The quiet night wrapped around a small, dimly lit street as Yuzuru and Akarin strolled side by side, their conversation light and unhurried following their visit to the cemetery. A vintage photography shop stood along the path, its warm lights spilling through the windows and casting an inviting glow. Inside, the friendly shopkeeper glanced up, spotting the pair as they passed by.
"Excuse me!" the shopkeeper called out, stepping to the door with a welcoming smile. "You two look like such a lovely couple! We're offering a special promotion tonight-free portraits for couples. Would you like to have one taken?"
Yuzuru hesitated, scratching the back of his neck as he searched for a polite way to decline. "Ah, thank you, but we're not really-"
Before he could finish, Akarin grabbed his arm, her face lighting up with excitement. "We'll take it! Come on, Yuzuru, when will we ever get an opportunity like this again?"
Caught off guard by Akarin's enthusiasm, Yuzuru blinked in surprise but ultimately gave in with a small, resigned smile. "Alright, alright," he muttered, following her into the shop.
The shop's interior was cozy and charming, adorned with vintage decor that gave it a nostalgic warmth. They were guided to a simple backdrop, where the shopkeeper began setting up the camera, all the while chatting cheerfully.
"You two make such a beautiful couple!" the shopkeeper remarked with genuine admiration. "How long have you been together?"
Yuzuru opened his mouth to respond, only to be interrupted once again by Akarin's quick, playful reply.
"We're a couple... and we'll be getting married soon," she said with a bright smile, her tone light yet brimming with conviction.
Yuzuru turned to Akarin, startled by her words. His brows lifted, but she met his gaze with an unreadable smile-a mixture of mischief and something more profound, a flicker of the bond they once shared.
The shopkeeper beamed at the response. "How romantic! You two really do seem meant for each other."
Yuzuru could only manage a small, awkward laugh, unable to dispel the faint nostalgia creeping into his chest. The shopkeeper instructed them to move closer for the photo, arranging them into a pose that felt unexpectedly intimate.
Yuzuru found himself standing shoulder to shoulder with Akarin, her warmth beside him oddly familiar. As the camera clicked, the moment was captured in a frame filled with soft smiles and unspoken emotions-an image of warmth and connection that temporarily suspended the reality of their circumstances.
"Perfect!" the shopkeeper declared, examining the photo with satisfaction. "This will make a beautiful memory for you two."
Thanking the shopkeeper, Yuzuru and Akarin stepped back into the cool night air. The quiet street seemed a little brighter now, as though the brief experience had stirred something dormant between them.
Yuzuru glanced sideways at Akarin, his expression caught between amusement and embarrassment. "So... we're a couple now?"
Akarin chuckled softly, her laughter carrying a trace of nostalgia. "Just for tonight. I hope you don't mind humoring my silly whim."
Yuzuru shook his head, a small, genuine smile tugging at his lips. "It's fine. I guess it wasn't so bad."
Their eyes met, lingering for a moment longer than either of them expected. The weight of their shared history pressed against the fragile present, and for a fleeting second, it felt as though they had stepped back into a time when things were simpler, warmer, and easier to define.
With no more words exchanged, they continued their walk home, the night quiet but alive with unspoken thoughts. The photography shop had given them more than a picture-it had left behind a faint imprint of something new, yet achingly familiar, in both their hearts.
---
The quiet late night was lit only by the soft glow of the streetlamp outside Akarin's apartment building. Yuzuru parked his car, and the two sat in silence for a moment. Their recent trip had stirred old memories, leaving the atmosphere thick with unspoken emotions-a mixture of tension and a faint sense of hope.
Akarin stared out the window at her apartment, her expression thoughtful as if searching for the right words. Finally, she drew a deep breath and turned to face Yuzuru, her gaze steady and serious.
"Yuzuru..." she began, her voice soft but resolute. "I know our relationship isn't the same as it used to be, but I... I can't forget us. After your contract with Shiori ends, I want us to consider trying again."
Yuzuru froze, her candidness catching him off guard. He turned to look at her, his expression a mix of surprise and conflicted emotions. The mention of Shiori reminded him of the complexities he faced-his heart felt pulled in opposing directions.
"Akarin..." he started, his voice measured. "This isn't simple. My relationship with Shiori is... complicated. I don't want to hurt anyone."
Akarin offered a faint smile, her expression tinged with both understanding and determination. She had anticipated his hesitation but had spoken from her heart regardless.
"I know," she said gently. "I'm not asking for an answer right now. I just want you to know... I'm still here, waiting, if you're ever ready. I believe we still have a chance."
Yuzuru's breath caught. Deep down, her words ignited a warmth within him, a spark of something he thought he had buried. But the weight of his current situation, the entanglements with Shiori, and the potential consequences kept him tethered.
"Thank you, Akarin," he said softly, his voice filled with sincerity. "For your patience. And for having the courage to say this."
Akarin nodded, exhaling as if a burden had been lifted. Her lips curved into a bittersweet smile. "Alright," she said, her tone lighter now. "I'll go inside. Take care of yourself, Yuzuru."
Yuzuru gave her a small smile in return, watching as she stepped out of the car. Akarin's figure grew smaller as she walked toward the building, her stride steady and confident. Yet, as he sat alone in the car, his gaze lingered on her retreating form, his emotions churning.
Conflicted and unsure, Yuzuru leaned back in his seat, gripping the steering wheel. Akarin's words replayed in his mind, stirring the remnants of feelings he thought had faded. Now, faced with the prospect of rekindling something that once meant everything, he found himself standing at the edge of a choice that could redefine both his present and his future.