Chapter 12
A New Beginning
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The days following Kaito's conversation with Hina were lighter than he had anticipated. He had expected awkward silences, subtle hesitations, or even a lingering sadness in her eyes. But instead, Hina remained the same—supportive, understanding, and unwavering in her affection for him. She still teased him mercilessly, still demanded his attention, and still acted like the little sister who had always been by his side. If anything, Kaito felt an even deeper bond between them, strengthened by the honesty they had finally shared.
It gave him a newfound confidence.
He was ready to move forward.
---
The weekend arrived, bringing with it an air of anticipation. Kaito had planned a proper date with Misaki—something simple yet meaningful, a quiet day at the botanical gardens followed by dinner at a small family-owned restaurant he had stumbled upon. It was the first time in a long while that he felt genuinely excited about the future, unburdened by doubt.
When he arrived at Misaki's apartment to pick her up, she greeted him with a soft smile that sent warmth through his chest. She wore a light blue sundress, her hair tied back in a loose ponytail, giving her an air of effortless beauty. Kaito found himself staring a second too long before clearing his throat awkwardly.
"You look beautiful," he murmured, rubbing the back of his neck.
Misaki blinked in surprise before a faint blush dusted her cheeks. "Thank you," she replied softly. "You look good too."
They made their way to the gardens, strolling through the lush greenery and vibrant flowers in comfortable silence. The gentle rustling of leaves, the distant hum of birds, and the occasional laughter of other visitors created a serene atmosphere. Kaito watched as Misaki's eyes lit up at the sight of blooming cherry blossoms, her fingers brushing lightly against the petals as she walked beneath them.
"This place is beautiful," she said, tilting her head to look at him. "Thank you for bringing me here."
Kaito chuckled. "I figured you'd like it. You always seem happiest when you're surrounded by nature."
Misaki hummed in agreement. "It reminds me of home. When I was little, my mother used to take me to a small garden near our house. She said that flowers bloom beautifully because they take their time growing."
Kaito glanced at her, sensing the weight in her words. "And do you believe that?"
She nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "I do. I think love is the same way. The best kind of love takes time to grow."
His heart skipped a beat at her words. He knew she wasn't just talking about flowers anymore.
Kaito exhaled slowly, his gaze never leaving hers. "Then let's take our time," he said, voice steady. "No pressure, no expectations. Just… us, figuring things out together."
Misaki's expression softened as she reached for his hand, intertwining her fingers with his. "I'd like that."
The moment felt like a quiet promise—one neither of them needed to say out loud.
---
As the evening stretched on, they found themselves at the small restaurant Kaito had mentioned earlier. It was cozy, with warm lighting and the comforting aroma of home-cooked meals. The elderly couple who owned the place welcomed them warmly, treating them like family rather than customers.
They ate slowly, talking about everything and nothing. Kaito found himself captivated by the way Misaki laughed, the way her eyes sparkled when she told a story, the way she absentmindedly twirled a strand of hair when she was thinking.
At some point, he realized he had stopped eating, too focused on simply watching her.
Misaki noticed and raised an eyebrow. "What?"
Kaito shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Nothing. Just… I'm really glad we're here."
She studied him for a moment before her lips curved into a gentle smile. "Me too."
The night continued, the world outside fading as they sat together in their own little bubble of warmth and contentment.
Kaito didn't know what the future held, but as he walked Misaki home that night, her hand still in his, he knew one thing for certain—
--
Kaito didn't know what the future held, but as he walked Misaki home that night, her hand still in his, he knew one thing for certain—he wanted more moments like this.
The streets were quiet, bathed in the warm glow of streetlights. A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, carrying the faint scent of flowers from the gardens they had visited earlier. Misaki walked close beside him, their fingers intertwined in a way that felt both natural and new.
"Tonight was really nice," Misaki murmured, breaking the comfortable silence.
Kaito glanced at her, catching the soft expression on her face. "Yeah. It was."
They stopped in front of her apartment building. For a moment, neither of them moved, as if reluctant to let the night end.
Misaki hesitated before speaking, her voice quiet but firm. "Kaito... I'm really glad we're taking our time. I don't want to rush things, but... I want you to know that I do care about you."
Kaito felt warmth spread through his chest at her words. He reached up, gently brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I know. And I feel the same."
Misaki's eyes searched his for a moment before she nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. She took a step closer, resting her forehead against his chest for just a brief second before pulling away. "Goodnight, Kaito."
He watched as she disappeared into the building, a lingering sense of warmth following him all the way home.
---
The next morning, Kaito found himself staring at his phone, rereading the last message Misaki had sent him the night before.
Thank you for today. I had a wonderful time. Sleep well, Kaito.
A small, involuntary smile tugged at his lips as he finally set his phone down. He hadn't felt this light in a long time.
His moment of peace, however, was short-lived.
"Onii-sama~!" Hina's voice rang out from the hallway before she appeared in his room, wearing one of her usual oversized sweaters. "How was your date?"
Kaito sighed, already knowing there was no escape. "It wasn't a date."
Hina smirked, plopping down onto his bed. "Oh? Holding hands, walking her home, staring at your phone like a lovesick fool? Sounds like a date to me."
Kaito groaned, covering his face. "You're impossible."
Hina giggled before her expression softened. "I'm happy for you, Onii-sama. You deserve this."
He glanced at her, a little caught off guard by the sincerity in her voice. "Thanks, Hina."
She stretched her arms before hopping off his bed. "Well, now that your love life is blooming, I expect things to get interesting. Don't mess it up, okay?"
"No pressure, huh?" Kaito muttered.
Hina winked before disappearing from his room, leaving him with his thoughts.
As much as she teased him, she was right about one thing. His life had definitely changed. And for the first time in a long while, he was looking forward to whatever came next.