Saturday – 10:31 AM
Yuuki was still in his hoodie, hair a mess, eyes half-open.
The ice cream night with Arisa replayed in his mind like a soft, addictive dream.
For once… his chest didn't feel heavy.
Until the doorbell rang.
He opened the door without thinking.
And froze.
Minami.
Wearing casual clothes. Holding a small box of strawberry mochi.
She blinked at his bedhead. "Did I wake you?"
Yuuki nodded slowly. "What are you doing here?"
"I figured it out," she said. Calm. Focused. "What I want."
He stepped aside. "Come in."
She didn't sit. Just stood there, staring at the floor like it had the answers she needed.
"I waited for you for so long," she said. "And when I saw you smile at her… I realized something."
Yuuki stayed silent.
"You look happier without me."
He winced. "It's not like that."
"Then tell me how it is."
Silence.
Minami looked up. Eyes glossy, but not crying. "I won't fight her. Not if you've already chosen. But I need to hear it from you."
She stepped closer. "Tell me the truth."
Yuuki swallowed hard.
And just before he could speak—
Knock knock.
The door opened slightly.
Arisa.
Holding two coffees. Smile fading as she spotted Minami.
"Oh," she whispered. "I didn't know you had company."
Minami turned toward her. "No worries. I was just leaving."
Yuuki stood there in the middle.
Again.
Heart in his throat.
Two girls watching.
And no more time to hide.