Yuna opens the door—and standing there, of all people, is Hiroki.
He looks slightly awkward, both hands shoved into his pockets.
"Is your husband… home?" he asks.
"Ah… um, no." She blinks. "Ryusei… he's already left for work."
The two stare at each other. It's a quiet Sunday morning—the same day they've been invited to little Shin's birthday party, the son of Takano, Yuna's close coworker. She is certain Hiroki has already declined her invitation multiple times. So why is he standing here now?
"Do you… want to come in?" she asks.
"No, actually… I just need to talk to you about something."
"What is it?"
Hiroki opens his mouth but says nothing at first. He scratches the back of his neck, hesitating.
They stand in the doorway, wrapped in an uncomfortable silence. Yuna waits patiently, while Hiroki fumbles for the right words.
"Well… um… I don't know how to say this…"
He pauses, clicking his tongue.
Yuna narrows her eyes. Wait, could it be… he regrets declining the invitation to Shin's birthday party? That makes sense. Her expression lights up with sudden realization.
She grabs his arm, grinning excitedly. "Hiroki, you're saying yes, aren't you?!"
"Y-Yes?"
"I knew it! I knew you'd change your mind!" she beams.
Wait, what? What exactly did I agree to—?
Before he can stop her, Yuna takes his hand and practically drags him out of the house. She doesn't give him a second to object. Step after step, she leads him through the crowd-filled streets like a child on a mission.
Hiroki looks down at their hands, still intertwined. "Yuna, where are we even going?"
"Somewhere first," she says brightly, glancing back with a spark in her eyes. "Before we head to Takano's, we need to pick up something for the kid. I forgot yesterday."
"But I never said—"
"Tonight we'll go together. You have to bring a gift for Shin. C'mon, follow me."
She shuts down every ounce of resistance he has left. Hiroki follows behind her like a puppet on a string, his hand held tightly in hers, no way to escape.
He knows exactly what she's doing—getting him to that birthday party no matter what. But crowds, laughter, loud greetings… all those things are the kind of noise Hiroki has spent years avoiding. Just imagining it already makes him feel suffocated.
Their first stop is the nearby shopping mall. Bright lights, packed storefronts, and swarming people overwhelm Hiroki the moment they enter. Before he can regain his bearings, Yuna has already dragged him into a toy store.
"How about this one? Or maybe that?" Yuna holds up toy after toy, eyes sparkling. She admires a remote control car, then turns her attention to a plush animal half a child's size.
Hiroki crosses his arms, watching her from behind—half bewildered, half amused. "Why do I even have to buy a gift? I'm not close to this kid."
"You're so stiff!" Yuna snaps, giving him a playful glare. "It's not about being close—it's a gesture of kindness. Now help me choose one."
He sighs, glancing around the unfamiliar aisles. Everything in this shop—from puzzle sets to rainbow-colored dolls—feels like it belongs to a world he no longer knows.
He is just about to refuse again when Yuna turns back, now holding two plushies in her arms. She shoves a panda bear into his hands. "This one's mine. That one's yours. Don't complain—it's cute!"
Hiroki stares at the stuffed toy, then lets out a helpless sigh as he accepts it.
They continue through the mall, stopping by various shops. Yuna chats the entire way, her voice dancing from topic to topic with cheerful ease. And Hiroki, though not used to this whirlwind of energy, finds himself slowly relaxing, letting her pull him from one place to the next, even joining in the chatter now and then.
"What do you think of this music box?" she asks, holding up a delicate snow globe–shaped one. "It plays ten different melodies!"
"It's nice," he replies in his usual low tone—but the faintest smile has begun to tug at the corner of his lips.
She doesn't seem to notice. Her eyes are already scanning for the next item.
They pass a bakery, and Yuna lights up like a Christmas tree. The display case is packed with dainty, decorated pastries.
"Let's grab more sweets for Shin! Kids love sweets." She picks out a colorful box of macarons and a few adorable cupcakes without hesitation.
Hiroki stands beside her. His earlier tension has faded. The mall, the bustle, the noise—it's far from the quiet world he usually occupies, but strangely, it doesn't suffocate him anymore. In fact, something about this feels… right. Like he's been missing out on this kind of warmth for too long.
Yuna keeps talking—about how cute the gifts are, how sweet the pastries look, how excited Shin will be. Her voice is light and full of life, blending perfectly with the vibrant world around her. When she's like this, she feels like a completely different person—one he only ever gets to see up close.
Hiroki watches quietly, occasionally nodding or replying in short phrases.
Maybe, he thinks, just being next to her is enough.
Maybe this isn't so bad.
By the time their arms are full of bags, Yuna turns to him, beaming. "We're done! Look at all this—we've got everything for tonight. Shin's going to love it!"
Hiroki gives a small shrug, carrying most of the load. "As long as you're happy."
"What do you mean?! I was trying to make you happy!"
He can't help but laugh quietly at that.
As the day leans into evening, they stop at a café on the upper floor, sipping drinks while golden sunlight spills through the large glass windows. Hiroki turns toward Yuna, who is cheerfully chatting about Shin and Takano. Her smile gleams in the afternoon light, softening something deep in his chest.
The wall he's spent years building has finally crumbled.
It's been so long since they've shared a moment like this. No heaviness, no hidden pain—just being together, talking, existing.
Maybe, he thinks, this birthday party won't be so terrible after all.
….
Shin's birthday party takes place in the vibrant, festive atmosphere of the Takano family's luxurious villa. The grand home sits on a wide plot of land, surrounded by a carefully manicured garden. Twinkling lights stream from the house to the gates, blending beautifully with the string lights and decorations, transforming the place into a space both cozy and dazzling.
The spacious hall buzzes with laughter, soft music, and the gentle clinking of glasses. Friends, relatives, and coworkers of the Takano family mingle—each dressed to impress, faces lit with joy and excitement. Some chat near the lavish buffet table stacked with fresh sushi, intricately decorated desserts, and glasses of glistening wine. Others gather outside, where small white tents stand in the garden to create an open, breezy space for guests to relax.
Yuna pulls Hiroki through the crowd in the main hall before he can utter a word of protest. Her smile glows under the warm lights, and her eyes sparkle as she waves to familiar faces along the way. Hiroki, on the other hand, looks a bit self-conscious, his gaze darting away from the curious stares of strangers.
"Come on, let me take you upstairs to meet Shin and Ms. Takano," Yuna says, still gripping his hand as she leads him up the grand staircase, its red carpet soft beneath their steps, handrails polished to a shine.
Upstairs is noticeably quieter, a contrast to the buzz below. One room is decorated in pastel tones, filled with animal-shaped balloons and a "Happy Birthday Shin" banner hanging neatly on the wall.
Mrs. Takano stands in the corner, holding baby Shin. She looks elegant in a pearl-colored gown, her hair swept up gracefully, her expression glowing with warmth. When she sees Yuna, her face lights up as she approaches.
"Yuna! Thank you for coming. And Hiroki—I thought you wouldn't make it," she says with a hint of surprise that quickly softens into delight.
"Takano-san, I bring Hiroki to meet Shin. Where is the little star?" Yuna grins.
"Right here—my little Shin." She gently introduces the toddler, who lets out a few babbling sounds and waves his tiny hand as if greeting them.
Hiroki looks down at the chubby, bright-eyed baby. Shin babbles again in a cute, garbled mess of baby talk, and Hiroki can't help but chuckle. He feels strangely at ease, the noisy, overwhelming fears he has earlier fading into the background.
They place their large gift box on a pastel yellow table, where other gifts are neatly arranged. Then they join Ms. Takano again.
"He's adorable," Hiroki says, reaching out. The baby's soft little hand clings to his index finger.
"Told you so! Isn't he just the sweetest?" Yuna chimes in, glowing with pride.
She scoops Shin up into her arms, clearly delighted. She cradles the baby gently, her gaze full of affection. Her whole face radiates with happiness.
"Look how calm he is," she says with awe.
Hiroki stands beside her, his eyes fixed on the scene. His heart gives a sudden squeeze. She looks so natural—holding a baby like this, like it has always been meant to be her.
He can't help but wonder: what if this isn't Shin in her arms? What if it is… her own child?
"I can't wait to hold your baby one day," Ms. Takano says teasingly, breaking Hiroki's train of thought.
He flinches slightly, ears tinged red. Yuna laughs awkwardly and turns toward her. "You keep saying that. I can't even soothe Shin properly yet!"
She glances down at the baby, her voice lowering just a bit. "Besides... Ryusei doesn't want kids yet."
"Really? Well, how much longer is he going to keep us waiting?" Ms. Takano jokes, crossing her arms.
"We're only twenty-five!" Yuna protests with a pout.
The room radiates warmth. Yuna gently rocks Shin in her arms, planting soft kisses on his cheeks. Now and then, she hands him to Hiroki, who fumbles awkwardly before figuring out how to hold the pudgy toddler.
Soon after, Ms. Takano leaves the room with Shin to prepare for the birthday ceremony. Hiroki and Yuna make their way back downstairs, entering the main hall bursting with lights and laughter.
The stage at the front sparkles with fairy lights and colorful balloons. The birthday party is in full swing. A large cake stands in the center—a mountain of white frosting topped with an adorable bear figure and a big, bold number "1."
The cheerful emcee takes the stage, kicking off the next segment with birthday messages from various guests. Clinking glasses and joyful cheers fill the room. Yuna leads Hiroki to where Ms. Takano's coworkers are gathered.
"Make yourself comfortable," she says, quickly blending into a nearby group. Hiroki nods and wanders to a table in the back, hoping to stay out of sight.
Yuna sits with a group of women, laughing and chatting. Though she still has her usual shyness, her face is radiant and relaxed.
When it comes time to cut the cake, the Takano family gathers onstage. Mr. Takano holds Shin in his arms, both smiling brightly. The baby gurgles a few unintelligible syllables, earning laughter from the crowd.
Upbeat music plays. Fireworks light up the sky outside, glittering trails dancing above the villa. Each beat of the music blends with the joy in the room. It is a scene of celebration and warmth.
Yet Hiroki feels out of place.
He sips his wine quietly, exchanging brief replies with a few unfamiliar faces. His chopsticks barely touch the food on his plate.
The noise fades. The music and voices blur into the background. His gaze keeps drifting toward Yuna—watching her smile, watching her talk, watching her belong in a way he never feels he could.
His fingers tighten on his knee. His eyes search for an escape.
He should've never come. He should've left hours ago.
Just as he is about to stand up, a soft tap touches his shoulder. He turns to see Ririka, a junior colleague who has just taken the seat beside him.
"Hiroki-senpai..." she says gently.
He freezes for a moment. Tonight, Ririka looks stunning in a cream-colored dress that hugs her figure, her long, sleek hair cascading freely.
"Ah, hey there."
"Senpai, you look great tonight," she says, leaning a bit closer. It seems casual, but Hiroki notices.
"Thanks.You too, Ririka-san," he replies hesitantly.
Ririka is easy to talk to. Even the most reserved person would find themselves drawn into conversation with her. At least she makes the time pass more comfortably.
Hiroki appreciates the admiration she holds for him, and does his best to return her warmth with kindness—nothing more, nothing less.
Then, across the room, he catches Yuna's eyes. She gives him a quick smile—a fleeting one, but it strikes his heart like lightning.
Maybe this is her plan all along—to give Ririka a chance to get close to him.
Hiroki looks away, taking another sip of wine, hoping to hide the wave of emotion inside him. He doesn't want to hurt anyone or cause discomfort, so he stays seated, making small talk with Ririka. But the longer he lingers, the more restless he becomes.
He doesn't belong in this noisy, glittering world.
Even with Ririka's gentle presence, deep down Hiroki wants to leave the moment he steps in.
Eventually, he excuses himself politely and steps outside.
The quiet night wraps around him like a comforting cloak. For the first time all evening, he can breathe again.
Hiroki wanders down a quiet hallway, eventually finding his way to the secluded backyard of the Takano estate. The glow from the house lights fades into a distant shimmer, no longer part of the vibrant buzz of the birthday celebration. Only the wind rustles through the trees, whispering softly like a secret being told.
Yet, the feeling of disconnection clings to him. He wonders if he'll ever find a space where he truly belongs—where the invisible barriers in his mind can finally dissolve. Just as he gets lost in thought, a soft sound behind him startles him.
Turning around, he finds Yuna standing there. Her posture is calm, but her eyes betray a flicker of concern.
Hiroki doesn't speak. His gaze stays locked on her, but his body refuses to move any closer. Maybe it's the party, maybe it's her—he can't quite tell, but the heaviness in his chest is unmistakable.
"You came out here... is something wrong?" Yuna asks gently, breaking the silence.
"No," Hiroki replies curtly.
"Did you enjoy the party?"
He says nothing, simply turns and walks further into the garden. Surprised by his cold demeanor, Yuna hesitates before following him, confusion mounting.
"Come on, just say it—are you upset?"
"No."
"Do you not want to be here?"
"No."
"Did you never want to come in the first place?"
"No."
She keeps walking beside him, her energy gradually fading.
"Then, can I ask you a favor?"
He remains silent.
"Tonight, I can make my way home on my own, so…" Yuna glances at him, her voice soft, "Could you take Ririka home for me?"
Hiroki suddenly stops, causing her to bump right into his chest. It isn't a hard collision, but it leaves them close enough to feel each other's breath. Yuna looks up, startled.
He reaches out, lightly taking her arm and guiding her back a step. But instead of letting go, his hand lingers longer than it should, the warmth of her skin making something inside him stir—familiar, yet foreign.
"No," he says, firmly.
"No... what?"
"No, I won't take Ririka home." He lets go of her, as though severing something fragile. "If I'm taking anyone home tonight, it's going to be you."
The stillness in the garden is almost surreal. Even the wind pauses, carrying with it the subtle chill of night. His gaze holds hers—steady, unwavering, needing no explanation.
Yuna stands tall, drawing in a trembling breath. Something unspoken between them fades again, slipping through like smoke. She closes her eyes and whispers, "Why?"
"Because there's something I need to tell you," he says, turning away and clenching his fists.
She doesn't speak, simply waits, patient despite her exhaustion.
"I don't want to be matched with anyone else. Not Sayaki-san, not Hayame-san, no one."
His voice rasps with emotion, each word pushed out like a confession.
"Sayaki's a nice girl. But I only see her as a colleague. And Hayame… don't assume her looks would ever be enough to win me over. Truth is, she's still been in contact with me."
Yuna blinks, startled. The rawness in his tone is too real to ignore.
"What do you mean?" she asks, but before she can finish, he steps closer and grips her shoulders. His eyes flare with frustration.
"She writes to me from Tokyo—where Ryusei used to work. I try to read every word…" His hands tighten slightly, and she trembles under his grip. "Yuna, don't trust him. Your husband—"
"Yuna!"
The shout from a distance snaps her back. She stands frozen in place, overwhelmed by Hiroki's revelation. Hayame Irumi? The woman who once loved him so deeply—still in touch? And Ryusei? What does he have to do with any of this?
Takano appears, draping a coat over her shoulders. It looks like she has been searching for them for a while.
"There you are! I've been looking everywhere," she says, pausing in front of them. Hiroki quickly drops his hands from Yuna's shoulders. Takano raises an eyebrow.
"What's going on?"
"Nothing. We just step out for some air," Yuna answers quickly, avoiding Hiroki's eyes.
"Is the party over already?"
"Everyone's gone."
"Right…"
"So what happened?" Takano presses, hands on hips. "Was the party that boring?"
They both shake their heads and say in unison, "Not at all."
Takano sighs dramatically, glancing at her watch. Then she turns to Yuna with a stern look. "You do know Ririka's been looking for you? Did you promise her something and just ditch her?"
Yuna blinks, suddenly remembering. Oh right—the favor after the party. She looks toward Hiroki pleadingly. He returns an uneasy expression.
She slowly backs away, leaving with Takano. But as she passes him, she whispers gently, "I can manage on my own tonight, so please… just this once, take her home for me."
Hiroki stands there, dumbfounded, watching her disappear. A sharp sting of betrayal cuts through him, but she turns back for a moment, clasping her hands together with a soft plea, "Please, do this for me."
And then she is gone.
He has so much left to say. No—so much he needs to say. But instead, she leaves him with a cruel request that he has no way of turning down.
No matter how many times he walks someone home, it won't change anything. It's just escorting them back to a place where he no longer exists.
Just a few steps side by side. A short conversation. A quiet goodnight.
The only problem is—tonight, it isn't her he'll be walking home.