The theatre lights dimmed back to life, and the crowd shuffled out with damp eyes and hushed voices. Eternity Love had struck a chord—its tale of devotion across lifetimes leaving even strangers united in quiet tears. Eadlyn and Sayaka walked side by side, silence between them heavy but not uncomfortable.
"The movie was great, wasn't it?" Eadlyn said at last, his voice carrying a mix of awe and relief.
Sayaka nodded, her tone soft but certain. "Yes… it was so good. I was moved to the soul."
Outside, dusk had settled, painting the streets in shades of violet and gold. They began the walk home, each lost in thought. Yet beneath their quiet steps, both carried the same unspoken question. Eadlyn wondered if he should ask for her number—whether it was too forward, whether it would break the fragile rhythm they had built. Sayaka, meanwhile, wrestled with the same hesitation, her heart urging her to ask but her composure holding her back.
When they reached her gate, Sayaka faltered. She offered a polite goodbye, regret tugging at her chest. I should ask… but what if it's too much? She turned toward the door, her chance slipping away.
"Hey!" Eadlyn's voice called after her. She stopped, startled. He stood there, bags still in hand, a nervous grin breaking through his usual aloofness. "If you don't mind… could you give me your number? You've shown me around, and I'd like to return the favor if you ever need."
Sayaka blinked, then laughed, the tension dissolving. She held out her phone. "Sure, why not?"
Their hands brushed again as they exchanged numbers, and this time neither pulled away too quickly. Eadlyn smiled. "You know, you can call me Ead. We're friends now, right?"
Sayaka's eyes softened. "Then you'll have to call me Saya too."
They saved their contacts, and Sayaka waved before rushing inside, her smile lingering even as the door closed behind her. She hadn't expected him to ask, and the surprise left her heart light.
Eadlyn turned toward his grandparents' house, his own smile refusing to fade. He had feared missing the chance to know her better, but now the possibility of friendship—and perhaps something deeper—felt real. His efforts weren't in vain.
"I'm home," he called as he stepped inside, dropping his bags upstairs before returning to the warmth of the living room. Reno sat calmly at the side, while Sakura busied herself in the kitchen.
"So," Reno asked, eyes twinkling, "any trouble on your trip?"
"None at all," Eadlyn replied. "Actually, I met Sayaka on my way out. She showed me around the town."
At her name, his grandparents exchanged a knowing glance. Sakura's smile widened. Reno chuckled. "Ah, I'm glad you're on good terms with Sayaka‑chan. She's a fine girl."
He leaned forward, voice steady. "We've enrolled you in Hamikawa High School. Classes start tomorrow. Your uniform is near the TV."
Eadlyn glanced at the neatly folded package, opening it to reveal a green‑and‑white ensemble. The colors felt fresh, a perfect match for the new chapter ahead.
Dinner followed, filled with warmth and quiet encouragement. Eadlyn thanked his grandparents, asking if there was anything he could do. They waved him off, urging him to rest early for his first day.
Later, uniform in hand, he climbed upstairs. After a bath and a few lingering thoughts, he lay down, anticipation buzzing through him. Tomorrow would bring new faces, new challenges, and perhaps new lessons in love. For now, he closed his eyes, content that one small step—exchanging contacts—had already begun to change his story.