CHAPTER 10

STITCHED BY FATE

The apartment was filled with laughter as Harumi, Yoshi, and Rina returned home, greeted by Kerin and Kei. The evening was warm, carrying the lingering scent of fresh jasmine from the open balcony. Reena, an enthusiastic fashion designer, was especially thrilled.

"Harumi," Reena said, her eyes gleaming, "I've been dreaming of designing your wedding dress! But I hear the groom has the honor of gifting it to you?"

Harumi chuckled. "Yes, it's a tradition. But knowing Toshiro, he'll want my input. He wouldn't dare pick something without me."

As if on cue, Harumi's phone buzzed. She glanced at it and smiled before answering.

Harumi & Toshiro's Conversation:

Harumi: "Speak of the devil. Thinking about me?"

Toshiro (chuckling): "Always. But right now, I was thinking about fabrics. Have you and Rina picked something?"

Harumi: "Not yet, but Rina and I are heading to Nomura Tailor now."

Toshiro: "Perfect. I'll try to meet you there after work. The least I can do is pretend I had a say in the decision."

Harumi: "Oh? So you're just going to nod and agree with whatever I pick?"

Toshiro (playfully): "Isn't that what good fiancés do?"

Harumi (laughing): "Fine. Just don't be late."

---

Later that evening, Rina and Harumi arrived at Nomura Tailor Shijo Store. The shop was elegant, filled with soft lighting and shelves stacked with the finest silks and embroidered fabrics.

As they browsed, Rina's attention wavered when she noticed someone at the other end of the store—Yuchi.

He stood near the fabrics, hands tucked into his pockets, exuding an effortless charm. His green eyes, intense and unreadable, met hers.

Her heart skipped a beat.

Harumi nudged her. "Rina, are you okay? You're staring."

"I—I'm fine," Rina muttered, quickly turning back to the fabric samples.

Yuchi smirked slightly but said nothing.

Just then, Toshiro arrived. "Harumi, I need to talk to you for a moment." His expression was serious but soft.

Harumi nodded. "Alright. Rina, will you be okay?"

Rina glanced at Yuchi, who was still watching her with amusement. She swallowed. "Y-Yeah."

Toshiro and Harumi stepped aside.

Harumi & Toshiro's Private Moment:

Toshiro: "Sorry to pull you away. I just wanted a moment alone with you."

Harumi (teasing): "Couldn't wait until after shopping?"

Toshiro (softly): "No. Sometimes, I just want to see you without distractions."

Harumi smiled, feeling warmth spread through her. "You're such a smooth talker."

Toshiro smirked. "Only with you."

She reached for his hand, squeezing it lightly. "You always know the right thing to say, don't you?"

He leaned in slightly. "I try. But really, I just mean every word."

She blushed but didn't pull away.

---

Meanwhile, Rina found herself in an unexpected predicament.

Harumi and Toshiro had left suddenly due to a work emergency, leaving Rina to find her way home. Toshiro suggested Yoshi take her, but before she could protest, Yuchi stepped in.

"I'll drop her," he said casually.

Rina's breath caught. "I-I don't want to trouble you."

Yuchi tilted his head. "Then don't. Just get in the car."

Hesitant but with little choice, she agreed.

The car ride was silent at first, the tension thick between them. Rina kept her hands folded neatly in her lap, eyes fixed on the road ahead. But she could feel his gaze on her.

Finally, Yuchi spoke.

Yuchi & Rina's Conversation:

Yuchi: "You've been staring at me since the store. Do I have something on my face?"

Rina (startled): "W-What? No! I wasn't—"

Yuchi (grinning): "Oh? So you just admire me in silence?"

Rina felt heat rush to her cheeks. "I—That's not—"

He chuckled, clearly entertained. "Relax, I'm joking. But you do stare."

Rina groaned and looked out the window. "You're insufferable."

Yuchi smirked. "And you're adorable when you're flustered."

Rina turned sharply. "I am not flustered!"

He raised an eyebrow. "Your ears are red."

Rina quickly covered them, making him laugh.

The sound of his laughter caught her off guard. It was deep, genuine, and oddly comforting.

She sighed. "Why do you enjoy teasing me so much?"

Yuchi shrugged. "Because you're easy to tease. And because…" He paused, his voice turning softer. "You're interesting."

Rina blinked, surprised by the sincerity in his tone.

For the first time that evening, she dared to meet his gaze fully.

And for the first time, Yuchi wasn't smirking.

---

As the car pulled up to her apartment, Rina hesitated before getting out.

"Thank you," she said softly.

Yuchi leaned slightly toward her, resting his arm on the steering wheel. "For the ride? Or for the compliment?"

She rolled her eyes but smiled. "Goodnight, Yuchi."

He watched her step out, his green eyes flickering with something unreadable.

"Goodnight, Rina."

And with that, she shut the door, her heart racing as she walked inside.

Little did she know, she had already begun falling for him.

---

The night air is crisp as I step out of Kyo Dining Hachijo, the scent of grilled fish and warm broth still clinging to my clothes. My shift is finally over. I roll my shoulders, feeling the stiffness from hours of standing, my fingers slightly sore from sketching in between breaks.

Another long day. Another quiet walk home.

I adjust my glasses, blinking at the brightness of my phone screen as I check the time. It's later than usual, but the streets of Kyoto still glow under the streetlights, the soft murmur of distant conversations fading into the background.

I should feel at ease.

But I don't.

There's that feeling again—that strange, prickling sensation at the back of my neck, like someone's watching me.

I shake it off and begin walking, my bag slung over my shoulder. Maybe it's just exhaustion. Maybe it's my imagination.

Still…

I steal a glance over my shoulder. Nothing. The street is mostly empty, just a couple of people walking in the opposite direction.

So why does my skin feel warm, as if eyes are pressed against me?

I quicken my pace. The route home is familiar, second nature at this point. Past the quiet bookstore, across the bridge where the river reflects the moon, then down the narrow street that leads to my apartment.

I exhale, trying to brush away the unease.

Maybe I've been working too hard. Maybe I need sleep.

But then—a shadow moves.

I freeze for half a second before forcing myself forward. I tell myself it's nothing, that it's just paranoia. But my heartbeat betrays me, hammering against my ribs.

I reach my building, fumble with the keys, and step inside quickly, locking the door behind me.

Safe.

I let out a slow breath, resting my forehead against the cool wood of the door.

But the feeling doesn't fade.

Someone was watching me.

I don't know who. I don't know why.

But I know it wasn't my imagination.

And that terrifies me.