After some time passed, the lively atmosphere in the house slowly began to settle. The cheerful chatter that once filled the rooms grew softer as everyone started preparing to leave. One by one, they gathered their belongings, straightened their clothes, and checked their phones, realizing how quickly the day had gone by.
The warmth of their time together still lingered in the air, making it a little hard to say goodbye.
Arashi, noticing everyone getting ready, spoke up in a calm but slightly reluctant voice.
"Why don't you all stay a little longer and have lunch before going?"
His tone carried genuine hospitality. It wasn't just politeness — he truly wanted them to stay. Hosting them had brought a rare liveliness to his home.
But the others exchanged small smiles and shook their heads.
They had their own schedules, responsibilities, and places to be. Even though they enjoyed being there, they couldn't delay any longer.
Seeing their firm yet gentle refusals, Arashi didn't push further. He simply nodded with a faint understanding smile. He wasn't the type to force anyone.
Ren was the first to head out. He slung his bag over his shoulder and walked toward the door with his usual energetic stride.
"Looks like I need to leave quickly, or I'll end up being late," he said lightly.
He turned back to face everyone, raising his hand in a friendly wave.
"Alright, I'm heading out!"
He gave individual goodbyes, his cheerful nature making the farewell feel less heavy. Then, just before stepping out, he added with a bright grin,
"Thank you, everyone. I really had fun."
With that, he waved once more and left, his footsteps fading down the path outside.
After him, Hina and Takumi also prepared to go. Their farewell was simple and natural — the kind shared between close friends who knew they'd meet again soon.
"Take care."
"Message when you get home."
Small words, but warm ones.
They left side by side, the door closing softly behind them.
Soon, only a few remained.
Mizuki quietly made her way toward the exit. She seemed ready to leave on her own, her expression calm as always.
But before she could step out, Arashi called out to her.
"Mizuki, wait. I'll walk you to home."
She turned slightly, surprised by the offer.
"It's fine," she replied gently. "I can go by myself."
However, Arashi shook his head.
"Your house isn't that far. I'll at least walk you there."
His voice was firm but kind — not overbearing, just sincere. He simply wanted to make sure she got home safely.
For a brief moment, Mizuki hesitated. Then she gave a small nod, silently accepting.
Watching this, Miyu and Satoru looked at each other before speaking up as well.
"Alright, we'll get going too."
"Yeah, see you."
They said their goodbyes and headed off in their own directions, the group slowly dispersing until the once-busy house returned to its quiet state.
Satoru and Miyu walked side by side on the quiet street, their steps slow and perfectly in sync, yet their hearts completely out of rhythm. Both of them kept their eyes lowered, watching the ground as if it were far more interesting than facing each other.
The air between them felt heavy.
Not angry.
Not cold.
Just… awkward.
The kind of silence that presses on your chest and makes every second feel longer.
Neither of them could find the right words to say. It was as if all the sentences in their minds got stuck before reaching their lips.
Satoru clenched his hand slightly as he walked.
I should apologize to Miyu, he thought.
His mind replayed yesterday's argument again and again like a scene he couldn't escape.
I said so many wrong things in anger… things I should never have said. I hurt her.
A quiet guilt settled in his chest.
But how do I show her I'm truly sorry?
Things were just starting to feel normal again… and now it's awkward all over.
I have to do something.
His jaw tightened slightly.
Seeing her cry last night… that image hasn't left my mind. Knowing I was the reason for those tears — it hurts. I never wanted to make her feel like that.
He exhaled softly.
I really shouldn't have done that.
Meanwhile, Miyu was trapped in her own thoughts.
Her fingers lightly gripped the edge of her sleeve as she walked.
I need to apologize to Satoru properly, she told herself.
Regret filled her heart.
I doubted him for no reason. There was nothing wrong, yet I still suspected him.
She felt ashamed remembering it.
I made him so angry…
Satoru isn't someone who gets angry easily.
Her steps slowed slightly.
Yesterday was the first time I saw him that upset… and it was because of me.
The realization stung.
I must have hurt him a lot. I shouldn't have done that.
Somehow, I have to say sorry.
Both of them were thinking the same thing.
Both wanted to fix things.
Yet both were too nervous to begin.
Then, by coincidence, they both lifted their heads at the same time.
Their eyes met.
For a brief second, everything froze.
And at the exact same moment, they both spoke.
"Satoru—"
"Miyu—"
They stopped instantly.
Their faces warmed with embarrassment, and almost reflexively, both of them turned their heads in opposite directions.
The synchronized reaction only made it more awkward.
A small pause followed.
Then Satoru finally gathered a bit of courage.
Without looking directly at her, he said,
"Miyu… come with me. Let's go to the mall."
His voice was calm, but there was a slight nervousness hidden inside.
Miyu blinked in surprise.
She still wasn't looking at him when she replied softly,
"Okay."
Both of them continued walking, their faces still turned slightly away from each other — two people clearly wanting to talk, yet shy to start.
But despite the awkwardness…
There was also a quiet understanding forming.
Neither of them wanted to stay upset.
Neither of them wanted distance.
And maybe, just maybe…
This trip to the mall would give them the chance to finally say what was in their hearts.
After that, the two of them quietly made their way toward the mall.
The walk there was calm, but the silence still followed them like a shadow. It wasn't as heavy as before, yet it lingered enough to remind them that something important still needed to be said.
When they reached the mall entrance, the glass doors slid open and a wave of cool air greeted them. The bright lights inside contrasted with the soft evening outside. People walked past them — families, couples, friends laughing together — all absorbed in their own worlds.
Satoru glanced at Miyu for a moment.
She looked calm, but he could tell she was thinking a lot. He had known her long enough to notice the small signs — the way she held her hands together, the way her eyes quietly observed everything around her.
He finally spoke.
"Let's walk a bit first."
Miyu nodded.
They walked through the mall corridors slowly. Passing clothing stores, cafes, and small shops filled with colorful displays. The normal noise of the mall somehow made it easier to breathe. It distracted their nervousness just a little.
After a few minutes, they stopped near a quieter corner by a railing overlooking the lower floor.
Satoru rested his arms lightly on the railing.
He took a deep breath.
This was it.
"Miyu…" he started.
She turned to him.
His voice was gentle, but serious.
"I'm sorry."
Her eyes widened slightly.
He continued before he could lose courage.
"I said things in anger that I should never have said. I didn't mean them… not even a little. I just… lost control."
He looked down at his hands.
"When I saw you crying last night, I couldn't sleep. I kept thinking about it. Knowing I was the reason hurt more than I expected."
His voice softened.
"You didn't deserve that."
There was no pride in his tone. No excuses. Just honesty.
Miyu stayed silent, listening carefully.
Satoru finally looked at her again.
"I never want to be someone who makes you cry."
The sincerity in his eyes was clear.
For a moment, Miyu felt her chest tighten with emotion.
She shook her head lightly.
"No… I should be the one apologizing."
Now it was her turn.
"I doubted you without trusting you first. That wasn't fair. You've never given me a reason to suspect you."
Her fingers tightened slightly.
"I let my overthinking control me. And because of that, I hurt you."
She looked down, guilt visible on her face.
"When I saw you angry yesterday… I realized how far I pushed things. I've never seen you like that before."
Her voice grew quieter.
"I don't like being the reason for your pain either."
A soft silence followed.
But this silence felt different.
It wasn't awkward anymore.
It was honest.
Raw.
Satoru spoke again, lightly.
"So… we both messed up?"
Miyu gave a small, shy smile.
"Yeah… we both did."
For the first time since the argument, the tension between them began to melt away.
Satoru scratched his cheek awkwardly.
"I guess relationships aren't perfect."
Miyu nodded.
"But maybe that's what makes them real."
They both looked at each other.
And then, unexpectedly, they laughed softly.
A genuine, relieved laugh.
The kind that comes after holding in emotions for too long.
The weight between them finally lifted.
Satoru hesitated for a second before gently reaching out.
He didn't grab her suddenly — he simply offered his hand, slowly, giving her the choice.
Miyu looked at it.
Then at him.
A faint blush appeared on her face.
She placed her hand in his.
Her hand was warm.
His grip was careful, as if he didn't want to hold too tight but also didn't want to let go.
"I'll try to trust more," Miyu said softly.
"And I'll try to control my temper better," Satoru replied.
They made a silent promise without saying the words directly.
After that, their mood completely changed.
They started walking again, this time closer than before.
They visited a few stores, teasing each other lightly about random things — a funny shirt design, a plush toy that looked oddly familiar, snacks they argued about choosing.
The small interactions brought back their usual comfort.
At one point, Miyu pointed at a cute keychain.
"It looks like you."
Satoru raised an eyebrow.
"How does that look like me?"
"It has your sleepy face."
"I do not look like that."
"You do."
He ended up buying it anyway, pretending he didn't care while Miyu smiled victoriously.
Later, they sat at a small café inside the mall, sharing a drink. No more tension. No more hesitation.
Just quiet happiness.
As they prepared to leave the mall, the sky outside had turned orange with sunset.
They walked out together, still side by side — but now their steps felt lighter.
Miyu looked at him and said softly,
"I'm glad we talked."
Satoru nodded.
"Me too."
A comfortable silence followed.
Not the awkward kind.
The peaceful kind.
The kind that says everything is okay without needing words.
And just like that…
Things returned to normal.
Not because the problem disappeared, but because they chose to understand each other.
And sometimes, that's what makes a bond stronger than before.