The following morning, Izuna stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his shirt. He had an important meeting at work, but his mind kept wandering back to the time spent with Airi. They hadn’t been in touch much since their coffee outing, but Izuna couldn’t help but think about their conversations—how easy it had felt to talk to her, how comfortable they were in each other’s company.

  Still, he tried to push those thoughts aside. He had work to focus on, and today was no exception.

  Meanwhile, Airi was in the middle of her usual routine, sipping coffee at her desk. Her colleagues were chattering around her, but she barely heard them. Her mind kept drifting back to the time with Izuna—his laugh, the way he looked at her when they shared a quiet moment. She wondered if he felt the same way.

  No, she thought firmly, I shouldn’t think too much into it. He’s just being friendly.

  She quickly shook off the thought, trying to focus on the tasks in front of her. But despite her best efforts, Airi couldn’t completely suppress the warmth that had settled in her chest.

  Later that day, the two crossed paths in the hallway at work. Izuna caught sight of Airi as she walked toward him, her eyes bright as usual. He couldn’t help but smile when their eyes met, a small spark of familiarity igniting between them.

  “Hey, Airi,” he greeted casually, though there was an underlying softness to his voice.

  Airi looked up at him, startled for a moment before the smile spread across her face. “Oh, hey, Izuna!” she replied, trying to mask the flutter in her stomach.

  They fell into step beside each other, walking toward their respective offices.

  “You have a lot of work today?” Airi asked, breaking the silence.

  Izuna shrugged. “Yeah, but it’s manageable. Just the usual stuff. How about you?”

  “Same here. Busy as always,” Airi said with a smile, though it was tinged with a hint of exhaustion.

  They shared a brief laugh, the tension of the morning lifting between them. For a moment, it was like the world had slowed down, and all that mattered was the simple connection between them.

  As they walked in silence for a few moments longer, Izuna couldn’t help but notice the small glint of something in Airi’s eyes. He hesitated for a beat before speaking up.

  “Hey, you know,” he began, “maybe we should grab lunch sometime. Just the two of us. You know, to relax.”

  Airi blinked in surprise. “Uh, sure. I’d like that.”

  Izuna smiled again, a bit shy this time, his hands in his pockets. “Great. I’ll text you.”

  After they parted ways, both Airi and Izuna were left with lingering thoughts. They couldn’t deny that something was happening between them, but neither was ready to fully admit what that was.

  As they went about their work, the moments of connection seemed to multiply. Their smiles felt a little brighter, their conversations a little easier, and the silence between them felt more comfortable.

  It was undeniable. They were beginning to drift closer, but neither of them could predict just how far this relationship would go.

  The next day, Airi was having a particularly busy morning. She had back-to-back meetings, deadlines, and a mountain of paperwork to sort through. Even as she sat at her desk, typing away, her thoughts kept drifting back to the lunch date she had agreed to with Izuna. Her mind couldn’t help but replay the casual conversation they had in the hallway yesterday.

  Did he mean it? She wondered, biting her lip. Was he just being polite, or was he serious about wanting to spend time together?

  She quickly dismissed the thoughts, focusing on the tasks in front of her. It’s just lunch, she reminded herself. It doesn’t have to mean anything.

  But the warmth in her chest wouldn’t fade. Every time she glanced at her phone, she half-expected to see a message from Izuna, though there was nothing.

  Meanwhile, Izuna was sitting in his office, his phone in hand. He had a few free moments before his next meeting, and his thumb hovered over the screen. He had been meaning to text Airi and confirm the lunch plans, but he kept hesitating.

  What if she doesn’t want to go? What if she’s just being polite, too? He couldn’t shake the uncertainty. The last thing he wanted to do was make things awkward between them.

  After a few more moments of indecision, he typed a simple message:

  “Hey, Airi. Just checking in about lunch. You free today?”

  He hesitated again before hitting send, but finally did, letting out a breath as he set the phone down on his desk.

  Airi’s phone buzzed on her desk, and she picked it up immediately. Her heart skipped a beat as she saw the message from Izuna. She stared at the screen for a few moments before smiling softly.

  She quickly typed back:

  “Yeah, I’m free! Let’s do it.”

  She felt a little giddy as she pressed send, but quickly tried to stifle the feeling. It’s just lunch. Calm down, Airi.

  Not long after, Izuna’s reply came through.

  “Great! I know a good place nearby. How about 1:00 PM?”

  Airi agreed, and they exchanged a few more messages about the details. As she set her phone down again, she couldn’t suppress the smile on her face.

  The clock ticked by, and before either of them knew it, it was time for their lunch date. Airi arrived at the café first, and as she entered, the familiar smell of coffee and fresh pastries greeted her. She glanced around the cozy atmosphere, a bit nervous but excited.

  She found a table by the window and sat down, trying to calm her racing heart. It was just lunch, she reminded herself. But something in her stomach told her it was more than just a casual meal.

  Not long after, Izuna arrived. He spotted her immediately and made his way over with a warm smile.

  “Hey, Airi,” he greeted, pulling out the chair across from her.

  Airi looked up and returned the smile. “Hey, Izuna! Glad you could make it.”

  He sat down, placing his order with the waiter. “Of course. Wouldn’t miss it,” he said, his tone light but with a hint of sincerity.

  As they waited for their drinks to arrive, they talked about their work, sharing stories and laughing about small things that happened during the day. It felt comfortable, natural—even though they were both a little nervous.

  “Do you always drink your coffee black?” Izuna asked, noticing the way Airi was sipping hers.

  Airi nodded, laughing. “Yeah, I like it simple. None of the fancy stuff.”

  Izuna chuckled. “I see. I’m more of a cappuccino guy myself.”

  They both leaned back in their chairs, smiling at each other in the warm, soft light of the café. For a moment, the world outside seemed to fade away, and it was just the two of them, enjoying a quiet moment together.

  The conversation turned to more personal topics as they continued to talk. Airi learned more about Izuna’s hobbies—his love for photography, his fondness for hiking—and Izuna discovered that Airi had a secret talent for painting, something she had never really shared with anyone at work.

  “Why don’t you show it off more?” Izuna asked, genuinely curious.

  Airi shrugged. “I guess I’m just not very confident about it. It’s more of a hobby for me.”

  Izuna gave her an encouraging smile. “Well, I think it’s great. You should definitely show it off. Maybe we could go to an art gallery sometime.”

  Airi felt a warmth spread through her chest at the suggestion. “That sounds nice,” she said softly.

  Before they knew it, lunch had come to an end. The waiter cleared their empty plates, and they both stood up to leave.

  “Thanks for lunch, Izuna. I had a great time,” Airi said, a genuine smile on her face.

  “Me too,” he replied. “Let’s do it again sometime.”

  As they walked out of the café together, the connection between them felt stronger. It was only a lunch date, but there was something undeniable about the way they felt at ease with each other.

  Airi couldn’t help but wonder what the future held for them, and if this was the beginning of something more.

  The afternoon after their lunch date, Airi found herself sitting at her desk, her mind drifting back to the café. She couldn’t help but replay the moments in her head: the easy conversation, the way Izuna had smiled at her, and the warmth that had settled in her chest when they talked about their interests.

  As much as she tried to focus on the work in front of her, her thoughts kept drifting back to Izuna. The way he had looked at her with genuine interest, the casual way they had shared their personal stories—it felt like more than just a friendly lunch.

  But then, Airi quickly shook her head. It was just lunch, she reminded herself. Nothing more.

  Despite her internal assurances, she found herself glancing at her phone multiple times throughout the afternoon, half-expecting a message from Izuna. She didn’t even know what she wanted him to say—maybe just a simple, “Thanks for lunch, had a great time”—but there was nothing. No message.

  As the workday started winding down, Airi’s thoughts became even more scattered. Her phone vibrated suddenly, pulling her from her reverie.

  It was a message from Izuna.

  “Hey, Airi. I was thinking, maybe we could hang out again soon? I know a great park nearby, and it would be nice to get some fresh air. What do you think?”

  Airi’s heart skipped a beat. Her fingers hovered over the screen, unsure of what to type. She didn’t want to sound too eager, but she also didn’t want to seem distant. After a moment of hesitation, she typed a simple reply.

  “That sounds nice! When are you free?”

  She pressed send and sat back in her chair, trying to calm her racing heart.

  Meanwhile, Izuna was sitting at his own desk, staring at his phone after sending the message to Airi. He’d been trying to play it cool, but he couldn’t help but feel a little nervous. After their lunch, he had found himself thinking about her more and more.

  Is this a good idea? He wondered. What if she doesn’t want to hang out again? What if I’m just reading too much into this?

  He waited for what felt like an eternity before his phone buzzed with Airi’s reply. A smile tugged at his lips when he saw her message.

  “That sounds nice! When are you free?”

  He quickly typed back.

  “How about tomorrow afternoon?”

  Airi responded almost immediately. “Perfect. Let’s do it.”

  Izuna felt a rush of excitement. Tomorrow. He was looking forward to it, more than he’d expected.

  The next day, Airi met up with Izuna at the park as planned. The sun was shining brightly, casting a warm glow over everything, and there was a gentle breeze in the air. The park was peaceful, with just a few people jogging or walking their dogs, creating a perfect, quiet atmosphere.

  “Hey, Airi,” Izuna greeted, waving as he approached her.

  Airi smiled, returning the wave. “Hey, Izuna. This place is really nice.”

  “Yeah, I love coming here to clear my head. Thought it would be a good spot for us to relax and talk some more.”

  They walked along the winding paths of the park, chatting about their daily lives, work, and anything that came to mind. Every now and then, Airi would catch Izuna’s gaze, and her heart would flutter a little, but she quickly brushed it off, trying to focus on the conversation.

  As they reached a bench by a pond, they sat down, enjoying the tranquillity.

  “I’m glad we’re doing this,” Izuna said, breaking the comfortable silence. “I’ve been wanting to spend more time with you. I think we get along really well.”

  Airi turned to look at him, her cheeks slightly flushed. “I feel the same way,” she replied softly. “It’s nice to get to know you outside of work.”

  Izuna smiled, his gaze softening as he looked at her. “I’m glad. You’re easy to talk to, Airi.”

  Airi’s heart skipped a beat at his words. She quickly looked away, trying to mask the sudden warmth spreading through her. It’s just a park outing, she reminded herself. Nothing more.

  But as she sat there, the way Izuna was looking at her made it feel like maybe, just maybe, it was something more.

  As the afternoon wore on, they continued to enjoy their time together, walking around the park and chatting. At one point, Izuna even bought ice cream for both of them, and they sat on a nearby bench, laughing over their favorite flavours.

  Eventually, the sun began to dip lower in the sky, signalling the end of their time together.

  “Well,” Izuna said, standing up and stretching, “I guess we should probably get going soon.”

  Airi nodded, though she didn’t want the day to end. “Yeah, I had a really great time. Thanks for inviting me, Izuna.”

  “Anytime,” he replied, his eyes warm. “I’m looking forward to our next hangout. Maybe we could try something new next time.”

  Airi smiled, feeling a little more at ease. “That sounds great.”

  As they parted ways, Airi couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. Maybe this wasn’t just a casual outing. Maybe, just maybe, it was the beginning of something more.

  The next morning, Airi woke up with a slight smile on her face. Her thoughts drifted back to the day before, the time spent with Izuna at the park. She couldn’t help but replay the moments in her head—how easy it had been to talk to him, how their shared laughter had made everything feel effortless. She’d left the park feeling lighter, as though something had shifted between them, but she wasn’t entirely sure what.

  Airi quickly got ready for work, but there was a fluttering in her chest as she prepared. Maybe I’m reading too much into it, she thought, shaking her head as she applied her makeup. She was still trying to figure out what exactly she was feeling about Izuna.

  At the office, things seemed to go on as usual. Airi found herself focusing a little more than usual on her tasks, but her mind would drift now and then to the moments she had shared with him. She’d never realized how much she looked forward to seeing him outside of the office, or how easily she smiled when he was around.

  As the day progressed, she found herself checking her phone a little more often than usual. What’s wrong with me? She thought. It’s not like we’re texting every minute. Just because he invited me to the park doesn’t mean anything.

  But despite the logical part of her mind, Airi couldn’t help but feel something had changed.

  Izuna, on the other hand, was having a similar experience. He couldn’t stop thinking about his time with Airi. The way she had smiled at him, the way their conversation had flowed naturally, and how comfortable it had all felt. He’d been so focused on his work earlier in the day, but his mind kept drifting to her.

  I can’t stop thinking about her, he admitted to himself. Maybe I should text her again. But what should I say?

  He stared at his phone, unsure of how to proceed. A part of him wanted to reach out, but he didn’t want to come across as too eager.

  Finally, after some thought, he sent a simple message to Airi.

  “Hey, Airi. I was thinking about yesterday. It was really fun, and I’m glad we spent some time together. Would you like to do something this weekend?”

  Izuna hit send and then stared at the screen, waiting anxiously for her reply. He knew it was just a casual invitation, but he couldn’t help the anticipation building up inside him.

  Back at the office, Airi’s phone buzzed. She picked it up and saw Izuna’s message. Her heart skipped a beat. She read the words again, feeling a warmth spread through her. He had been thinking about their time together as well. It wasn’t just her.

  She took a deep breath and then quickly typed back.

  “I’d love that! What do you have in mind?”

  Her fingers hovered over the screen for a moment, wondering if she had said the right thing, but before she could second-guess herself, she hit send.

  A few seconds later, Izuna’s reply appeared.

  “How about we check out that new café downtown? I hear they have the best pastries. We can grab some coffee and relax for a bit.”

  Airi smiled as she read the message. It sounded perfect.

  “Sounds great. Let’s do it!” she replied, feeling a sense of excitement building up inside her.

  The rest of the workday seemed to drag on for both of them, as they eagerly awaited the weekend plans they’d made. As much as Airi tried to stay focused on her tasks, her mind was already racing with thoughts of their upcoming date. She couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to spend more time with Izuna outside of work. Would they have more in common? Would she feel the same way when they were alone, without the office distractions?

  Her phone vibrated again, snapping her out of her thoughts. It was Izuna, confirming their plans for Saturday.

  “It’s a date then! I’m looking forward to it.”

  Airi’s heart fluttered at his words. It’s a date, she thought with a grin. This is really happening.

  Saturday arrived, and Airi found herself getting ready with extra care. She chose a simple, yet elegant outfit—an airy blouse paired with dark jeans and stylish sneakers. She wanted to look casual but put together, and she felt good about her choice. After all, it was just a café outing, but the thought of spending more time with Izuna made her want to look her best.

  She arrived at the café a few minutes early, her excitement palpable. As she waited, she couldn’t help but feel a little nervous. What if he doesn’t show up? She thought briefly, but quickly shook off the thought. She had no reason to doubt that he would be there.

  A few minutes later, she saw Izuna walking towards her, his usual smile lighting up his face. He was wearing a casual jacket over a T-shirt, and his hair was slightly tousled, giving him a relaxed, approachable look.

  “Hey, Airi!” Izuna greeted her, his voice warm. “You look great!”

  Airi felt a blush creep up her neck at his compliment. “Thanks! You look good too,” she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

  They made their way inside the café, chatting about their week and getting to know each other better. Airi felt a lightness in her chest as they settled into a cozy corner by the window, the smell of fresh pastries and coffee filling the air.

  As they shared a pastry and coffee, Airi realized just how much she enjoyed being in Izuna’s company. The conversation flowed naturally, and the time seemed to pass by in the blink of an eye.

  This was more than just a casual outing. This felt like the beginning of something new. And for the first time in a long while, Airi was excited to see where it would go.

  As the café’s warm ambiance wrapped around them, Airi found herself leaning forward, eager to keep the conversation going. She hadn’t realized how much she enjoyed this kind of casual, easygoing connection with someone. Izuna’s presence felt natural, comforting, and it made her heart flutter in ways she wasn’t prepared for.

  “So, Izuna,” Airi began, taking a sip of her coffee, “what’s something about you that I wouldn’t guess right away?”

  Izuna paused for a moment, looking thoughtful. His gaze met hers, and Airi could see a hint of amusement in his eyes. “Hmm… I guess most people wouldn’t expect me to be really into reading. I’ve got a soft spot for mystery novels.”

  Airi’s eyes lit up. “Really? I didn’t take you for a bookworm.”

  Izuna chuckled. “Yeah, I guess I keep that part of me hidden. But nothing beats getting lost in a good story.”

  “That’s actually kind of cool,” Airi said, smiling. “Do you have a favorite author?”

  Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

  “I’m a fan of Agatha Christie. Her books always keep me on the edge of my seat,” he replied, looking genuinely passionate about it.

  Airi grinned. “I never expected to find a fellow mystery lover. Maybe you can recommend something to me.”

  Izuna raised an eyebrow playfully. “Sure. You’ll have to let me know if you can keep up with the twists and turns. Some of them can be pretty wild.”

  “I think I can handle it,” Airi said, her voice light with amusement. She was genuinely intrigued. “Maybe we could read one together sometime.”

  The suggestion seemed to catch them both off guard for a moment, and they both looked at each other, their eyes locking. Airi felt a slight heat rise in her cheeks, but she quickly recovered, trying to play it off.

  Izuna, too, seemed to recover with a small laugh. “That sounds like a good idea. But no spoilers from me.”

  Airi nodded, her smile widening. “Deal.”

  They spent the next few hours at the café, continuing to chat and share stories. Airi was surprised at how comfortable she felt around Izuna. It was as if they had known each other for years, yet they were still discovering new things about each other with every passing moment.

  Eventually, they decided to leave the café and take a walk around the nearby park. The crisp air felt refreshing, and as they walked side by side, the conversation naturally shifted to more personal topics.

  “So, Airi,” Izuna began, glancing over at her, “what’s one thing you’ve always wanted to do, but never had the chance?”

  Airi thought for a moment, her gaze drifting to the path ahead. “I’ve always wanted to travel more. I’ve been to a few places, but there’s so much of the world I haven’t seen yet. I think it would be amazing to go on a road trip across the country, just me and a few close friends.”

  Izuna smiled, his eyes softening with understanding. “That sounds like an incredible adventure. I’d love to do something like that too—just go wherever the road takes me.”

  Airi turned to him, a spark of curiosity in her eyes. “What’s stopping you?”

  Izuna shrugged lightly, the smile on his face never wavering. “I guess it’s just a matter of timing. Life always seems to get in the way, you know?”

  Airi nodded in agreement. “I get that. But maybe one day, we could both go on that road trip. Who knows?”

  Izuna looked at her, his expression unreadable for a moment, before a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. “Maybe. Who knows?”

  They continued walking, the sound of their footsteps blending with the quiet rustle of leaves in the breeze. Airi felt the weight of the moment—their shared connection, the ease between them. It was as if the world around them had faded into the background, leaving only the two of them in this small bubble of time.

  By the time they reached the end of the park, the sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow across the horizon. Airi glanced at Izuna, her heart feeling light and full. She hadn’t expected to feel this way, especially not after just one outing, but something about him made everything feel… right.

  Izuna stopped, turning to face her with a gentle smile. “I had a really good time today, Airi.”

  Airi’s smile mirrored his. “Me too, Izuna. Thanks for today. I didn’t expect it to be so… nice.”

  He tilted his head slightly, eyes glinting with warmth. “There’s no need to thank me. I’m glad we could spend this time together.”

  There was a brief silence, and Airi felt her chest flutter again. She wasn’t sure if it was the perfect sunset, the calming breeze, or the way Izuna was looking at her, but something inside her shifted again.

  She couldn’t deny it any longer—she was beginning to feel something for him. Something more than friendship. Something deeper.

  “Well, I guess I should get going,” Airi said reluctantly, trying to break the growing tension. “I’ve got work tomorrow, and I don’t want to keep you too late.”

  Izuna nodded, though his eyes lingered on her for a moment longer than usual. “Yeah, me too. But we’ll figure out another time to hang out soon, right?”

  Airi smiled, nodding. “Definitely.”

  As they parted ways, Airi’s heart was still racing. She couldn’t help but replay the day in her mind—each conversation, each shared laugh, and the way they had seemed to click so naturally.

  It was becoming clear to her that this wasn’t just a casual hangout anymore. Something was blooming between them, and she wasn’t sure where it would go, but she was excited to find out.

  The days following Airi and Izuna’s walk in the park seemed to pass by in a blur. Airi found herself caught between her usual routine and the new emotions swirling within her. She couldn’t stop thinking about the day they spent together—the conversations, the shared laughter, and the easy comfort between them. Every time she saw Izuna, her heart fluttered a little more, and she couldn’t deny that something was growing between them.

  One morning, as she walked into the office, her thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice.

  “Airi, good morning!” Takumi Hoshikawa greeted her with his usual cheerful smile.

  Airi returned the smile, but her mind was still preoccupied with thoughts of Izuna. “Good morning, Takumi,” she replied, a bit distracted.

  Takumi noticed her distant expression and raised an eyebrow. “You seem a bit out of it today. Something on your mind?”

  Airi hesitated for a moment, not wanting to share too much. But Takumi had always been a good listener, so she decided to let him in a little. “It’s just… I’ve been hanging out with Izuna a lot lately. And, well…” Airi trailed off, unsure how to express her feelings without sounding too eager.

  Takumi’s eyes lit up with understanding. “Oh, I see. Is it serious?”

  Airi bit her lip, her thoughts racing. “I don’t know. I mean, we’ve been spending time together, but it’s still early, right? I don’t want to jump to conclusions.”

  Takumi chuckled softly. “It’s okay to feel excited about it, you know. Sometimes things just fall into place naturally.”

  Airi smiled at his encouragement, feeling a bit more at ease. “I guess you’re right. I’m just not sure what’s going to happen next.”

  “Just take it one step at a time,” Takumi said with a reassuring grin. “Don’t rush it. You’ve got to enjoy the ride.”

  Airi nodded, feeling grateful for his support. “Thanks, Takumi. I really appreciate it.”

  As she sat down at her desk and started her work for the day, Airi couldn’t help but think about Takumi’s words. Maybe she was overthinking things. After all, she had just started getting to know Izuna better. There was no need to rush into anything. She decided to focus on enjoying the time they spent together and see where it took them.

  Later that afternoon, Izuna texted her, his message simple yet enough to make Airi’s heart skip a beat.

  Izuna asked, “Hey, what are you up to? Want to grab some coffee later?”

  Airi smiled at the screen, her thoughts drifting back to their last meeting. She quickly typed out a response.

  Airi nodded, “I’d love that. Let’s meet at the usual place?”

  The reply came almost instantly.

  Izuna replied, “Sounds perfect. See you there in a bit.”

  Airi’s stomach fluttered with excitement. The idea of spending more time with Izuna was enough to make her forget about any lingering doubts. She quickly finished her work, eager for the time to pass so she could see him again.

  When the time finally arrived, Airi met Izuna at the café, just as they had done before. This time, however, there was a different energy between them. Something had shifted—maybe it was the quiet understanding, the way their conversations had deepened. Airi couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but it felt like they were on the verge of something more.

  Izuna was already sitting at their usual spot, a cup of coffee in front of him. He looked up as she approached and smiled warmly, his eyes lighting up when they met hers.

  “Hey, Airi,” Izuna greeted her, his voice soft yet inviting.

  “Hey, Izuna,” she replied, sitting down across from him. “How’s your day been?”

  “It’s been good. Busy, but good,” Izuna said with a shrug. “I’ve been looking forward to this though.”

  Airi smiled, feeling the same way. “Same here.”

  They spent the next few hours talking, just like before. It felt natural, like no time had passed since their last meeting. There were no awkward silences, no forced topics—just two people enjoying each other’s company.

  At one point, Airi caught herself laughing at one of Izuna’s jokes, her heart feeling light. She couldn’t help but wonder if he was feeling the same pull she was. The way he looked at her sometimes, the little glances, the soft smiles—it all felt like there was something more beneath the surface.

  After a while, the conversation turned to more personal topics. They began to open up more, sharing thoughts and feelings they hadn’t voiced before.

  “So,” Izuna began, looking at her with a slightly more serious expression, “you’ve mentioned a lot about work and hobbies, but what about your dreams? What do you really want to do in life?”

  Airi blinked, surprised by the question. She thought for a moment, unsure how to respond. “I don’t know… I’ve always wanted to help people, you know? Like, make a difference. But I guess I’m still figuring out the best way to do that.”

  Izuna nodded thoughtfully. “That’s a good dream. I think you’ll get there.”

  Airi smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. There was something so reassuring about his words. “What about you? What are your dreams?”

  Izuna hesitated, his gaze drifting down to his coffee cup for a moment. When he looked back up, there was a certain intensity in his eyes. “I think I’m still figuring that out too. But I want to be someone who can protect the people I care about. Make sure they’re safe and happy.”

  Airi’s heart skipped a beat at the sincerity in his voice. She could see how much he cared for those around him. It made her feel even more drawn to him.

  “I think that’s a really admirable goal,” Airi said softly. “I can see you doing that.”

  For a moment, they just sat there, the words lingering in the air between them. Airi felt a sense of peace wash over her. Whatever was happening between them, she was excited to see where it would go.

  As the evening wore on, they eventually said their goodbyes, promising to see each other soon. Airi walked home, her heart full, her mind buzzing with the possibilities.

  She didn’t know exactly where this relationship with Izuna would take her, but she was willing to find out—one step at a time.

  The next few days after Airi and Izuna’s coffee meeting felt a little different. There was an undeniable shift in the air. Their connection had deepened, even if they hadn’t spoken about it openly. Airi found herself smiling more, especially when she caught herself thinking about him in the middle of her workday. Every little interaction with him—whether it was a text or a brief moment at the office—left her with a warm feeling that lingered long after.

  But despite the quiet excitement, there were still moments when Airi’s insecurities crept up on her. She had always been cautious with her emotions, not wanting to rush into anything too quickly. Yet, when she was with Izuna, she couldn’t help but wonder if there was something more. The way he made her laugh, how he listened so intently to her thoughts—it felt special.

  One day, as Airi walked to the office, she bumped into Takumi, who had a knowing smile on his face.

  “Morning, Airi! You seem... different today,” Takumi said, his eyes glinting with mischief.

  Airi blinked in surprise, wondering if she was really that obvious. “What do you mean?”

  Takumi grinned. “Oh, come on, you’re practically glowing. Something’s definitely going on. Are you seeing someone?”

  Airi hesitated, feeling a little embarrassed. “It’s not like that, Takumi. I just... I’ve been spending more time with Izuna.”

  Takumi raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “Izuna, huh? Is it getting serious?”

  Airi bit her lip, unsure how to answer. “I don’t know. We’ve been hanging out, talking more, and... I don’t know, it just feels different.”

  Takumi chuckled, crossing his arms. “Sounds like you’re catching feelings. It’s fine, Airi. You deserve to be happy.”

  Airi felt her cheeks flush slightly, but she couldn’t deny that Takumi was right. There was something between her and Izuna, something she couldn’t quite explain. “I guess you’re right. But I don’t want to rush anything. I want to see where this goes.”

  “Good thinking,” Takumi said, his grin softening. “Just make sure you enjoy it. Sometimes it’s the little moments that count the most.”

  Airi smiled at him, grateful for his words. “Thanks, Takumi.”

  Later that afternoon, Airi received a text from Izuna.

  Izuna: Hey, Airi, do you want to grab lunch today? I found a new place nearby I think you’d like.

  Airi’s heart skipped a beat at the message. She quickly typed back.

  Airi asked, “Sounds great! What time?”

  Izuna said, “How about 12:30?”

  Airi replied, “Perfect. I’ll see you then!”

  Airi couldn’t help but smile as she put her phone down. The simple text had made her day. There was something about the way Izuna made everything feel effortless, yet special. It was easy to imagine them spending more time together like this.

  At lunch, the two of them met at the cozy café Izuna had mentioned. Airi arrived a little early, nervously scanning the room for him. Just as she started to worry he might have gotten caught up with something, she saw him walk through the door, his familiar smile lighting up his face.

  “Hey, Airi,” Izuna greeted, his voice warm as always. “Glad you could make it.”

  Airi smiled back, feeling a flutter of excitement. “Hey, Izuna. This place looks nice.”

  Izuna nodded, gesturing to the menu. “I thought you might like it. They have great coffee, too.”

  They ordered their food and found a table by the window, where the sunlight filtered through the glass and bathed the room in a soft glow. It felt peaceful, the kind of place where conversations flowed easily without any rush.

  “So, how’s work been for you lately?” Izuna asked, taking a sip of his drink.

  Airi shrugged slightly. “Busy, as usual. But it’s not too bad. I’ve been handling it okay. What about you?”

  Izuna leaned back in his chair, looking thoughtful. “Same here. Lots of stuff to do, but it’s all manageable. I’m glad we could take a break today, though.”

  Airi nodded, her thoughts drifting to the conversation she had with Takumi earlier. She decided to ask Izuna something that had been on her mind for a while.

  “Hey, Izuna,” she started, hesitating just a little. “You’ve been talking a lot about work and things you want to do... but what about... well, your personal life? Is there anyone special?”

  Izuna’s expression shifted slightly, as if he hadn’t expected the question. He looked down at his food for a moment before meeting her gaze. “I’ve been focused on a lot of things lately, but... I don’t know. I guess I haven’t really thought about it that much. But spending time with you these past few days... it feels different, in a good way.”

  Airi’s heart skipped a beat at his words. She didn’t want to assume too much, but hearing him say that made her feel a little braver.

  “I feel the same way,” Airi admitted, her voice soft but steady. “I enjoy spending time with you, Izuna. I don’t know what the future holds, but I’m glad we’re getting to know each other better.”

  Izuna smiled, a little sheepish but sincere. “Yeah, me too. I’m glad we’re doing this. I’d like to see where it goes.”

  Airi’s heart fluttered, the words hanging in the air between them. It wasn’t a declaration of love, but it was something more—a shared understanding that this connection was something worth nurturing.

  As they finished their lunch, the conversation turned lighter again, filled with jokes and laughter. But in the back of Airi’s mind, the thought lingered: she was ready to see where this would go, even if it meant stepping out of her comfort zone.

  After they finished, they parted ways with a promise to meet up again soon. Airi walked home, her thoughts swirling. Whatever came next, she was ready to face it—one step at a time.

  The days after Airi and Izuna’s lunch together felt like a new chapter. They exchanged messages more frequently, their conversations light and playful, but with an undeniable hint of something deeper. Airi couldn’t quite place it, but there was a certain warmth in her heart every time she saw his name pop up on her phone.

  On the other hand, Izuna seemed more relaxed around her, his usual stoic expression softening when they talked. Airi caught herself looking forward to their interactions, whether it was a text or a quick chat when they saw each other at work.

  However, as things began to feel a little more serious between them, Airi couldn’t shake the feeling that she was still holding back. She was afraid—afraid of rushing into something, afraid of getting hurt, or perhaps, afraid of opening up too much. Still, she knew that whatever this connection was, it was worth exploring.

  One evening, Izuna sent her a message asking if she was free to meet up again. Airi felt a little thrill at the message, smiling as she typed her response.

  Airi said, “Of course! When and where?”

  Izuna asked, “How about tomorrow? I was thinking of grabbing dinner at that new ramen place you mentioned last time.”

  Airi nodded, “Sounds perfect. What time?”

  Izuna said, “05:30 PM?”

  Airi said, “Great! I’ll see you there. But... Nothing.”

  The excitement in Airi’s chest grew. She had been to the ramen shop a couple of times before, but now that it was with Izuna, it felt different—special, even.

  The next evening, she arrived at the ramen shop right on time. As she walked in, the smell of rich broth and spices filled the air, instantly making her stomach growl. She scanned the tables for Izuna and spotted him sitting in a corner booth, looking as calm and composed as ever, though there was a hint of anticipation in his eyes as he saw her approach.

  “Hey, Airi,” Izuna greeted, standing up to pull out the chair for her. “Glad you could make it.”

  Airi smiled and sat down, her heart fluttering. “Thanks for inviting me. I’ve been craving ramen all day.”

  Izuna chuckled. “I figured you might be. I’m looking forward to it too.”

  They both settled into the menu, discussing their favorite types of ramen and the different toppings they liked. As they placed their orders, they naturally fell into a rhythm of casual conversation. It felt comfortable, easy, but there was something unspoken between them that made Airi’s heart race.

  After a short while, their bowls of steaming ramen arrived, and they dug in, savouring the rich flavours. It wasn’t long before the conversation turned to lighter topics—work, mutual friends, and little anecdotes from their pasts.

  “So,” Airi began, her voice slightly hesitant as she set down her chopsticks. “I’ve been meaning to ask you... how do you handle the whole ‘dating’ thing? I mean, I’ve never really been good at it.”

  Izuna paused mid-bite, looking at her thoughtfully. “Dating? Well, I guess I don’t really have any special formula for it. I just try to be myself and see where things go. Why? Are you asking for advice?”

  Airi laughed nervously, rubbing the back of her neck. “I’m just curious. It’s not like I’ve been on many dates... but with you, I just feel like everything’s different.”

  Izuna’s gaze softened. “I get that. For me, it’s not about the formalities or how many dates we go on. It’s about the connection. And with you, Airi... I feel like there’s something real.”

  Airi’s heart skipped a beat at his words. She didn’t know what to say at first. She wanted to say something in return, but her words felt stuck in her throat.

  Izuna smiled gently, sensing her hesitation. “It’s okay. I’m not in a rush. I just want to enjoy our time together, see where this leads.”

  Airi nodded, a smile forming on her lips. “I feel the same way. I’ve just never been good at being vulnerable, you know?”

  Izuna leaned back slightly, resting his elbows on the table. “I understand. But you don’t have to be afraid of that with me, Airi. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.”

  His words were simple, but they carried a weight that made Airi’s heart swell. It wasn’t just about dating or figuring out the future—it was about trust. She could feel herself letting go of some of the fear that had held her back.

  They continued eating, the conversation flowing easily, until they were both finished. As they stood up to leave, Airi felt a lightness in her chest, the kind of feeling you get when you’re with someone who truly cares.

  Outside, the cool evening air greeted them as they walked side by side toward the subway. It was quiet between them, but in the best possible way—comforting and peaceful.

  “Thanks for tonight, Izuna,” Airi said softly, her hands in her pockets. “I really enjoyed it.”

  “Me too,” Izuna replied, glancing over at her with a genuine smile. “It was nice to spend some time together outside of work.”

  Airi felt a little spark of courage in her chest as she looked up at him. “Do you think... we could do this again sometime?”

  Izuna’s smile widened, and without missing a beat, he responded, “I’d like that.”

  Airi felt a warmth spread through her at his words. They stood there for a moment, the sounds of the city humming around them. For the first time in a long while, Airi felt truly content. No pressure, no expectations—just the simple joy of being with someone who made her feel seen and heard.

  As they parted ways with a promise to meet up again soon, Airi walked home with a smile on her face, her heart lighter than it had been in a long time.

  The days following Airi and Izuna’s dinner date passed in a comfortable blur. They exchanged messages, laughed about work-related mishaps, and shared small glimpses of their lives outside the office. Airi found herself thinking about him more than she expected, and despite her usual wariness, there was something about Izuna that made her feel at ease.

  One particular afternoon, while Airi was sitting at her desk, she received a message from Izuna.

  Izuna said, “Hey, I was thinking about going to another café tomorrow after work. Would you like to join me?”

  Airi stared at the screen for a moment. A café date? It wasn’t anything extravagant, but there was something about it that made her smile. She felt a flutter of excitement in her chest.

  Airi replied with a great joy, “That sounds nice! You’re a café lover. What time will be it?”

  Izuna said, “How about 6 PM? I’ll meet you there.”

  Airi offered a smile and said, “Perfect! See you then.”

  Airi couldn’t help but smile at the simplicity of it. There was no pressure, no grand gestures—just a quiet moment to spend together after a long day. It felt nice, even though she still couldn’t fully explain the warmth spreading through her every time she thought about Izuna.

  The next evening, after a long day of work, Airi made her way to the café. It was a small, cozy place with soft lighting and a relaxed atmosphere. When she arrived, she saw Izuna already waiting at a corner table, his usual calm demeanor intact, but there was something different about the way he looked at her when she walked in. His eyes softened, and a small smile tugged at his lips.

  “Hey, Airi,” he greeted, standing up to pull out the chair for her.

  “Hi, Izuna,” Airi said, her voice a little softer than usual. She took a seat, still feeling a little giddy at the thought of spending time with him. “This place is cute.”

  Izuna nodded, his smile widening. “I thought you might like it. I come here sometimes when I want to relax after work.”

  Airi nodded, glancing around the room. The ambiance was perfect—quiet enough for a conversation, but with just the right amount of background noise to make it feel like they weren’t the only two people there.

  As they sat down and started talking, Airi felt the same easy rhythm between them that she had come to enjoy. The conversation flowed naturally from topic to topic, from favorite foods to recent TV shows they’d been watching. Every now and then, their eyes met, and Airi couldn’t help but feel a little spark—something unspoken, but undeniably there.

  At one point, the waiter brought over their drinks, and as Izuna reached for his cup, Airi’s hand brushed against his. It was a simple gesture, nothing more than a fleeting touch, but it sent a jolt of electricity through her. She quickly withdrew her hand, feeling her cheeks heat up, and tried to focus on something else.

  Izuna, however, had noticed. He looked at her with a slight tilt of his head, as if contemplating something. His eyes were warm, and his voice was low when he spoke.

  “You know, Airi,” he said, “I’ve really enjoyed spending time with you lately.”

  Airi looked up, surprised by the sincerity in his tone. “I’ve enjoyed it too,” she replied, her voice a little more vulnerable than she intended. She couldn’t help but wonder if he felt the same pull that she did.

  Izuna leaned back slightly in his chair, still watching her. “I think there’s something special about what we have. It’s not like anything I’ve experienced before.”

  Airi felt her heart skip a beat. “What do you mean?”

  Izuna’s gaze softened as he met her eyes. “I don’t know. It’s like... when I’m with you, I can just be myself. There’s no need to pretend or hold back. You make me feel like I can actually be open about things, and that’s rare for me.”

  Airi’s heart fluttered in her chest, and she could feel her breath catch in her throat. She hadn’t realized how much she wanted to hear those words until now. A part of her had been afraid—afraid that this connection was one-sided, afraid that she was just imagining things.

  But Izuna’s words felt real, and his sincerity made Airi feel something stir within her. She took a deep breath, feeling her nerves settle. “I feel the same way,” she said softly. “I’ve been a little scared, to be honest. But when I’m with you, everything feels... right.”

  Izuna smiled, a genuine warmth in his eyes. “Then maybe we should stop overthinking things and just let it happen, don’t you think?”

  Airi nodded, a smile slowly spreading across her face. “Yeah, I think you’re right.”

  The rest of the evening passed in a comfortable silence, both of them basking in the newfound understanding between them. When the check arrived, Izuna insisted on paying, and Airi didn’t argue, feeling a mix of gratitude and affection for him.

  As they left the café and stepped into the cool night air, Airi felt a sense of calm settle over her. She wasn’t sure what the future held, but for the first time in a while, she wasn’t afraid. Whatever happened between her and Izuna, she knew that it was something worth exploring.

  “Thanks for tonight,” Airi said as they reached the subway entrance. “It was really nice.”

  Izuna smiled and nodded. “I’m glad you had a good time. Let’s do this again sometime.”

  Airi’s heart skipped a beat, and she nodded in return. “I’d like that.”

  As they parted ways and Airi made her way home, her mind replayed the night’s events. She didn’t know where this would go, but she felt more certain than ever that this was just the beginning.

  The next morning, Airi woke up feeling unusually light. The events of the previous night played over in her mind like a sweet melody, each moment replaying in her thoughts with a sense of warmth and contentment. She had spent the evening with Izuna, and everything had felt... effortless.

  She rolled out of bed, stretched, and picked up her phone, her heart still fluttering as she saw the message from Izuna.

  Izuna wished, “Good morning, Airi! I hope you have a great day ahead!”

  A smile tugged at Airi’s lips. She quickly typed back:

  Airi also wished, “Good morning, Izuna! You too! Let’s make today a good one.”

  As she put her phone down, Airi realized that for the first time in a long time, she wasn’t worried. About work. About relationships. About where things were headed with Izuna. Everything felt clear, almost as if the world had suddenly opened up in front of her.

  But, of course, reality wasn’t always so simple. She glanced at the clock and quickly got dressed, brushing away any lingering thoughts of last night as she focused on her routine. She still had a full day of work ahead of her, and there would be plenty of time to think about Izuna later.

  At the office, Airi’s mind kept drifting back to the café. Every now and then, she found herself smiling to herself, but she quickly shook her head. She didn’t want to be one of those people who gushed about something too early, even if her heart couldn’t stop racing.

  Throughout the morning, her colleagues noticed her mood was brighter than usual, and Ren, in particular, couldn’t help but comment on it.

  “You seem... happy today,” Ren said, looking at her from over his desk. “Did something good happen?”

  Airi chuckled, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Nothing really. Just feeling a little more optimistic today.”

  Ren raised an eyebrow, his usual smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. “Optimistic? Is that what you call it now? I thought you were one of those ‘don’t show emotions’ types.”

  Airi felt her face flush slightly but laughed it off. “Maybe I’m changing,” she teased. “But it’s nothing serious, Ren. I’m just... in a good mood.”

  Ren grinned, clearly unconvinced. “I’ll believe it when I see it,” he said, winking before turning back to his work.

  Later in the day, Airi found herself in the break room, grabbing a cup of coffee when Athena walked in, looking bright and cheerful as always. She caught sight of Airi and grinned.

  “Hey! How’s it going?” Athena asked, pouring herself some coffee.

  Airi gave her a small smile. “Good. Actually, everything’s been good lately.”

  Athena’s eyes narrowed playfully. “Oh really? And what’s that smile about? You’ve been walking around with a grin all day.”

  Airi blinked, feeling her cheeks flush. “It’s nothing, really. I’m just... I went out last night, that’s all.”

  Athena’s eyes immediately lit up. “A date?” she asked with a teasing glint.

  Airi laughed nervously. “I wouldn’t really call it a date. Just... spending time together.”

  Athena gave her a knowing look. “Right, ‘spending time together.’ That’s what we call dates in the early stages. Come on, spill! How was it?”

  Airi hesitated for a moment before giving in. “It was nice. We went to a café and just talked. It was easy, you know? Like, we didn’t have to force anything. And we talked about... well, everything.”

  Athena’s eyes softened. “That sounds really sweet. I’m glad you had a good time.”

  Airi smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her at Athena’s words. “Yeah, it felt really natural. I think... I think I’m starting to like him more than I thought.”

  Athena raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Starting to? Airi, I can see it in your eyes already. You’re head over heels, aren’t you?”

  Airi froze, her face flushing even more. She didn’t know how to respond, so she just laughed nervously. “I don’t know about that... It’s just—it’s just new, that’s all.”

  Athena laughed and patted her on the shoulder. “It’s okay to admit it. You’re allowed to be happy, you know.”

  Airi took a deep breath, the weight of her thoughts shifting. For so long, she had been cautious, careful about her emotions. But now, with Izuna, she found herself allowing herself to feel something real—something she hadn’t allowed herself in a long time.

  Later that afternoon, as Airi returned to her desk, she received another message from Izuna.

  Izuna asked, “Hey, Airi, I was thinking about something for this weekend. How would you feel about going to the art exhibit I mentioned last time? I think you’d enjoy it.”

  Airi’s heart skipped a beat, and she immediately typed back:

  Airi replied, “That sounds amazing! I’d love to go with you.”

  She hit send, and as she sat back in her chair, a sense of excitement bubbled inside her. Things were moving slowly, but they were moving in the right direction. She couldn’t wait to see where this would take her. As the day came to a close, she couldn’t help but feel a little lighter. Life, for once, felt simple—and she liked it that way. Izuna had given her something she hadn’t realized she needed: a chance to feel truly alive again. And now, with the weekend ahead, Airi could already imagine the possibilities.