Ep 4

The morning sun filled the tiny apartment with a warm golden glow.

The delicious smell of breakfast slowly spread through the rooms.

Yuki stood in the small kitchen, quietly cooking Haru's favourite breakfast.

A few moments later...

Tiny footsteps echoed through the hallway.

"Sis..."

She looked over her shoulder and smiled.

"Good morning."

Haru rubbed his sleepy eyes before walking into the kitchen.

"You woke up early again."

"I always do."

He looked at the breakfast on the table.

His eyes lit up.

"My favorite!"

Yuki laughed softly.

"I knew you'd say that."

Haru happily sat down.

For a few moments...

The apartment was filled with nothing but the sound of plates and quiet laughter.

Then...

He suddenly looked at her.

"Sis..."

"Hmm?"

"...You're really coming to the parents' meeting, right?"

Yuki paused for just a second.

Then she smiled.

"I promised you, didn't I?"

Haru's face immediately brightened.

"I just wanted to make sure."

Yuki gently tapped his forehead.

"Silly."

"I never break a promise to you."

An hour later...

Haru picked up his school bag and ran to the door.

"Bye, Sis!"

He suddenly turned back.

"Yuki!"

She looked at him.

"Hmm?"

He smiled brightly.

"Don't forget your lunch!"

Yuki looked down.

"...I almost did."

She laughed softly.

"What would I do without you?"

Haru grinned.

"You'd probably leave it behind."

Yuki smiled and shook her head.

"Now go before you're late."

"Okay!"

He waved happily before running out the door.

Yuki stood there for a moment, watching him leave with a gentle smile.

Then she picked up her bag, locked the apartment, and quietly made her way to work.

As Yuki walked down the quiet street...

A familiar voice called out behind her.

"Yuki!"

She turned around.

"Kenji?"

He jogged toward her, slightly out of breath.

"I finally caught up with you."

Yuki smiled.

"You ran again, didn't you?"

He laughed awkwardly.

"Maybe..."

Then he nervously pulled a small paper bag from behind his back.

"I... bought these on my way."

He held it out to her.

"The bakery had your favorite sweet buns."

Yuki blinked.

"Damn... again?"

She looked at the paper bag and let out a tiny sigh.

"How many times has he done this already...?"

She rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly.

"Kenji..."

"You really don't have to keep buying me things."

He smiled sheepishly.

"I know."

"But I wanted to."

Yuki hesitated.

Refusing it would only waste the food.

But accepting it would probably encourage him again.

"Why does he always make this so difficult...?"

With a helpless smile...

She took the paper bag.

"Thank you."

"But this is the last time, okay?"

Kenji grinned.

"...You said that last time too."

Yuki closed her eyes for a second.

"He's impossible..."

They continued walking together for a short while.

Then Kenji took a deep breath.

"Yuki..."

"Hmm?"

"Would you... have dinner with me after work?"

Yuki looked at him quietly.

"I'm sorry."

"I promised Haru I'd be home early."

Kenji forced a smile.

"Rejected again..."

Yuki laughed softly.

"You'll find someone someday."

He scratched the back of his neck.

"...I don't want someone."

"I want you."

For a brief moment...

Neither of them spoke.

Yuki smiled apologetically.

"I'm sorry, Kenji."

He looked away and laughed.

"I know..."

"I'll ask again anyway."

Yuki shook her head with a helpless smile.

"You're really stubborn."

"Only when it comes to you."

She smiled one last time.

"I should go."

"See you."

As she walked away...

Kenji quietly watched her disappear into the crowd.

"...One day."

"I'll make you say yes."

He smiled to himself.

Even though...

Deep inside...

He already knew the answer.

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