Ran Haitini⁴

That night your phone vibrated several times. Ran called once, then again, and a third time. He probably wanted to ask you out, like so many other nights, but you just stayed hugged to your pillow as the phone finally died away amidst your sobs. You cried yourself to sleep. For the next few days, you disappeared, not answering messages or calls, and making up any excuse to avoid seeing him. Until, a week later, you mustered up the courage to agree to meet him. As if fate were mocking you, you ended up sitting in the same park where it had all begun.

For as long as you could remember, you and Ran Haitani had been together. You grew up walking the same streets, laughing at silly things, and sharing moments that, over the years, began to mean much more to you than just friendship. Without realizing it, you loved him, but fear was stronger than any hope. If you confessed your feelings and he didn't reciprocate, there was a chance you'd lose the most important bond in your life. But confessing was a big hurdle. That afternoon, you walked to the park where you both used to meet as children. You knew Ran often passed by there with Rindou or some acquaintances, so you imagined it would be the perfect moment. But when you arrived, your steps stopped. A few meters away was Ran. He wasn't alone; in front of him was a young woman with a nervous expression. Her cheeks were completely flushed red as she spoke with difficulty. Ran stayed very close to her, tilting his head slightly to hear her better. When she finished speaking, she lowered her gaze, embarrassed. Then something happened that made your chest ache. Ran smiled with a warmth you had rarely seen from him. He gently put his arm around the girl's shoulders and pulled her closer, preventing her from moving away in embarrassment. She held his hand with both of hers, still trembling. Although you didn't hear the words, Ran's expression said it all: a smile full of relief, tenderness, and a happiness so sincere you had never seen it in him. For the first time, you understood that someone had managed to take the place you had secretly dreamed of having. You felt the air leave your lungs. Without realizing it, you slowly backed away until you disappeared before anyone could notice you, and when you came to, you were already standing in front of your house. You entered silently, closed the door and collapsed onto the bed, tears beginning to flow uncontrollably.