MOON FOR HIM

The days that followed felt like a strange limbo for Akari. Each morning, she would wake up to the sound of birds outside her window, but the weight of the kiss lingered in her chest, pressing against her like an invisible force. Haruto was still there, still so close, yet something had shifted. His presence was no longer just that of a familiar friend; it was now charged with something more—a promise, a claim, a challenge.

Akari found herself avoiding his gaze, unable to face him fully after what had happened. But Haruto, ever persistent, continued to hover around her, doing little things to draw her back in. He'd make her breakfast, leave notes on her desk with small, thoughtful gestures, and always make sure she was okay. But it wasn't the same anymore.

She couldn't shake the image of Andy's face in her mind. Even though he had been distant lately, even though she had pushed him away, a part of her heart still belonged to him. But now, there was Haruto—intense, determined, and right in front of her, making it impossible to ignore the tension between them.

One evening, as Akari was walking home from a late study session with her brothers, she noticed Haruto standing by the sakura tree, just like they had done countless times before. His back was turned, and he didn't see her approach.

Her heart skipped a beat. It was as if the world had narrowed down to that one point in time. She stood there, watching him in the dimming light of the evening, trying to make sense of the emotions swirling inside her.

Then, without warning, Haruto turned around. His eyes met hers, and for a moment, everything else disappeared. He took a step toward her, and before she could stop herself, her feet moved forward to meet him.

"Akari…" Haruto's voice was soft, hesitant, as if he was waiting for permission to speak, to move.

But Akari couldn't respond right away. The air between them felt electric, charged with all the things that had been left unsaid. She opened her mouth, but the words wouldn't come. Instead, she just stood there, caught in the overwhelming pull of the moment.

Haruto took another step closer, and for the first time in a long while, Akari didn't pull away. She didn't want to. Her body was aching to know what he would do, aching to finally make sense of the knot in her chest.

"Akari," he said again, his voice breaking the silence between them. "I know you're confused. But I'm here. I've always been here, and I'll keep being here. Let me help you find your way."

It was so simple, yet so profound. In that moment, it felt like Haruto was the only one who truly understood her. His words seemed to calm the storm in her heart, and for a fleeting moment, she could almost forget about everything else—about Andy, about the past, about the world outside this small, intimate space they occupied.

But just as quickly as the calm came, doubt crept in again. Akari's heart raced, and she stepped back, breaking the connection that had been forming between them.

"I don't know what I want anymore, Haruto," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I don't know if I can do this."

Haruto watched her, his expression softening. He didn't reach for her this time. Instead, he took a deep breath and nodded, his gaze never leaving hers. "I understand," he said quietly. "Take your time, Akari. I'll be here when you're ready."

With that, he turned away and walked toward his home, leaving Akari standing beneath the sakura tree, alone once more.

Her heart felt heavier than ever. The quiet between them was deafening. And for the first time in what felt like forever, Akari didn't know which path to take. Would she follow her heart and risk everything with Haruto, or would she hold onto the past, even if it meant letting go of the present?

The choice was hers, but the uncertainty felt suffocating.

As Akari walked down the quiet street, her mind was in turmoil. She couldn't stop replaying the events of the day—the kiss, Haruto's advances, and the strange distance she still felt toward him. She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't see the figure in front of her until it was too late.

Thud.

She collided with someone, and before she could step back, she felt a pair of familiar, warm hands steady her. Her heart stopped, and she froze. When she lifted her gaze, she locked eyes with none other than Andy. His expression was unreadable, but there was a flicker of something—pain, longing, maybe both—in his eyes. It was just like their first meeting all over again, only this time, the weight of their past loomed between them.

Akari couldn't breathe. Her chest tightened as if the universe was pressing on her. The nervousness took over, and she couldn't bring herself to speak. The silence between them felt like a thousand years. Her mind raced, but no words came.

Andy's hand lingered in the air for a moment, then he slowly pulled it back. "Akari…" His voice was soft, tentative, like he didn't want to say too much, didn't want to scare her away again.

She blinked, her heart pounding. "I didn't mean to…" she started, but the words came out wrong. What could she say? There was nothing to explain; the collision had been an accident. Yet, there was more to it than that.

Before either could say anything more, they were interrupted.

Haruto had been watching from afar, seeing the way Andy and Akari had locked eyes, the connection that still existed between them. It infuriated him. He had already given so much of himself to Akari—her home, her family, his love—but Andy was still there, lingering in the shadows of her heart.

Haruto's jaw clenched in frustration as he saw Akari start to pull away from Andy. He couldn't stand it any longer. He walked briskly toward them, his steps firm and purposeful.

When Akari finally turned to leave, she didn't notice Haruto's approaching figure. But just as she reached the door to her house, Haruto grabbed her wrist and yanked her inside. The force of his grip startled her, and she stumbled a bit, but he didn't let go.

"Why are you still meeting him?" Haruto's voice was low and dangerous, his hands gripping her shoulders so tightly that she could feel his fingers digging into her skin. "Why do you keep doing this, Akari? I promised I would stay by your side, and yet you—"

Akari recoiled, confused and frightened by the intensity in his voice. "Haruto, I didn't—"

"No!" Haruto interrupted, his eyes dark with anger. "You collided with him like nothing happened between us. You let him back into your life, after everything we've been through!" His words came out in a rush, the frustration building up as he shook her slightly, desperate for her to understand.

"I didn't mean to!" Akari shouted, her voice shaking with fear and confusion. "It was an accident. I'm not seeing him! We just bumped into each other. I swear!"

But Haruto wasn't listening. His face contorted with a mix of rage and desperation, and his eyes were narrowed, focused on her every movement.

"You're lying to me, Akari," he hissed, "I'm done waiting. I've given everything for you, and you—" He took a deep breath, composing himself. "I'm going to tell your parents that we should be engaged. I'm not letting you go."

Akari's breath hitched, her eyes wide in disbelief. "W-what?"

Haruto turned his back on her, his anger still simmering beneath the surface. He muttered, more to himself than to her, "You can't see Andy again. Not after what happened. I won't allow it."

Akari stood frozen, her heart a tangled mess of emotions. Haruto's words, his forceful actions—everything felt like a storm crashing inside her. She felt trapped, like there was no escape from the pressure building around her.

Her mind raced. Was Haruto really doing this? Was this love or control?

The thought of Andy lingered like a whisper in the back of her mind, but she couldn't even think about him right now. Not with Haruto in this state. He was taking matters into his own hands, dictating her life in ways she hadn't expected. And she wasn't sure how much longer she could keep pretending everything was fine.

"Haruto," she said quietly, "I can't… I can't do this."

But Haruto was already walking toward the door, his expression set. "It's too late, Akari," he said over his shoulder. "You're mine now. You can't run away from that."

The door clicked shut behind him, leaving Akari standing alone in the silence of the room, the weight of his words pressing down on her. She looked out the window, but there was no sign of Andy. Only the ghost of their past remained. And as she stood there, the confusion only deepened—what did it all mean?

he Naval Battle of Guadalcanal (November 12–15, 1942):

A Battle Beyond Borders

Late November 1942, Akari's home in Japan and Andy's station in the Pacific.

The evening was quiet, a chilling breeze sweeping through the streets of Akari's town. She sat by the window, staring at the faint silhouette of the mountains beyond. The house was still, except for the faint sound of her younger brother Tanka scribbling on a school project in the next room. The air carried whispers of war—rumors of another major battle in the Pacific.

Akari's fingers idly traced the edge of the windowpane. A strange unease tugged at her chest. Something felt wrong.

Andy on the Pacific waters.

Explosions roared around him as the naval fleet clashed against the Japanese forces. Smoke clouded the sky, and the deafening hum of planes overhead was relentless. Andy stood on the deck of a U.S. cruiser, his mind sharper than ever yet tinged with an overwhelming sense of loss. Each shell fired, each scream drowned by the chaos of war, brought him closer to the realization of how fleeting life could be.

Through the chaos, Andy clenched his jaw and muttered, "Akari, wait for me. I'll come back. I promise."

A fellow sailor patted his shoulder, shouting over the noise, "Keep your head in the fight, Sullivan! We need you here!" Andy gave a terse nod, gripping his weapon tighter as the battle raged on.

Back to Akari in Japan.

Later that night, as Akari prepared tea for her younger brothers, the radio hummed faintly in the corner. A solemn voice interrupted the regular broadcast, delivering news of heavy casualties in the Pacific.

"Reports indicate a significant battle in the Solomon Islands… The fighting at Guadalcanal continues to escalate…"

Akari's hands trembled, nearly dropping the teapot. Tanka glanced up at her, concerned.

"Are you okay, big sis?" he asked.

She nodded quickly, though her heart raced. Could Andy be there? Was he safe?

A Week Later: Andy Returns to Japan

The battle had been won, but the cost was heavy. Andy's ship had sustained damage, and many of his comrades had fallen. He carried their loss like an invisible scar, but the thought of seeing Akari again kept him going.

When Andy finally stepped foot in Japan, the winter chill bit into his skin. He wandered through the familiar streets until he reached the sakura tree where they first met. It was barren now, its branches stark against the gray sky.

Then he saw her.

Akari was walking home with a small bag of groceries, her scarf wrapped tightly around her neck. She looked up and froze, her eyes locking with Andy's.

"Akari," he whispered, his voice cracking.

Her face remained blank for a moment, as though she didn't recognize him. Then something flickered in her expression—a glimmer of familiarity, a warmth that hadn't been extinguished entirely.

"Andy?" she asked hesitantly, her voice trembling.

He rushed toward her, tears in his eyes. "It's me. I'm back."

But before he could embrace her, Haruto appeared from the shadows, stepping between them.

"Stay away from her," Haruto growled. "She doesn't need you anymore. You left her behind."

Andy's fists clenched. "I didn't leave her. I fought for her—every damn day."

"Then maybe you should've stayed in the Pacific," Haruto snapped. "She's mine now."

Akari stood between them, torn. The weight of their words pressed heavily on her chest, but as much as she tried, she couldn't remember what Andy meant to her before.

Scene: Akari's Night of Doubt

The night had settled into an uncomfortable stillness, the kind that lingers after a storm has passed. Akari lay in bed, the soft rustling of the sheets barely audible in the quiet room. Her mind, however, was anything but peaceful.

"And somewhere, deep inside her, she couldn't help but wonder—Could she ever truly forget Andy?"

The question echoed in her mind like a whisper she couldn't silence. She had tried. She had tried to move on, to let Haruto's love fill the emptiness that Andy had left behind. But there were moments, like now, when the memories of Andy came crashing back. His laughter, the way his eyes would light up when he spoke to her, the warmth of his embrace—it was all so vivid, as if it had just happened yesterday.

Akari turned over, burying her face in the pillow, hoping to block out the thoughts. But they kept coming, relentless and unforgiving.

Her relationship with Haruto, though intense, didn't feel the same. It felt possessive, heavy—like an anchor she couldn't escape from. Haruto had been there for her when she needed him, but there was a coldness in his love. She had never felt free with him the way she had with Andy. Haruto didn't give her the space to breathe; he wanted her to belong to him, completely. And in return, Akari couldn't help but feel like she was losing herself in his shadow.

A loud knock on the door startled her.

It was Haruto. She didn't need to ask who it was; she could sense his presence, his energy always lingering nearby. He was always there, hovering just outside her door, waiting for a sign to enter.

"Akari," he called softly, his voice muffled by the door. "Can I come in?"

Akari didn't respond at first, her thoughts tangled in the confusion of her emotions. Slowly, she pushed herself up in bed, wiping away the traces of tears she hadn't even realized had fallen.

"Just a minute," she called back, quickly pulling herself together. She wasn't sure how to face him anymore. His constant need for her had started to feel like a weight rather than a love. But she didn't know how to tell him—how to tell anyone—that she still wasn't ready to let go of what she had with Andy.

The door creaked open, and Haruto stepped inside. He was dressed in his usual casual clothes, but his face was serious, concerned.

"I brought you something to eat," he said, his voice softer now, more tender than before.

Akari looked up at him, her heart doing an odd flip in her chest. She appreciated the gesture, she truly did, but the warmth of his affection couldn't chase away the coldness inside her. Haruto sat down beside her on the bed, the weight of his presence pulling her closer, despite her every instinct wanting to push him away.

"I'm sorry I've been so distant," he began, his eyes searching hers. "I just want to make you happy, Akari. Please tell me what's wrong. You've been so quiet lately."

Akari swallowed hard. The words she needed to say felt stuck in her throat. How could she explain to him that the space he gave her felt more like a cage? That she didn't want to lose herself again? That part of her still longed for Andy, and no matter how much she tried to move forward, that longing wouldn't let go?

Instead, she forced a smile, her lips trembling slightly. "I'm just tired, Haruto. I'm fine, really."

He looked at her, his gaze softening. "I'm here, you know. You don't have to do this alone."

But as he reached out to touch her arm, a cold shiver ran through her, and her thoughts shifted to Andy—his absence, the ache of all the moments that had never been. The kiss they never shared, the promises they never got to keep.

And then, suddenly, in a rush, Akari couldn't stop herself. Her voice, though barely a whisper, betrayed her deepest truth.

"I think about him, Haruto. I still think about Andy."

Haruto froze. His face hardened, the warmth that had been there moments ago vanishing in an instant.

"You don't need him," Haruto said, his words clipped, almost cold. "You have me now."

Akari's heart dropped. She couldn't bear the suffocating weight of his words. She had tried so hard to forget Andy, to focus on what was right in front of her. But there was no denying it anymore—the love she felt for Haruto wasn't the same. It never could be. And no matter how much she wanted to push her feelings aside, Andy's memory refused to let her go.

"I don't know what I want anymore," Akari murmured, her voice breaking slightly.

Haruto's face softened, but only for a moment. His fingers tightened on her arm, and the possessive spark in his eyes flared once again.

"Don't think about him. Don't you dare go back to him."

But Akari wasn't listening anymore. Her mind was far away, drifting back to the days she spent with Andy—the days that now felt like a distant dream.

She looked up at Haruto, her eyes filled with a mixture of regret and determination. "I can't just forget, Haruto. I can't erase him from my heart."

Scene: Haruto's Reaction

Haruto's jaw clenched, his grip tightening slightly on Akari's arm as though afraid she might slip away. His voice, low and trembling, barely masked the frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

"Why can't you let him go?" he demanded, his eyes searching hers for answers. "I've been here for you, Akari. I've done everything to make you happy. Why isn't that enough?"

Akari looked away, unable to meet his piercing gaze. Her chest felt heavy with guilt and confusion. She knew Haruto cared deeply for her—perhaps too deeply—but the love he offered felt suffocating, a love that demanded too much of her. It wasn't what she truly needed.

"It's not about you, Haruto," she said quietly, her voice trembling with emotion. "It's about me. I can't just erase my past…erase Andy. No matter how much I try, he's still a part of me."

Haruto let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head as he released her arm. He stepped back, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

"So, what?" he spat, his voice laced with hurt. "You're saying I've been wasting my time? That no matter what I do, I'll always be second to him?"

Akari's heart ached at his words, but she knew she had to be honest. Pretending otherwise would only hurt them both in the long run.

"I'm not saying that," she replied softly, her hands trembling at her sides. "I'm saying… I don't know who I am right now. I don't know what I feel. And until I figure that out, I can't give you what you want."

Haruto stared at her, his expression a mix of heartbreak and anger. The silence between them was deafening, the weight of unspoken words pressing heavily in the room. Finally, Haruto spoke, his voice quiet but firm.

"I love you, Akari. I've always loved you. But I can't keep fighting for someone who's stuck in the past."

With that, he turned on his heel and stormed out of the room, leaving Akari standing alone, her emotions swirling in a chaotic storm. Tears streamed down her face as she sank to her knees, clutching her chest. She felt as though a piece of her had shattered, but at the same time, a tiny part of her felt…free.

Scene: Andy's Reflection

Meanwhile, miles away, Andy sat alone in a small café in the heart of Tokyo, staring at the untouched cup of coffee in front of him. His mind replayed the brief moment he'd seen Akari again—the way her eyes had locked with his, the nervousness that flickered in her gaze. It was as if time had frozen in that instant, and yet, it had slipped through his fingers just as quickly.

He let out a sigh, running a hand over his face. Being back in Japan had been harder than he'd imagined. Everywhere he went, he saw reminders of Akari—the sakura trees where they used to meet, the quiet streets they'd walked together, the small bookstore where she'd spent hours browsing.

"She doesn't even remember me," he muttered to himself, the words heavy with despair. "Or maybe…she doesn't want to."

A part of him wanted to leave, to put as much distance as possible between himself and the painful memories. But another part—the part that still held onto hope—refused to let go. He couldn't forget her, no matter how much he tried. And something deep inside him told him that she couldn't forget him either.

As he sat lost in thought, a familiar voice broke through his reverie.

"Andy?"

He looked up, startled, to see a fellow soldier, an old friend from his time in the military. The man pulled up a chair without waiting for an invitation, grinning broadly.

"Didn't expect to see you here," his friend said, leaning back casually. "What brings you back to Japan?"

Andy hesitated, unsure how to explain. Finally, he shrugged, forcing a small smile. "Just…unfinished business."

His friend raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Unfinished, huh? Well, if you need help wrapping things up, you know where to find me."

Andy nodded, but his mind was already elsewhere. He couldn't shake the feeling that his story with Akari wasn't over yet. No matter how much time had passed, he knew he had to try—one last time.

Scene: Akari's Moment of Clarity

Back at home, Akari sat by the window, staring out into the night. Haruto's words echoed in her mind, but so did Andy's face. The way he'd looked at her when they collided, the way her heart had raced—it had awakened something in her, something she'd tried to bury for so long.

Her younger brother, Hioshi, entered the room, carrying a tray of tea. He placed it on the table beside her and sat down, watching her carefully.

"You've been quiet," he said gently. "What's on your mind?"

Akari hesitated, unsure if she could confide in him. But Hioshi had always been her rock, the one person she could trust completely.

"Do you think people can change?" she asked finally, her voice barely above a whisper.

Hioshi frowned, considering her question. "I think people grow. But the core of who they are? That doesn't really change."

Akari nodded, her gaze still fixed on the dark sky outside. "What if…what if I'm afraid to grow? To face the past?"

Hioshi reached out, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Then take it one step at a time. You don't have to figure it all out at once, Nana. Just…follow your heart. It'll lead you where you're meant to be."

His words struck a chord deep within her. For the first time in a long while, she felt a glimmer of hope—a tiny spark that maybe, just maybe, she could find her way back to herself.

And somewhere, not too far away, Andy made a decision of his own. It was time to stop running and start fighting for the woman he loved.

Andy sat in the dim light of his small rented home in Japan, his belongings scattered across the floor. He was packing for his return to America. His deployment had ended, and his superiors had arranged for him to leave within the week.

The room was eerily quiet, save for the rustling of papers and the occasional creak of the floorboards. He picked up a small keepsake—a folded note Akari had once written to him, back when she still remembered him. He stared at it, his chest tightening.

A sudden knock at the door broke his reverie. Surprised, Andy set the note aside and walked to the door. When he opened it, a courier handed him a telegram. He read it quickly, his heart racing.

"Meet me tomorrow at the sakura park. Noon. – Akari."

The next day, Andy arrived at the park early. The sakura trees were just beginning to bloom, their soft pink petals swaying gently in the breeze. He sat on the same bench where they used to meet, his heart pounding with anticipation.

When Akari appeared, she was wearing a light blue dress, her hair tied back in a simple ponytail. She looked hesitant but determined. Andy stood as she approached, his heart aching at the sight of her.

"Thank you for coming," Akari said softly, sitting down on the bench.

Andy sat beside her, careful not to sit too close. "I didn't think you'd want to see me again," he admitted.

She hesitated before speaking. "I've been thinking a lot… about you, about everything you've said. I don't remember much, but there's this… feeling I can't shake. Like I'm missing something important."

Andy's gaze softened. "You're not missing something—you're missing us."

Akari turned to him, her eyes searching his. "Tell me about us. What were we like?"

Andy took a deep breath, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "We were everything to each other. You were my light, my reason for fighting through the darkest times. We met under these sakura trees, and from that day on, I knew I couldn't live without you. We laughed, we dreamed… we planned a future together."

Her brow furrowed as she listened, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. "Why did I forget all of that?"

"They… they did something to you," Andy said carefully, not wanting to overwhelm her. "It wasn't your fault. But it doesn't change how I feel. I love you, Akari. I've always loved you."

Akari's breath hitched, her heart pounding. She looked away, her mind swirling with conflicting emotions. "I don't know if I can feel the same way," she whispered. "I don't know if I'll ever be able to remember everything."

Andy reached out, gently taking her hand. "You don't have to remember everything. All I'm asking for is a chance—a chance to remind you of what we had, to rebuild something together. But if you can't… I'll respect that."

Akari stared at their joined hands, her mind a whirlwind. She wanted to trust him, to believe in the love he described. But doubt lingered, and Haruto's words echoed in her mind.

"I… I need time," she finally said, pulling her hand away gently.

Andy nodded, his expression filled with understanding and sorrow. "Take all the time you need. I'm leaving for America in a few days, but if you ever need me—if you ever want to find me—I'll be there."

As Akari walked back home, her heart felt heavy. Andy's confession had stirred something deep within her, but Haruto's presence in her life complicated everything.

When she reached the house, Haruto was waiting for her on the porch, his arms crossed. "You went to see him, didn't you?" he asked, his tone low and strained.

Akari hesitated, guilt flashing across her face. "I needed answers."

"And what did he tell you?" Haruto demanded, stepping closer.

Akari looked away. "He told me about our past. About… us."

Haruto's jaw tightened. "He's trying to pull you back into something you don't even remember. Don't let him manipulate you, Nana. You've built a new life now, with me."

She met his gaze, her voice steady. "I don't know what's true anymore, Haruto. I just need to figure things out on my own."

Haruto's expression softened slightly, but the tension in his stance remained. "I don't want to lose you," he said quietly.

"You won't," Akari said, though her own heart was filled with doubt.

The Family Meeting

It was a quiet evening, the warm glow of the lamps lighting up the living room. Both Akari's and Haruto's parents sat around the table, discussing the future engagement of their children. Plates of food were scattered across the table, untouched by Akari, who sat silently, her hands clenched tightly in her lap.

"We're so proud of both of you," Akari's mother said warmly. "You've grown up together, and now, taking this step… It's what we've always hoped for."

Haruto's father nodded in agreement. "You'll make a wonderful husband, Haruto. And Akari, we know you'll be a loving wife."

Haruto, sitting beside Akari, flashed his usual polite smile. "I promise I'll take care of her. She means everything to me."

Akari's heart pounded in her chest, her head spinning. She couldn't speak, couldn't breathe. The pressure was suffocating, and tears pricked the corners of her eyes. She suddenly pushed back her chair and muttered, "Excuse me." Without waiting for a response, she rushed out of the room, heading to the back of the house.

Outside, the Confrontation

The night air was cold against her flushed skin as Akari stood near the small garden behind the house, her tears finally spilling over. She wiped at her cheeks, but the ache in her chest wouldn't subside. Her mind raced with thoughts of Andy—his gentle smile, the sincerity in his voice, the way he had told her he loved her.

Suddenly, footsteps behind her snapped her back to reality. Haruto appeared, his usual composed demeanor replaced by a cold, frustrated expression.

"Akari," he called, his tone sharp.

She turned to face him, her tear-streaked face illuminated by the moonlight. "I can't do this," she whispered.

Haruto approached her, his steps deliberate and slow. "What do you mean you can't do this?"

"I don't want this engagement," she said, her voice trembling. "I don't love you, Haruto."

Haruto's jaw tightened. He closed the distance between them in an instant, leaning in so close that Akari could feel his breath. His hand shot out, gripping her chin firmly and forcing her to look into his dark, intense eyes.

"You don't get to decide that," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "This engagement isn't just about us. It's about our families, about our future. You will marry me, Akari. No matter what."

Terror flickered in her eyes as she tried to pull away, but his grip held firm. "Haruto, please…" she whispered.

Haruto's gaze softened for a moment, but it was fleeting. "I love you, Akari. I've loved you for years. But if you think you can back out of this, think again. I won't let Andy—or anyone else—take you from me."

Her chest tightened as his words sank in. She nodded stiffly, too afraid to argue further.

Satisfied, Haruto released her chin and stepped back, smoothing his expression into a calm façade. "Now, wipe your tears and come back inside. We need to show them how happy we are together."

Akari stood frozen, her heart pounding with fear and anger. As Haruto disappeared back into the house, her mind once again drifted to Andy. His warmth, his kindness, his unwavering love—everything Haruto wasn't.

And now, she realized, she would have to pretend. Pretend to love someone she didn't, pretend to want a future that felt like a cage. But deep down, her heart knew the truth: she could never love anyone the way she had loved Andy.

Later that night, Akari sat alone in her room, staring at the ceiling. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions—Haruto's anger, Andy's desperation, and her own confusion about everything that had happened.

Somewhere deep inside her, a voice whispered that Andy wasn't just a stranger. There was something familiar about him, something that stirred emotions she couldn't fully understand.

But Haruto had been there for her, steady and reliable, through all the uncertainty. How could she turn her back on him?

As the night wore on, Akari knew she couldn't avoid the truth forever. She had to confront her past, even if it meant unraveling everything she thought she knew about herself.

Andy at his house.

A sudden knock at the door broke his reverie. Surprised, Andy set the note aside and walked to the door. When he opened it, a courier handed him a telegram. He read it quickly, his heart racing.

"Meet me tomorrow at the sakura park. Noon. – Nana."

Andy's mind raced. Was this a goodbye? A chance to convince her to remember? He wasn't sure, but he knew he couldn't miss it.