Morning sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the dining table. Yuzuru sat quietly with a cup of coffee in hand, the steam curling upward as he enjoyed the stillness of the early hour.
Not long after, Shiori appeared, carrying the teddy bear, "Sora," in her arms. Without hesitation, she placed the bear on the chair beside her, arranging it as if it were a guest joining them for breakfast.
Yuzuru blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the scene. He watched Shiori with a mix of amusement and quiet admiration as she treated the plush toy with surprising care. A small smile tugged at his lips, the sight unexpectedly filling his heart with a gentle warmth.
"Looks like Sora enjoys sitting at the table too," Yuzuru teased lightly, breaking the silence.
Shiori glanced at him, her expression briefly flustered, but she quickly masked it with a composed look. "Well, Sora's part of the family now," she said matter-of-factly, "so it's only right that she joins us for breakfast."
Yuzuru's gaze softened as he took in the scene before him: Shiori, speaking so earnestly, and the teddy bear seated as though it truly belonged. For the first time, the house felt less like a hollow arrangement and more like the beginning of something real. A comfortable silence fell between them, and for a fleeting moment, Yuzuru allowed himself to imagine what it would be like to have a family of his own.
This feels... different, he thought, his chest tightening with an unfamiliar emotion. Like having a real family. Could I be... starting to feel more than what this contract was meant to be?
Shiori's voice broke through his thoughts, pulling him back to reality. "Why are you smiling like that?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "You look weird."
Yuzuru jolted slightly, startled by her question. He chuckled softly, shaking his head. "It's nothing," he replied, his smile widening. "I just think it's nice seeing you and Sora together."
Shiori glanced at the teddy bear, her lips twitching upward in a faint smile despite herself. They both returned to their meal, the air between them warm and unspoken. Neither dared to acknowledge it out loud, but something had shifted-subtle yet undeniable.
As they sat there in that rare moment of peace, the lines between pretense and reality blurred just a little more.
---
Late morning sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows over a quiet cemetery. The gentle rustling of leaves filled the air as Yuzuru and Akarin stood side by side in front of Akane's grave. A soft breeze swept through, carrying with it the scent of earth and the faint whisper of memories.
Akarin clutched a single white rose, her gaze fixed on the gravestone. Her expression was a mixture of serenity and unspoken emotion, her connection to this place forged not by blood or acquaintance, but by the bond she shared with Yuzuru-and by the legacy of Akane's presence in their lives.
Yuzuru took a deep breath, his eyes lingering on the name etched into the cold stone. "Akane... I hope you've found peace where you are. I know you'd want to hear how I've been... and maybe even how Akarin is doing."
Akarin stepped forward, crouching slightly to lay the white rose gently on the grave. Though she'd never met Akane, she felt an inexplicable closeness to her-a connection that had grown from countless visits like this one, standing beside Yuzuru in the stillness of remembrance.
Akarin smiled softly, her voice calm as she spoke. "Akane, it's me, Akarin. I've just returned from America. A lot has happened, and being back feels strange after all this time. But I haven't forgotten my promise-to come here with Yuzuru."
Yuzuru glanced at Akarin, his lips curving into a small, bittersweet smile. He remembered how Akarin had faithfully accompanied him here, even after their romantic relationship had ended and he had married Shiori. Akarin's connection to Akane transcended the boundaries of time and circumstance, a testament to the profound love and respect they both held for her.
"She'd be happy to hear from you," Yuzuru said quietly. "You've always kept her close, even when things... changed between us."
Akarin nodded, her eyes glistening as she blinked back unshed tears. She held her emotions steady, choosing instead to smile through the weight of the moment.
"I may not have known you, Akane," Akarin murmured, her voice tender and heartfelt, "but I'll always cherish what you meant to Yuzuru. You were someone special to him, and because of that, you're special to me too."
Yuzuru reached out, his hand resting gently on Akarin's shoulder in silent gratitude. He felt a rush of appreciation for her presence, for her ability to honor Akane's memory alongside him.
Inwardly, Yuzuru's thoughts wandered, a quiet prayer forming in his heart. Akane... even though you're no longer here, you've continued to bring us together. Maybe our feelings have changed, but you remain the thread that ties us, the anchor in our lives.
The two stood in silence, the weight of shared memories and unspoken thoughts hanging in the air. Time seemed to pause, allowing them to exist momentarily in the space between past and present. Each of them offered their silent prayers, their private hopes for Akane's peace.
As they turned to leave, their steps were lighter, their hearts carrying the warmth of Akane's presence with them. The wind stirred once more, scattering a few leaves across the grave-nature's quiet farewell to the visitors who left with Akane's memory etched deeply in their souls.