Friday Night – 11:42 PM
Yuuki's arms wrapped around her like a shield — not tight, not possessive.
Just enough to say, I'm here. I heard everything. And I'm still here.
Arisa's head rested against his chest, her breath slow, like she hadn't exhaled in months.
Neither of them moved.
Neither of them had to.
"I've never said all of that before," she murmured.
"I know."
"I thought I'd feel emptier… but I don't."
Yuuki looked down at her. "You feel lighter?"
She nodded. "A little. Scared too."
He smiled softly. "That's okay."
---
The Next Morning – 9:17 AM
They sat on his bed, eating instant noodles and watching some trashy drama on his laptop.
For the first time, she wasn't wearing makeup.
For the first time, he wasn't trying to impress her.
They were just… them.
Arisa nudged him with her foot. "You still want to be with me? Even after all that?"
Yuuki didn't hesitate. "Especially after all that."
She tilted her head. "Why?"
He turned to her — serious now.
"Because love isn't about pretending someone's perfect. It's about seeing every broken piece and still wanting to stay."
Her eyes shimmered. "That's kinda cheesy."
He grinned. "You like cheesy."
"I might," she whispered.
Then, softly—
"Will you teach me?"
"Teach you what?"
Arisa looked down at their hands, fingers brushing.
"How to be loved without having to earn it."
Yuuki laced his fingers through hers.
"I already am."