yume! They're gonna love it. Are you going to show them?"
"Yep. It's a surprise. And on New Year's Eve, we're uploading their first song."
Sayuri smiled.
"That's so special. You really think of everything."
"You're coming with me later to tell them, right?"
Sayuri didn't hesitate. It was a chance to see Jun.
After class, they hurried out, excited. At the gate, Kenji was already there, waiting.
"Wow… he really doesn't give up," Sayuri muttered.
"What did you expect? You've got him completely enchanted."
"Yume… it's complicated. He's nice, but he doesn't give me space…"
Yume stopped in front of her.
"Sayuri… if you don't want to be with him, be honest. He'll understand."
"I… Yume, I…"
"Heyyy!" Kenji interrupted. "Let's go, we've got rehearsal."
He wrapped his arm around Sayuri's waist and kissed her cheek.
"How was class, babe?"
"It was fine," she said, glancing at Yume.
"Cool. Jun's probably already at the studio."
"Are you guys okay? I mean… did you make up?"
"Yeah," Kenji said casually. "Jun's just childish sometimes. He overreacts, but we're good. Like brothers."
Yume got in the car.
"They've always been like that. Fight and then act normal again. Totally them."
"Let's go."
Sayuri could barely contain herself. She walked faster than everyone toward the studio. As soon as she walked in, she smiled.
Jun was there, sitting, tuning his guitar. When he saw her, he tried to hide his excitement.
"Juuuun!" Yume shouted. "How are you?"
"Good. You?"
"Better now," Sayuri said softly.
Yume, standing next to her, noticed—and found it strange.
"Come on, sit. I've got something to show you," Yume said.
Jun sat beside Sayuri and discreetly took her hand.
"So… I made a website for the band."
"Wait, seriously?" Kenji said, excited. "That's awesome, Yume!"
"Yeah. I'll upload photos and songs. First release: New Year's Eve."
"That's amazing," Jun said. "More people will hear us. I love it."
"You're incredible!" Kenji added.
"I know," she teased. "Now let me explain how it works."
While explaining, she noticed Jun and Sayuri's hands. They were gently caressing each other. She said nothing, for now.
"Jun, come on, let's grab some drinks to celebrate. We'll be right back," Kenji said.
As soon as they left, Yume turned to Sayuri.
"What are you doing?"
"What do you mean?"
"You and Jun. What's going on?"
"Nothing, Yume. Nothing's going on."
Yume closed the laptop, clearly annoyed.
"Don't lie to me. I saw your hands. The way you were touching each other. Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about."
Sayuri had no way out.
And so…
She told her everything.