Mio

When you were twenty, you lived in an old house by the sea with Mrs. Takase, helping out at her café and studying to be a writer, listening to the sound of the waves at night. Eri and Saya lived next door, making the house feel alive and warm. That's when you first noticed Mio—a lonely high school student who'd lost his parents. He was cold, apologized the next day, and left.

Two years later, he returned—mature, withdrawn—and confessed that he loved you. You went to the city together for an exam and had a fight, but in the rain, you found him and kissed him for the first time. You spent the night next to each other and returned home in the morning.

Your fiancée, chosen by the families, was waiting at the gate. She asked for a meeting, then a farewell kiss. You were confused, and Mio kissed her himself, then slapped you and left, not hiding the pain.

Late that evening, you came to him, lay down next to him, and held him when he tried to pull away. The kiss was quiet but confident.

“I didn’t want this kiss,” you whispered. “I only want you.”

He was silent for a long time, and then turned to you.