The next day, Cherry stood by the quiet street corner café, nervously adjusting his coat.
He spotted Jiyu waving from a distance, already seated at their usual spot.
Cherry hurried over.
"You called me, Jiyu," he said softly, taking the seat across from him.
Jiyu frowned instantly, arms folded. "I've been calling you for two days, Cherry. Why weren't you picking up, huh?"
Cherry looked down, fingers fiddling with the edge of the table.
"Actually… a lot happened."
Jiyu's irritation shifted to concern in an instant.
"Wait—are you okay?"
Cherry gave him a weak smile and nodded. "I am… but…"
He paused, then sighed. "Akira found out… about the time we… you know… makeout at the house."
Jiyu's eyes widened. "You what?!"
"He broke the glass," Cherry continued, voice quiet and pouty. "Screamed… a lot. It was messy."
Jiyu ran a hand through his hair, clearly frustrated.
"All this happened and you're telling me now?! I swear, I'll kill that man!"
Cherry puffed his cheeks and mumbled, "You can't. He'll cut you in half."
Jiyu blinked. "Right… mafia boss. Forgot."
He cleared his throat and slowly sat back down, trying to compose himself.
"Anyway… what about the divorce? It's already been a month. How long do we have to wait?"
Cherry hesitated.
"…Jiyu, I… I can't do that right now. I need some time."
Jiyu stared at him, shocked. "Time? For what? Wait—are you saying… you love your husband now? After all that?!"
Cherry's face turned red in an instant. He flailed his arms.
"No! No—It's not like that!"
"Then what?" Jiyu leaned in, tone tense. "Look, Cherry… I can't stand seeing you live with that man any longer. I waited this long because I love you. But I need you to make a decision soon."
He gently took Cherry's hands in his, voice softening.
"Please. For us. Don't you remember what he did to you? Don't you want to leave with me—build a new life together?"
Cherry looked away, unable to meet his eyes.
"…Hmm," he murmured, unsure.
Jiyu sighed and reached up to pat his head with a little smile.
"That's more like my kitten. Still confused, but at least honest."
He leaned back in his seat.
"Okay, no more heavy stuff. Let's drink something sweet. Waiter! Two strawberry shakes, please!"
Cherry nodded quietly, eyes lingering on his hands, still warm from Jiyu's touch… but his heart wasn't sure where it wanted to stay anymore.