Author’s POV

Summer in Tokyo always arrived too loudly—cicadas screaming, kids running outside, shop banners flapping in the wind.

But inside a bedroom on the second floor of an house building, everything was quiet.

A girl lay on her bed, blanket around her body , phone held above her face like it was the only thing keeping her alive.

This was Leanna Iris Naisha, a high school student everyone called her Lin.

Sarcastic. Blunt. Hard-headed.

And completely socially awkward.

She wasn’t born antisocial.

She just never had the chance.

Growing up with asthma, her parents kept her inside like she was a rare artifact. No to much playgrounds. . Not to much outdoor memories.

Only inhalers, medicine, and the same four walls.

Now she was older and healthier, but she still didn’t know how to talk to people.

And love life?

Nope. Pass.

She didn’t even know who she liked. Zero idea.

So, she just stuck to her one safe place—her phone.

Her Phone, Her Universe

Lin sighed and scrolled through her GCs.

All of them were GCs, full of people talking about love problems she didn’t relate to.

People flirting, asking for advice, showing off their crushes.

Lin read everything but rarely talked.

Her username was:

> 【ShadowLynx】

Cool name, but she was actually just a bored gremlin in bed.

Her finger paused when she saw her own post earlier:

> 【ShadowLynx】:

誰か新しいGC入りたい？ (Anyone want to join a GC?)

She posted it out of boredom, not expecting anyone to PM her.

But then—

DING!

A private message popped up.

> 【KuroHana】:

えっと… GC入りたいんだけど、まだ大丈夫？

(Um… I want to join your GC, is it still okay?)

Lin blinked.

"KuroHana"?

The profile picture showed a boy.

Tall, sharp jawline, messy hair, hoodie.

Lin shrugged.

“ okay.”

She typed back, dry as usual.

> 【ShadowLynx】:

いいよ。

(Sure.)

> 【KuroHana】:

ありがと！君優しいね〜

(Thanks! You're really kind~)

Lin stared at her screen.

“…kind? Me??”

She rolled her eyes.

> 【ShadowLynx】:

優しくないけど。

(I’m not kind.)

> 【KuroHana】:

ツンデレ？可愛い。

(Tsundere? Cute.)

.

“…this guy’s flirting?? Already???”

But she couldn’t deny it—

She smirked a little.

Adding Him to the GC

Lin switched to the GC she recently made:

> 【GC: Hikari Lounge】

She typed:

> 【ShadowLynx】:

新メンバー入れるね。

(I’m adding a new member.)

Then she added KuroHana.

Immediately—

The GC exploded.

> **【UsaMochi】:

新しいイケメン！？！？

(New handsome guy!?!?!?)

> **【NekoMiku】:

ようこそーー！！

(Welcome!!)

> **【ToraBlade】:

自己紹介！

(Self-intro!)

“KuroHana” joined in smoothly.

> **【KuroHana】:

初めまして、クロハナです。

高2です〜 よろしく！

(Nice to meet you, All guys)

Private Chat Continues

Suddenly, another PM came.

> **【KuroHana】:

君のおかげで楽しいGCに入れた、ありがと。

(Because of you, I joined such a fun GC. Thanks.)

Lin wrapped herself in her blanket.

“…he’s polite?”

She typed:

> **【ShadowLynx】:

別に。暇だっただけ。

(your Welcome.)

> **【KuroHana】:

暇なら俺と話そうよ。

(If you’re bored, talk with me.)

Lin blinked.

Talk?

With a guy??

“…why??”

> **【ShadowLynx】:

なんで？

(Why?)

> **【KuroHana】:

君のタイプ、気になるから。

(I’m curious about your type.)

Lin immediately sat up.

Her type?

She didn’t even know her type.

> **【ShadowLynx】:

タイプない。

(I don’t have a type.)

> **【KuroHana】:

嘘だ〜 絶対好みある。

(Lie~ You definitely have one.)

> **【ShadowLynx】:

ないってば。恋愛興味ない。

(I said I don’t. I’m not interested in love.)

There was a pause.

And then—

> **【KuroHana】:

じゃあ俺が興味持たせてあげる。

(Then I’ll make you interested.)

Lin’s heart did a backflip.

“H-Ha?! Who is this guy—”

.

> **【ShadowLynx】:

(Oh really?)

> **【KuroHana】:

チャレンジ受けた。

(Yeah)

Lin froze.

Summer days were all the same for Lin.

Same bed.

Same blanket.

Same fan spinning like it was dying.

Same phone in her hand.

But one thing changed.

She now waited—just a little—for a notification from someone.

Someone named KuroHana.

Of course, Lin would rather choke on strawberry Pocky than admit that.

Lin woke up at 10 AM, hair resembling Medusa on vacation.

Her phone had 7 missed messages.

All from him.

> 【KuroHana】:

おはよー！(Good morning!)

> 【KuroHana】:

起きた？(You awake?)

> 【KuroHana】:

朝ごはん食べた？(Did you eat breakfast?)

> 【KuroHana】:

返事遅いと心配するよ〜？(If you reply late, I’ll worry~)

> 【KuroHana】:

ねぇってば〜 (Heeey~)

Lin stared at the messages.

“…clingy.”

She typed:

> 【ShadowLynx】:

起きたよ。 (I’m awake.)

He replied in less than five seconds.

> 【KuroHana】:

おそよ〜！！やっと！(Good afternoon~! Finally!)

> 【ShadowLynx】:

あんた暇？(Are you bored or what?)

> 【KuroHana】:

うん。君と話す以外やることない。

(Yeah. I have nothing else to do except talk to you.)

Lin’s heart tripped.

She tossed her phone across the bed.

“…say weird things again…”

But she still crawled to pick it up.

The GC was lively as always.

Hikari Lounge

> 【UsaMochi】:

クロハナ今日も公園〜？(KuroHana, at the park again today?)

> 【KuroHana】:

うん！友達とバスケしてる〜！

(Yeah! I’m playing basketball with friends!)

> 【NekoMiku】:

いいなぁ！夏って感じ〜！(So summer vibes!)

Kuro was outside.

With friends.

Laughing.

Having fun.

Lin stared at the screen.

Her chest twisted slightly.

She didn’t know why.

She typed, casual and cold:

> 【ShadowLynx】:

ふーん。リア充だね。

(Hmm. Must be nice having a life.)

Kuro responded instantly.

> 【KuroHana】:

いや、楽しさ半分。

(No, only half fun.)

> 【NekoMiku】:

なんで半分〜？(Why half??)

> 【KuroHana】:

リンちゃんいないから。

(Because Lin-chan isn’t here.)

Lin choked on air.

The GC exploded.

> 【UsaMochi】:

きゃあああああ！？(KYAAAA!?!)

> 【ToraBlade】:

告白か？(Is that a confession!?)

Lin typed fast:

> 【ShadowLynx】:

黙れ。

(Shut up.)

> 【KuroHana】:

照れてる？

(You embarrassed?)

> 【ShadowLynx】:

死ね。

(Die.)

> 【KuroHana】:

可愛い。

(Cute.)

Her heart did a double beat.

She exited the GC before she melted.

Lin was lying in bed, lights off, staring at the glow of her screen.

> 【KuroHana】:

まだ起きてる？

(Still awake?)

> 【ShadowLynx】:

うん。

(Yeah.)

> 【KuroHana】:

眠れない。

(I can’t sleep.)

> 【ShadowLynx】:

子供？

(Are you a child?)

> 【KuroHana】:

じゃあ子守唄歌って？

(Then sing me a lullaby?)

Lin scoffed.

> 【ShadowLynx】:

絶対無理。

(Absolutely not.)

> 【KuroHana】:

じゃあ…代わりに話して？

(Then… talk to me instead?)

> 【ShadowLynx】:

話題ない。

(No topic.)

> 【KuroHana】:

じゃあ俺が質問する。

(I’ll ask questions then.)

> 【ShadowLynx】:

また？

(Again?)

> 【KuroHana】:

君の事もっと知りたいから。

(Because I want to know you more.)

Lin pretended her heart didn’t skip.

> 【ShadowLynx】:

好きにしろ。

(Do whatever you want.)

> 【KuroHana】:

スポーツ好き？

(Do you like sports?)

Lin hesitated.

She tried sports before…

But because of her asthma, she always sat out.

> 【ShadowLynx】:

得意じゃない。

(Not really.)

> 【KuroHana】:

じゃあ見るのは？

(Watching sports?)

> 【ShadowLynx】:

まぁまぁ。

(It’s okay.)

Lin typed before thinking:

> 【ShadowLynx】:

あんたは？何のスポーツやってるの？

(What about you? What sport do you play?)

The reply came slower this time.

> 【KuroHana】:

…ない。

(None.)

Lin frowned.

Just yesterday, he said he played basketball with friends.

Her chest tightened—, but something else.

Confusion.

.

She typed:

> 【ShadowLynx】:

バスケ好きじゃないの？

(You don’t like basketball?)

> 【KuroHana】:

見てるだけ。

(I only watch.)

Something felt… off.

But Lin didn’t push.

Not yet.

The next morning, Lin woke up to:

> 【KuroHana】:

今日も話そ？

(Let’s talk again today?)

> 【KuroHana】:

君と話すのが一番楽しい。

(Talking to you is the best part of my day.)

> 【KuroHana】:

好きだよ。

(I like you.)

Lin sat up so fast she got dizzy.

“…what?”

She typed:

> 【ShadowLynx】:

冗談でしょ？

(You’re joking, right?)

> 【KuroHana】:

冗談じゃない。

(Not a joke.)

> 【KuroHana】:

本気。

(I’m serious.)

Her heart hammered.

Every part of her screamed to deny it.

So she typed:

> 【ShadowLynx】:

意味わかんない。

(I don’t understand.)

> 【KuroHana】:

分からなくていい。

(You don’t need to understand.)

> 【KuroHana】:

俺が君を好きで、それで十分。

(I like you. That’s enough.)

Lin hid her face in her pillow.

Stupid boy.

Stupid beat of her heart.

Stupid warmth creeping under her skin.

She typed:

> 【ShadowLynx】:

…バカ。

(Idiot.)

> 【KuroHana】:

でも君のバカになりたい。

(Then let me be your idiot.)

Her breath caught.

She had no idea what to respond to that.

So she didn’t reply for an hour.

Kuro sent:

> 【KuroHana】:

返事遅いと不安になる。

(I get anxious when you reply late.)

> 【KuroHana】:

ねぇ…嫌いにならないで。

(Hey… don’t hate me.)

> 【ShadowLynx】:

嫌いじゃない。

(I don’t hate you.)

She typed before she realized it.

She covered her face in horror.

But he replied gently:

> 【KuroHana】:

嬉しい。

(That makes me happy.)

And then:

> 【KuroHana】:

じゃあ…付き合って？

(Then… can I court you?)

The room fell silent.

Lin’s breath trembled.

She swallowed.

Typed slowly.

> 【ShadowLynx】:

…うん。

(…yeah.)

> 【KuroHana】:

本当に！？！？

(Really!?!?!?)

> 【ShadowLynx】:

…調子乗るな。

(Don’t get cocky.)

> 【KuroHana】:

君が世界一好き。

(I like you more than anything in the world.)

Lin’s face turned red instantly.

She hid under the blanket.

And for the first time in her life…

Summer didn’t feel boring anymore.

It felt terrifying.

Warm.

Alive.

Like the start of a story she wasn’t ready for—

but wanted anyway.

Summer in Tokyo continued with its blazing heat, glowing sunsets, and humid nights.

Days passed. Nights passed.

And the chats between ShadowLynx and KuroHana… never stopped.

It didn’t matter if it was 1PM or 1AM—

they always ended up talking.

Even if Lin pretended she didn’t care.

Every morning without fail—

DING!

> 【KuroHana】:

おはよ〜 リンちゃん。

(Good morning, Lynx-chan.)

Lin, who was brushing her teeth lazily, glared at her phone.

> 【ShadowLynx】:

朝からうるさい。

(Too loud this early.)

> 【KuroHana】:

うるさくないよ〜 愛情表現だよ。

(It’s not loud~ It’s affection.)

Lin choked on her toothpaste.

“A–Aijou…? Affection?? Tch…”

But she secretly typed faster.

Kuro, the GC's Sunshine

In the GC “Hikari Lounge,” Kuro was EVERYWHERE.

> 【KuroHana】:

おはよ！みんな元気？

(Good morniiiiing! How are you all??)

> **【UsaMochi】:

クロくん元気すぎww

(Kuro-kun you’re too energetic lol)

> **【NekoMiku】:

今日もイケメン♡

(Handsome again today♡)

Lin stared blankly.

“

> **【KuroHana】:

今日、友達とカフェ行ったよ〜

(I went to a café with my friends today~)

> **【ShadowLynx】:

ふーん。

(Hmmm.)

> **【KuroHana】:

気になる？

(Curious?)

> **【ShadowLynx】:

別に。

(Not really.)

> **【KuroHana】:

嘘つき。

(Liar.)

But Lin replied anyway:

> **【ShadowLynx】:

あんた友達多いね。

(You have a lot of friends.)

> **【KuroHana】:

うん。でも一番話したいのは君。

(Yeah. But the person I want to talk to the most is you.)

Lin’s heart: kaboom.

“…THIS. This idiot.”

Kuro messaged first every single day.

She updated Lin about everything.

What she ate.

What she did.

Her friends.

Her mood.

Her random thoughts.

Sometimes:

> **【KuroHana】:

ちょっと寂しい。君は？

(I’m a bit lonely. You?)

> **【ShadowLynx】:

…知らない。

(I don’t know.)

> **【KuroHana】:

会いたいな〜

(I wanna see you.)

> **【ShadowLynx】:

は？？

(Ha??)

> **【KuroHana】:

冗談冗談。でも本気かも。

(Joking, joking. But maybe serious.)

Whatever this Kuro was, Lin was spiraling.

One night, while Lin was playing a game on her phone—

DING.

DING.

DING.

Kuro was messaging nonstop.

> **【KuroHana】:

ねえ。

(Hey.)

**【KuroHana】:

話したいことがある。

(I need to tell you something.)

**【KuroHana】:

大事なこと。

(Something important.)

Lin stopped playing.

> **【ShadowLynx】:

なに。

(What.)

There was a long pause.

Kuro was typing.

And deleting.

Typing.

Deleting.

Finally—

> **【KuroHana】:

私は…男じゃない。

(I’m… not a guy.)

Lin froze.

Her worst suspicion.

> **【KuroHana】:

女。

(I’m a girl.)

**【KuroHana】:

レズビアン。

(I’m a lesbian.)

**【KuroHana】:

君に嫌われるのが怖くて言えなかった。

(I was scared you’d hate me, so I didn’t tell you.)

Lin’s blood went cold.

She stared at the messages with an empty expression.

“…She lied. All this time.”

> **【ShadowLynx】:

なんで嘘ついたの。

(Why did you lie.)

> **【KuroHana】:

ごめん。本当に…ごめん。

(I’m sorry. Really… I’m sorry.)

> **【ShadowLynx】:

………

(………)

Lin didn’t reply.

She closed the chat.

Blocked notifications.

Turned off her phone.

She lay in bed, heart tight, breathing slightly shaky.

“I hate liars… I hate them…”

But why did it hurt so much?

Days Pass

Kuro did NOT stop messaging.

Every morning:

> **【KuroHana】:

おはよう Lin…

(Good morning, Lynx…)

Afternoon:

> **【KuroHana】:

今日も返事ないね。でも待つ。

(No reply again today. But I’ll wait.)

Night:

> **【KuroHana】:

君が恋愛に興味ないの知ってる。でも…

I still want you.

(I’m sorry.)

Lin read every message.

But she never replied.

“…she keeps trying. Why…?”

A week before school started.

DING.

Lin looked at her screen.

It was a long message.

> **【KuroHana】:

ねえ、最後に一つだけお願いがある。

(Hey… I have one last request.)

> **【KuroHana】:

夏休み終わる前に、一度だけ会ってくれない？

(Before summer ends… can you meet me just once?)

> **【KuroHana】:

場所は渋谷のカフェ『MoonDrop』。

(The place is the café MoonDrop in Shibuya.)

> **【KuroHana】:

もし来てくれたら…

(If you come…)

> **【KuroHana】:

私たち、まだチャンスあるって思っていい？

(Can I believe we still have a chance?)

> **【KuroHana】:

来なかったら…諦める。

(If you don’t come… I’ll give up.)

Lin stared at the ceiling.

Her chest tightened

She didn’t answer.

She just stared at the message until her screen dimmed.

{Lin’s POV}

The cicadas outside were too loud.

The summer sun was too bright.

And my brain?

Too full.

Way. Too. Full.

I walked down the familiar street toward my best friend’s house, kicking a tiny pebble with every step. My bag swung at my side in a lazy rhythm. School was starting in a few days, so like always, we planned to meet up before the chaos began.

My feet felt heavy.

My thoughts felt heavier.

“…Why am I even thinking about her this much…”

I stopped in front of the tall white gate and sighed before ringing the bell.

A few seconds later—

“LINNNNー！！”

The door burst open and a small missile tackled me.

“Ua—Oi! Miyuri, get off!”

Miyuri laughed and clung tighter.He is my gay bestfriend

“Lin-chan came to visit!! Miracle day! Write it in the calendar!”

“Shut up, I come here every year.”

“Yeah, once a year,” she shot back.

I glared. he grinned. Typical.

Inside, the smell of cold mikan juice and summer snacks filled the living room.

My girls were already sprawled on the floor.

Miyuri Sato – My gay freind

Hanae Mori – Calm, motherly

Rikako Shimizu – smart, sporty, the “cool beauty” type.

Nozomi Arai – The crying baby

Kaede Fujita – the bisexual but look like a lesbian

They all looked up the moment I entered.

“LIN’S HERE!!”

Miyuri screamed again.

“Stop yelling,” Rikako muttered.

“Welcome, Lin-chan,” Hanae smiled softly.

Kaede raised a brow. “we miss you .”

Great.

We are now sitting around the table, drinking iced tea.

“Ughhh school is coming,” Miyuri groaned.

“I’m excited,” Hanae said.

“Same,” Rikako added. “New subjects, new activities.”

Kaede smirked. “New girls chasing us.”

Nozomi blushed hard. “K-Kaede!”

I rolled my eyes.

School, huh.

Usually, talking about it distracts me.

But today… it didn’t.

My eyes kept drifting away .

And my friends noticed.

Of course they noticed.

Kaede suddenly leaned forward, her sharp eyes narrowing.

“…Spill.”

I flinched. “What?”

“Something is bothering you,” Rikako added.

“You’re acting weird,” Nozomi whispered, sipping quietly.

“You didn’t make a sarcastic comment for hour,” Miyuri pointed out. “Unacceptable.”

“And you keep staring at far away,” Hanae said calmly. “Lin-chan… what’s wrong?”

I stared at the condensation on my glass.

My throat felt tight.

“…I… need advice.”

THOSE WORDS.

They froze.

Literally froze.

Miyuri dropped her chips.

Rikako blinked twice.

Nozomi gasped.

Kaede choked on her drink.

Hanae’s smile faltered.

“EHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!?!?”

All five of them yelled.

“You—YOU—?? Lin asking for advice??”

Kaede stuttered.

“You never tell us anything!!” Nozomi squeaked.

“HOLD ON THIS IS A NEW ERA—” Miyuri yelled dramatically.

“Guys please shut up,” I muttered,

They quieted down slightly but stared at me like hungry reporters.

I exhaled long and slow.

“…Remember that GC I made?”

They nodded.

“…Someone asked to join.”

Kaede smirked. “And then?”

My eyelid twitched. “Let me finish.”

“So… we talked. A lot. Then he… started courting me.”

Complete silence.

Then—

“PUHAHAHAHAHAHAHA—!!”

Miyuri burst into loud, evil laughter, falling backward.

“WAIT— WAIT—!! LIN??? BEING COURTED?? AND NOT BLOCKING THEM???”

“Lin-chan??? Talking to someone every day??” Nozomi gasped.

“Impossible…” Rikako whispered.

Hanae covered her mouth. “This is… shocking.”

Kaede stared at me with wide eyes.

“Lin… you…? A person is courting you and you didn’t roast them alive???”

I glared at Kaede.

“Why is that the shocking part?!”serious tone

She shrugged. “Because you ALWAYS do that.”

I clicked my tongue. “Whatever.”

They leaned closer.

“So what’s the problem?” Hanae asked gently.

I swallowed.

“…He lied.”

Their eyes widened.

“…About what?” Nozomi whispered.

I looked down.

“She’s… actually a girl.”

They ALL froze again.

Hanae’s gentle expression shifted to shock.

Rikako’s brows shot upward.

Kaede’s jaw dropped.

Miyuri blinked a hundred times.

Nozomi covered her mouth quietly.

“…A girl?” Kaede repeated.

“Yeah,” I muttered. “A lesbian.”

Silence.

Heavy.

Confused.

Unpredictable.

“Lin…” Hanae whispered faintly.

“…you never even told us what gender you like.”

“I DON’T KNOW WHAT I LIKE!” I snapped.

They all flinched.

I sighed and rubbed my forehead.

“I don’t know anything about love. About relationships. I never liked anyone. I never felt anything. I don’t even talk to people. And now—she lied and I’m angry but also— I’m thinking about it too much and I hate it but— I don’t know why I hate it and—”

My voice cracked.

The room fell quiet.

My friends exchanged worried looks.

Rikako placed a comforting hand on my shoulder.

“No wonder you’re stressed,” she said softly.

“Lin-chan… this is the first time you’ve ever cared about someone’s actions,” Nozomi whispered.

“You’re not used to feelings,” Kaede said plainly. “Especially romantic ones.”

Miyuri grinned slightly. “Lin is growing up.”

“Miyuri I swear I’ll throw you out the window.”

“But you ARE,” she laughed.

Hanae leaned closer, giving me her sweet, calm smile.

“Lin-chan… you’re confused because this matters to you.”

My chest tightened.

Matters…?

Did it?

Did Kuro really matter to me?

I didn’t know.

...----------------...

The room felt too quiet after my rant—like even the cicadas outside paused to listen.

My friends stared at me with five different flavors of shock.

Kaede was squinting like she was analyzing me under a microscope.

Rikako looked like she was solving an equation.

Nozomi was literally holding her breath.

And Hanae… looked worried in the gentle-mom way she always did.

I wanted to disappear into the couch.

“Okay,” Kaede finally said, sitting properly.

“Let’s break this down before Lin self-destructs.”

“I’m not self-destructing,”

“You’re vibrating,” she said flatly.

 maybe a little.

Rikako tucked her hair behind her ear and asked,

“So… KuroHana-san courted you while pretending to be a boy?”

I nodded, chewing my lip.

“She said she didn’t want to lose me,” I muttered.

“That I wouldn’t talk to her if she told the truth.”

“She has a point,” Miyuri snorted.

“No offense! But Lin, you literally run away when someone flirts with you.”

True.

Fair.

Annoying.

“When did she tell you?” Hanae asked softly.

“…few days ago.”

“And what did you do?”

I looked away.

“…Ignored her.”

The room exploded.

“LIN—!!”

“Wow.”

“Oh my god.”

“Lin-chan…!!!”

“Savage.”

“What else am I supposed to do?! She lied!”

“Okay okay,” Kaede raised her hands. “Yes, she lied. That part is messed up.”

“But…” Hanae added gently,

“She didn’t lie because she wanted to trick you. She lied because she was scared.”

Scared.

The word stabbed a bit.

I crossed my arms. “…Still.”

“You’re angry,” Rikako said.

“That’s normal.”

"And confused,” Nozomi said softly.

“Because you never thought about liking someone… girl or boy.”

Miyuri tapped my shoulder.

“So what now? What’s the big panic? Did she ask something?”

I hesitated.

Then sighed.

“…She wants to meet.”

The silence came back.

Then—

“EEEEHHHHHHHHHH!?!?”

I shoved Miyuri aside before she could scream into my ear.

The Coffee Shop Ultimatum

“Where?” Rikako asked.

“Moondrop Café. Before school starts.”

“When?” Hanae said.

“Sunday.”

“That’s in TWO DAYS!” Nozomi squeaked.

“Yeah.”

Kaede leaned back, crossing her legs.

so if you show up… then there’s still a chance?”

“…Yes.”

“And if you don’t,” Miyuri added,

“It means you’re rejecting her completely?”

“…Yes.”

They all stared at me.

I stared back.

Five pairs of eyes.

One confused mess of a girl.

“LIN.” Kaede grabbed my shoulders.

“This. Is. Huge.”

“Stop shaking me—!”

“It means SHE LIKES YOU FOR REAL,” Miyuri shouted.

Nozomi covered her mouth.

“So romantic…”

Rikako tilted her head.

“And… do you want to go?”

My heart stuttered.

I didn’t answer.

Which was an answer in itself.

Kaede saw it.

Miyuri saw it.

Everyone saw it.

Nozomi whispered, “Lin-chan… you’re not angry because she lied… you’re scared because… you care.”

My stomach twisted.

Hanae held my hand gently.

“You haven’t rejected her in your heart yet, have you?”

“…”

“I don’t know…” I muttered hoarsely.

“I’m angry. But I’m not… done. I should be done. I hate liars. I hate people who pretend. But I don't know”

“Something,” Rikako finished.

I clenched my jaw.

Something.

Something I didn’t understand.

Something I wasn’t ready for.

Something that scared me more than asthma ever did.

“Just tell me what to do…” I whispered.

Kaede smirked slightly.

“Do you trust her?”

“I DON’T KNOW.”

“Do you want to talk to her again?”

I stayed silent.

“Do you want to see her?” Hanae asked softly.

My chest squeezed.

My mouth opened before I could think—

“…maybe.”

They all gasped like I declared I loved someone.

“LIN IS IN LOVE—!!”

I threw a pillow at Miyuri again.

“NO I’M NOT!!”

She laughed so hard she rolled off the couch.

Kaede grinned smugly.

Rikako hid a smile.

Nozomi and Hanae giggled.

“Whatever this is,” Hanae said warmly,

“you get to decide. Not us.”

Rikako nodded.

“But you won’t figure it out by running away.”

Kaede leaned forward, eyes sharp.

“So, Lin…”

The room held its breath.

“Are you going to meet her?”

I looked down at my hands.

Kuro’s messages flashed in my mind.

Her apologies.

Her fear.

Her honesty.

Her stupid jokes.

Her clingy updates.

My heart thumped painfully.

“…I don’t know,” I whispered.

“But I’m thinking about it.”

Maeve’s POV

The summer heat hit me the moment I stepped outside the house.

Tokyo’s afternoon sun was merciless—bright, heavy, and sticky—but I didn’t care.

Today wasn’t just another summer day.

Today… I was going to find out if I still had a chance.

I checked my phone for the hundredth time.

No new notification.

No reply from Lynx.

A small twist pulled in my chest.

“She’s still ignoring me…” I whispered.

I couldn’t blame her.

I lied.

Not because I wanted to trick her…

But because I was scared—terrified—that she would disappear the moment she knew I wasn’t a boy.

But after days of silence…

I still couldn’t let her go.

Not yet.

At the Train Station

I hurried down the stairs, my sneakers hitting the pavement as I made my way to the station.

The familiar sound of train brakes screeching filled the air.

People rushed everywhere—salarymen in suits, students carrying bags, mothers guiding kids.

I adjusted my cap and slung my backpack over my shoulder.

Then—

“MAEVE!”

“MAE-CHAN!!”

I turned around.

Three figures jogged toward me, waving their arms dramatically.

Airi, Shizu, and Kotomi.

My friends.

My chaos.

My supporters.

Airi flopped her arm around my shoulders.

“Where are you going so early? We were looking for you!”

Shizu held up a bag of drinks.

“We’re heading to Shinjuku for a mini hangout! Want to come?”

Kotomi grinned.

“ it’ll be fun. Join us!”

Normally, I’d say yes instantly.

I loved hanging out with them.

They made everything feel light.

But today…

I shook my head gently.

“Sorry… I can’t.”

They paused.

Airi narrowed her eyes.

“It’s because of her, right?”

“Lynx-chan?” Shizu asked softly.

Kotomi lifted a brow. “You’re still going through with it?”

I nodded.

Kotomi sighed, crossing her arms.

“Maeve… you told us everything. That she didn’t reply. That she ignored you. .”

“Yeah,” Airi added, pouting.

“And you’re still walking straight into a heartbreak café meeting?”

I bit my lip.

“I have to go,” I said quietly.

“I want to see her.”

Shizu stepped closer.

Her voice gentle, full of concern.

“Are you… sure she’s coming?”

The question sank deep.

I swallowed hard.

My chest tightened.

“I don’t know…”

The words burned.

Airi exchanged a look with the others.

They all knew what that meant.

Days of silence.

No closure.

Maybe no chance.

But I forced a small smile.

“I just… want to try,” I whispered.

“Even if she doesn’t come.”

Airi squeezed my shoulder.

“Maeve… don’t hurt yourself too much, okay?”

Kotomi sighed but smiled in support.

“If she doesn’t show up, we’ll kidnap you and make you eat ice cream until you forget her.”

Shizu nodded.

“We’re behind you. Always.”

I felt my throat tighten as I smiled gratefully.

“Thanks… really.”

Airi flicked my forehead.

“Idiot. You fell so hard for her.”

I blushed violently.

“yeah I am .”

They laughed.

But then Airi asked quietly:

“Do you love her?”

I froze.

The world went silent for a moment.

Love?

Did I?

I clutched the strap of my backpack.

“I… I don’t know,” I admitted.

“But she made me hope.

She made me nervous.

She made me want to check my phone every second.

She made me want to be honest.”

I breathed deeply.

“And that’s enough for me right now.”

My friends gave me soft, knowing smiles.

Shizu stepped back and waved.

“Go. Before you miss the train.”

Kotomi winked.

“And text us if she comes. Or if we need to fight her.”

Airi saluted.

“Gay support squad, moving out!”

I laughed despite the fear twisting inside me.

Then I turned toward the train.

The doors opened with a chime.

I stepped in.

The doors slowly closed.

My reflection on the glass looked nervous, hopeful, and terrified all at once.

I whispered to myself—

“…Please, Lynx Just come.”

...----------------...

Maeve’s POV

The moment I stepped out of the train, my heart was pounding so hard it felt like it was shaking my ribs from the inside.

Moondrop Coffee Shop.

The place where everything would either begin…

Or end.

I inhaled deeply, fixed my cap, and pushed the door open.

Inside Moondrop Café

A soft chime rang as I entered.

Warm lights.

Fresh coffee aroma.

Soft jazz playing in the background.

Couples whispering.

Students studying.

It felt peaceful.

Calm.

Too calm for how chaotic my chest was.

I picked the seat near the window—

the one with the best view of the door.

Just in case she came.

And I chat her

"I'm here, I'll wait for you"

I placed my phone on the table.

Screen up.

Volume high.

So I wouldn’t miss her message.

If she sent one.

...----------------...

I checked the time.

3:07 PM.

“She’ll come… right?” I whispered to myself.

I ordered an iced caramel latte but barely touched it.

My stomach felt tight, twisted.

My hands wouldn’t stop fidgeting with the straw.

Minutes passed.

Then an hour.

Then two.

Still No Lynx

I tried to stay positive.

Maybe she’s running late.

Maybe she’s preparing herself.

Maybe she’s nervous too.

Maybe she was already on her way.

I kept imagining her walking through the door.

Her voice.

Her smile.

The way she might look

I didn’t even know what she looked like.

Not her hair.

Not her eyes.

Not her height.

Not her style.

Nothing.

Just her words.

Her late-night chats.

Her honest rants.

Her quiet “goodnight” messages.

The girl who caught me off guard.

My chest tightened again.

4:00 PM.

4:30 PM.

5:10 PM.

Still nothing.

The sun slowly dipped lower outside, the warm afternoon turning into a soft orange glow.

My hope flickered a little.

“She’s just busy,” I whispered.

“She’ll come… eventually.”

But another hour passed.

People started leaving.

Tables emptied.

Lights dimmed slightly.

And the sky outside…

Shifted into deep blue.

5:45 PM

I stared at my phone.

Still no message.

Still no notification.

Just silence.

And the sound of my heartbeat falling apart quietly.

“…Maybe she really doesn’t want to see me.”

The thought stabbed deeper than I expected.

I leaned back in my seat, forcing a shaky breath.

Of course she wouldn’t come.

I lied.

I hurt her.

I made her feel betrayed.

Why would she take a chance on someone like me?

A stranger she never met.

A girl she thought was someone else.

The café staff started cleaning the tables, wiping surfaces, closing curtains.

I finally stood up slowly.

My legs felt heavy, almost numb.

"I should go home," I muttered.

"Lynx… won't come."

I grabbed my bag, slung it over my shoulder, and walked toward the exit.

The Door

My hand reached for the door handle.

The bell above the door chimed as I pulled it open—

And—

BUMP.

I collided into someone.

“Ah—! I’m so sorry!” I immediately bowed, hands up, panicking. “I wasn’t looking!”

The girl I bumped into flinched softly and bowed back.

“No, no, it’s okay—I also wasn’t looking…”

Her voice was soft, low, almost tired.

We both apologized at the same time:

“Sorry!”

“Sorry!”

But we didn’t look long at each other.

We both stepped aside and passed each other…

My chest ached with disappointment.

I pushed out the door and took a shaky breath.

The night breeze felt colder than usual.

I walked away from the café slowly, hands inside my pockets, head down as the streetlights blurred through the tears I tried hard to hold back.

“I guess…”

My voice cracked.

“…maybe she really didn’t want to see me…”

I kept walking.

…

...----------------...

Lin’s POV

The moment I pushed open the café door, the soft bell chimed above me.

“Ah—sorry!” I blurted out as I bumped into someone leaving.

We both bowed at the same time, awkward and quick.

Then she walked past me.

I didn’t look back.

My chest was tight.

My palms sweaty.

I don’t even know why I felt nervous.

It’s just…

I don’t meet people.

I don’t talk to strangers.

I don’t even like going outside.

But here I was…

Inside Moondrop Café.

Looking for KuroHana.

The girl who lied to me.

The girl who wanted to meet me.

The girl I ignored for days.

I stepped inside, scanning the room.

Where is she?

I looked around carefully.

First table:

A tall guy with piercings, dyed hair, black jacket.

He looked like a gangster from a shoujo anime.

Nope.

Definitely not KuroHana.

Second table:

A girl with perfect nails, long curled hair, designer bag, sipping a pink drink.

She looked like a fashion blogger.

Also not KuroHana.

Or… I hope not.

Third table:

A nerd-looking girl wearing huge round glasses, typing so fast she might break her laptop.

No. Also no.

Fourth table:

A tired mom bouncing a baby gently while drinking hot coffee.

… absolutely not.

So…

Where the hell is she?

My throat tightened.

I quickly grabbed my phone and opened our chat.

Lynx:

Where are you? I’m here at Moondrop Café.

I hit send.

My leg bounced anxiously as I waited for a reply.

What if she changed her mind?

What if she didn’t come?

What if she lied again

I gripped my phone tighter.

“Where are you… KuroHana?”

I whispered under my breath, staring at the empty seat across from me.

...----------------...

Maeve’s POV

The train doors slid open with a soft hiss.

I stepped inside slowly, my chest heavy.

The moment I sat down,

my heart felt like it was sinking deeper and deeper.

She didn’t come.

Lynx didn’t come.

I took a shaky breath and forced myself to look out the window as the station lights .

“…maybe she didn’t want to see me after all,” I whispered.

My phone buzzed.

Just once.

A single vibration.

Then slowly raised my phone.

The screen lit up.

And my heart stopped.

Lynx:

Where are you? I’m here at Moondrop Café.

I blinked.

Then stared.

Then blinked again.

“W–What…?”

My body froze.

My brain shut down.

My heart restarted at full speed—

She’s there?

She actually came?

Lynx… is there?!

My breath hitched.

I stood up instantly—

Just as the train doors slid shut.

“Wait—WAIT!!”

I slammed my hands against the doors as the train started moving.

“No, no, no—!” I panicked.

People stared as I ran to the opposite door, eyes wide with desperation.

“Please—stop—!! OPEN—!!”

The train didn’t stop.

It kept moving.

Away.

Away from the café.

Away from Lynx.

Away from the girl who finally came.

My heart hammered so hard it hurt.

I pressed my forehead against the window, breathing shakily as the station disappeared behind me.

“Lynx… you came…”

My voice cracked.

“I was there… but I left…”

My legs trembled.

My hands shook violently around my phone.

I typed quickly, fingers almost slipping:

KuroHana:

I’m coming back. Don’t leave. Please wait for me.

I hit send, chest pounding.

Then I looked at the time.

At the train line map.

At the next station.

I clenched my fists.

“I don’t care how many trains I need to take—”

I whispered with fire in my voice.

“I’m going back.”

Because for the first time…

She came for me.

And I wasn’t going to lose this chance