The room was filled with the gentle tapping of rain against the window. The crochet class had begun, but today had a softness in the air—as if the world was watching something delicate unfold.
Yuu sat beside Aira, slightly closer than yesterday. His hands trembled a little as he held the yarn. Aira noticed, and softly said:
Aira (gently):
"You always hold it like it'll break… yarns are softer than they look, Yuu-kun."
Yuu (glancing at her, voice quiet):
"Just like people, I guess…"
They both shared a tiny smile, hearts fluttering. Neither said more. The silence was comforting.
Their hands moved slowly, matching each other's pace. The warmth between them was unspoken—growing, quiet, and tender.
But then—
Door creaks open.
From opposite ends of the room, two voices suddenly echoed in surprise:
"Yuu!"
"Aira!"
They turned, startled. Two sets of footsteps approached—Yuu's mother and Aira's father.
Yuu's Mother (harshly):
"What are you doing with that girl?! Didn't I tell you not to get involved with people like them?!"
Aira's Father (coldly):
"Aira! With that boy? I won't allow this! Don't forget what their family did to us."
Yuu and Aira stood frozen. The entire class fell silent. Their hands slowly let go of the yarn.
They looked at each other, eyes wide, confused… broken.
Aira (in her mind):
Why? Why now? Why here…?
I finally smiled again…
Yuu (in his heart):
It's okay. I knew this would happen. I shouldn't have hoped… no one wants me, anyway. I'll let her go.
Their parents pulled them apart, one by one. Yuu didn't say anything. Aira didn't resist. They just let themselves be taken.
—
Later that night…
Yuu sat by his window, watching the streetlight blink.
Yuu (thinking):
"I was stupid to think someone like her could like someone like me… at least she's free now. From me."
Meanwhile, Aira stared at the yarn in her hand, still tangled with Yuu's earlier attempt.
Aira (thinking):
"I should've known… I don't even show my emotions right. Maybe he's relieved…"
Two hearts. One thread. Pulled apart by the past.
But the thread was never truly cut.