Chapter 44: Garden of Unspoken Words

Haruki decided to take her to a quiet riverside, casting warm hues across the water. The air was cool, and the streets were quieter. 

Tsukiko walked beside him, happily eating an ice cream cone he had bought for her at a nearby stall. 

They walked in comfortable silence until Tsukiko suddenly asked, "So, is this how your usual date like?" 

Haruki blinked, caught off guard. "Usual dates?"

"Yeah, you know… dinner, movies, walks? That kind of thing?"

Haruki hesitated for half a second before saying, "You're the first."

Tsukiko stopped walking and stared at him. "...Liar." 

Haruki chuckled. "Why? Because I'm too handsome to be single?" 

She narrowed her eyes. "Tsk"

His smile lingered as he exhaled. "After I lost my brother, I sort of checked out from everything else. Photography was the only thing that kept me going—just me and nature, like the rest of the world didn't exist."

He gave her a lopsided grin. "I also got diagnosed with insomnia. My colleagues still calling me 'Haruki the Zombie.'" 

Tsukiko almost choked on her ice cream before pausing to think. "Haruki, if you ever need one, I can recommend a good therapist."

Haruki smirked. "Hmm… why don't you be my therapist?"

She scoffed. "Cringe. Sorry, but that's not my forte."

"I'm just joking," Haruki said, grinning. "I already have a therapist. He says my condition is getting better somehow."

"That's good to hear," Tsukiko said. "What did he say exactly?"

Haruki exhaled, his fingers tapping lightly on the table. "Well… he said I'm slowly going out of the darkness. Maybe you're right. It's time I stop blaming myself."

Tsukiko reached over and stroked his head gently, ruffling his hair like he was a kid. "Well done, zombie."

Haruki raised an eyebrow. "Did you just pat me like a dog?"

She smirked. "Would you prefer a gold star?"

He chuckled, then suddenly looked at her with a sly grin. "It's all thanks to you, though."

Haruki turned to her, watching her reaction carefully. "Your voice. Somehow calms me. That night during our camp in the woods… your words helped me in a way I didn't expect. I fell asleep right away unlike usuals." 

Tsukiko's face flushed, but she quickly composed herself. "Ah… I see."

Haruki chuckled. "But you were one tough woman back then, though. Damn, well done, Haruki." He tapped his chest proudly.

Tsukiko rolled her eyes and lightly smacked his shoulder. "Well, you're welcome, then."

She hurried ahead, trying to hide the blush creeping up her cheeks.

Haruki smirked, catching up. "Are you shy, my dear?" 

"Shut up." 

"Haha, cute." 

"Stop!" She smacked him again—this time, multiple times. 

Haruki laughed, dodging her weak attacks as they continued down the riverside swinging hand in hand.

Their first date came to an end as Haruki walked Tsukiko home.

"Thanks, I had fun today," Tsukiko said, pausing at her door.

Haruki grinned, unable to resist her cuteness, he gently pinched her flushed cheeks. "Of course."

Feeling ambushed, Tsukiko retaliated by quickly pecking his cheek before dashing inside. "Goodnight!" she called over her shoulder.

Haruki stood frozen for a moment, his brain short-circuiting. Then, with a groan, he dropped to his knees, covering his face. "Arghhh, Cute!"

That night, both of them lay in bed, kicking their blankets and rolling around, reliving the moment over and over.

Their schedules were relentless, leaving little room for elaborate dates, but they still found ways to see each other. A quick coffee run before work, sharing tired smiles over steaming cups. A quiet dinner after a long day, where they could unwind and talk. Their time together was brief, often squeezed between responsibilities, yet it never felt rushed.

Days turned into weeks. Almost two weeks had passed since that first movie night, and though dating Haruki still felt like a gamble given her past, Tsukiko found herself easing into it. It wasn't perfect—doubts and fears still lurked in the corners of her mind—but with him, everything felt… natural. Simple. Without realizing it, she was falling.

Haruki's gaze often lingered on her. He couldn't help it. Whenever they met, his eyes traced her face—her expressions, her lips, the way she spoke. He didn't even try to hide it.

During dinner one evening, Tsukiko suddenly slid a small paper bag toward him, snapping him out of his daze.

Haruki blinked. "What's this?" He peeked inside. "Jasmine tea?"

"It might help you sleep better."

He looked at her, then at the bag, a soft smile playing on his lips. "Hmm… but you're already my therapy…" He reached for her hand.

Tsukiko cringed, quickly tapping his fingers and glancing around. "Stop it," she whispered.

Haruki smirked before bringing her hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles. "Thank you, Tsukiko. I love you." He kissed her hand again, this time holding it longer.

She yanked it back, her face burning. "I said stop it!"

"Hehe." Haruki leaned back, smug, before suddenly asking "Are you free this saturday?" 

She tilted her head, considering. "Hmm… I need to check my schedule."

His shoulders slumped dramatically. "Ah… it's hard dating a celebrity."

Tsukiko rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her amused smirk. "Well, that was your choice."

"Where do you want to go?" she asked.

"Anywhere you want."

She thought for a moment before grinning. "Surprise me."

Haruki with hand saluting. "Roger Boss"

Tsukiko laughed, shaking her head at his antics.

That night, as they parted ways, both were smiling to themselves—excited for whatever came next.