Chapter 39: “The Ring, The Storm, and a Farewell”

The soft glow of twilight bathed the countryside home in gold. Aoi stood barefoot on the wooden porch, wearing a flowing white sundress Ren had picked out for her. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears as Ren knelt before her, holding the ring box open.

"Aoi… from the day you crashed into my life with all your color, your fire, and your heart, I knew nothing would ever be the same. I don't want a future without you. I've already built our home—now, will you build our life with me?"

Aoi choked a laugh between sobs and nodded furiously.

"Yes! You idiot… yes!"

He slipped the ring onto her finger, and she leapt into his arms, nearly toppling them both into the field. They kissed as the cicadas sang in the distance. It was perfect.

It was everything.

Later That Night – Tokyo

A black car sped through the rain-slicked streets. Saki's hands gripped the wheel too tightly, her mind clouded by rage and heartbreak.

He proposed. She accepted. They're getting married… This week… I should have gotten to him first.

Headlights blinded her for a second. A screech. A crash. Glass shattered. Metal bent. Silence.

Next Morning

Ren was lounging on the couch at their Tokyo apartment, watching Aoi hum to herself while flipping through wedding magazines.

His phone buzzed.

Unknown Caller ID: Tokyo Medical Center

He picked it up with a slight frown.

"Hello?"

"Is this Ren Fujiwara?"

"…Yes?"

"This is Dr. Nakamoto at Tokyo Medical Center. A patient named Saki Minazuki listed you as an emergency contact. She was involved in an accident last night and is in stable condition now."

Ren shot up, startled.

Saki? She's in Japan?But… how? And why list me?

He glanced at Aoi, who had gone quiet, watching him.

"I… I'll be there soon," Ren said, hanging up.

"Was that… someone from work?" Aoi asked quietly.

Ren hesitated. "It was the hospital. Saki's here. She was in an accident."

Aoi's expression flickered — unreadable — then settled into a small nod.

"You should go see her."

"…You knew she was here?"

Aoi turned back to her magazine.

"I had a feeling."

Ren stared a moment longer, confused but trusting her. He grabbed his coat and keys and left.

Tokyo Medical Center

The room smelled of antiseptic and flowers — mostly lilies, left anonymously at the door. Saki lay in the hospital bed, her head wrapped in gauze, arms bruised but intact. Her eyes fluttered open as Ren entered.

"Ren-kun…"

He gave a small smile. "Hey. You're lucky it wasn't worse."

She winced as she sat up slightly. "Guess fate didn't want to take me out just yet…"

There was a long silence between them.

Ren finally asked, "Why didn't you tell me you were coming back?"

Saki turned away. "Because I didn't want you to stop me. I wanted to see for myself if she really made you happy. And she does. I see that now…"

She reached into her blanket and pulled out a small envelope, handing it to him with a weak smile.

"A wedding gift. Just don't let her read the note. It's a bit… personal."

Ren accepted it, unsure how to respond.

Then Saki said something he hadn't expected.

"I'm leaving again. I'm being transferred for real this time. So I won't crash your wedding. I promise."

Her voice cracked at the end, but she still smiled.

That Night – Back at Home

Ren returned to the apartment. Aoi was in the kitchen, preparing something light.

She didn't ask.

He hugged her from behind.

"She's okay. Leaving Japan again."

Aoi leaned her head back on his shoulder.

"Good."

"…Did you invite her to the wedding?"

Aoi didn't answer directly. "Let's not talk about her. Not tonight."

Ren kissed her cheek, letting it go.

In the corner of the room, the wedding suits and dresses were ready. In a week, they would stand hand in hand, surrounded by the people they loved.

But somewhere far away, in the dark of another country, Saki watched an old photo of them from high school… and whispered to herself:

"One day… Ren will need me again. And I'll be waiting."