Through Every Lifetime

Miyabi cleared her throat, cheeks pink from being put on the spot by the doctor.

-It’s been a long time, hasn’t it?

Rin studied her, taking in Miyabi like someone flipping through an old photograph, faces and moments flashing across her mind. Hesitantly she stepped forward and then, as if restraint could no longer hold, threw herself into a tight, sobbing hug.

-Miyabi, I’m so sorry. I’m sorry for everything, keeping secrets, for being stupid, for leaving without a word. I’m sorry for every single thing I did to you.

Miyabi couldn’t hold back either; tears fell freely as she hugged Rin back. The two of them clung to each other until laughing and crying blurred into something almost relieved. The head doctor offered the smallest, embarrassed smile and excused himself, giving them the space they needed. Miyabi dabbed at her cheeks and scanned Rin from head to toe with that frank, familiar curiosity.

-You’ve gone back to your old self. I missed your hair, you know.

Rin gave a nervous laugh.

-I won’t lie and say everything’s been perfect. Just recently I nearly made the same dumb mistake and tried to handle everything on my own. Luckily, Luca barrelled in and saved me.

She looked at Luca with a warm smile. Miyabi circled him like she was appraising an old friend’s growth, a small grin tugging at her lips.

-Hmm… it can’t be. You’re really little Luca from all those years ago. Heh I remember you crying in the park. You were so cute.

Miyabi mussed his hair and Luca glowed like someone sunlight had just found.

-It’s nice to see you again, Miyabi. Thanks for looking after me back then.

They traded small confessions and big changes where life had taken them, what they’d learned, the silly things that still stuck. Miyabi spoke up first, warm and teasing.

-Ooh, so you work at a coffee shop now, Rin? I’ll definitely have to stop by. And Luca, you’ve had it rough, but looking at you now seeing the two of you together my poor heart is melting. My babies are in love.

She wiped at noiseless tears, not from pain but because the sight of Rin and Luca together made everything feel too tender. Rin giggled and returned the compliment.

-You’re amazing too, Miyabi. All the hospitals we checked praised your grades said they wished they could have you. You’ve clearly been working hard.

Miyabi blushed, embarrassed and pleased.

-Oh gosh, that’s embarrassing. Most of those were people who reached out to me. I’d always planned to stay here for work-study.

Luca blinked.

-Wait, but the head doctor said that list of hospitals was chosen because of you. If you planned to stay here

Miyabi laughed awkwardly and bowed her head in mock guilt.

-I’m sorryyy. It’s my faultI schemed with the head doctor. I told him that if a woman around my age ever came looking with hair like Rin’s, we’d play a tiny prank, just for fun.

Luca and Rin stared at her, then burst into laughter. Rin’s smile softened.

-What if I hadn’t changed my hair back? Or if I’d never come?

Miyabi’s eyes were bright and certain.

-Are you hearing yourself? The Rin I know would travel the world to find me. Fights don’t break us she's the most loving person I know.

Rin’s eyes filled again.

-MIYABI!

They hugged once more, then settled into easy, warm conversation. When it came time to part, they exchanged contact details and promises. Rin took Luca home; when they reached his car he stepped out and she followed. The night hummed around them.

-Umm, Luca thank you so much for staying with me today. I can’t thank you enough for all of it and

Luca pinched her cheek gently.

-You really are adorable, Rin.

Her face flamed. She turned, half-annoyed, half-melted.

-I am anything but adorable, mister. Whatever thank you. I’m heading back to Miyabi for a bit.

Luca hugged her from behind and rested his head on her shoulder. At first she tensed, then she let out a small sigh and relaxed into him.

-I’m not kissing you tonight. That’s your punishment for teasing me, Luca. But you can have this moment.

-My darling Rin, you are heartless. I assure you I will tease you again and take a kiss.

They lingered like that for a beat before Rin left for Miyabi’s place. Luca returned to his apartment and made a cup of tea, then stepped out onto his balcony to stare at the night sky. The city lights flickered like tired stars. He let his mind drift over all the crooked, beautiful steps that had brought him here. Then, as if conjured by his reflection, the image of his old self slid up beside him an accusation wrapped in nostalgia.

-You’re awfully cheerful, Luca. Don’t you ever wonder if you’re being used again? Look at you you’ve given yourself over already. You haven’t learned a thing, have you?

Luca laughed a little, more to steady himself than for humour.

-I should’ve known you’d show up. Hello, insecurities.

The memory-smile was ugly and familiar.

-Exactly. Come on, say it. Admit you doubt them your friends, this relationship. Say it out loud, Luca!

For a moment he could feel the old weight settling in his chest. Then he tilted his face to the sky, the first stars pricking the dark. The cold air tasted like truth.

-You’re wrong. My insecurities aren’t about them. I trust them with my life. I want to be someone worthy as a man, a friend, a boyfriend. I’m scared, sure, but that’s not the same as giving up.

His past-self receded, not vanishing but quieted. Luca exhaled, letting some of the small boy’s fear fall away.

-This time, I won’t drown in self-deprecation. I’ve got friends to share the weight.

Over the next few days he sought counsel, one friend at a time. First was Astra. They shoved a grocery trolley down crowded aisles, hunting for absurd items off Jane’s list. Astra’s energy was a bubble bright, ridiculous, and exactly what he needed.

-Thanks again for helping with the shopping, Luca. This list Jane gave me my word, it’s long. Shame the others were busy, but our little hero is here.

Luca pushed the trolley, hefting groceries with a grin.

-It’s no problem. But how will you get all this back?

Astra plopped a frozen turkey on top like a crown.

-Don’t worry about that. Now, why have you sought the guidance of the great Astra, young one?

He grinned at her enthusiasm and then, quietly, said what had been heavy in his chest.

-I’m scared. Scared of ruining this relationship, of making mistakes and losing her. What would Rin think if I mess up?

Astra put a finger to his lips, oddly soft.

-Luca, it’s okay to be scared. You’re human. What matters is you speaking to her. Voice your worries. Maybe she’s afraid too. Sharing it will make you stronger.

Light crept back into his face as they finished shopping. Astra called a cab to take her and the bags home, leaving Luca steadied by her words.

The next day he rode with Klaus and Nero. Nero lounged in the passenger seat with his arm out the window, wind teasing his hair.

-We haven’t had time together like this, huh? We definitely needed it.

Luca stuck his head out and breathed in the coastal air.

-This is great. Nice one, Klaus, getting a rental car and everything.

Klaus and Nero smiled at the sight of him finally looking at peace. Night found them at an observation deck, the city spread below like a glittering map. The three of them watched lights and people move like a living diorama. Klaus nudged Luca.

-Alright then what’s up with you, Luca?

Luca leaned on the rail and told them his worries. Nero answered first, steady and plain.

-Call it my silly way of seeing things, but that was then this is now. Your last relationship doesn’t have to define this one. Rin’s different. Don’t compare.

Klaus added his practical warmth.

-Nero’s right. Treat it like learning. Things will happen, good and bad. Don’t let fear keep you from what’s in your heart.

They bumped fists, the small ritual of their friendship.

-No matter what, keep pushing to the future!

Jane was next he found her outside the game store, skittering on her feet until he poked her shoulder and she jumped.

-What the hell, you did that on purpose, didn’t you? I know your kind, evil I say.

-You mean I intentionally scared you? Preposterous.

She didn’t believe him, but laughed, and together they went inside like a team on a quest. Jane’s confidence faltered in front of shop staff, but Luca’s calm steadied her. After a small victory getting what she wanted they sat on a bench and she gave him the same honest advice she’d gotten today from him.

-You already know the answer, Luca. Don’t overthink it. Be open. Treat it like an adventure bumpy, messy, and worth it.

Her words fit into him like a missing puzzle piece. He smiled and felt lighter.

Elena appeared as if called by fate, stern-sweet with big-sister energy.

-Astra and the boys told me you were seeking advice. Face your fears, little brother nothing more, nothing less.

She ruffled his hair, and he bowed like a chastened sibling.

-No more worrying, or I’ll be properly mad.

-I wouldn’t want that. I’ll do my best thank you.

When he arrived home, Makoto teased him as usual.

-You’re back. You’ve been everywhere. Can’t even make time for me.

-Sorry, Makoto. I just needed old friends.

Makoto listened, joked, and then gave the blunt kindness only longtime friends could. Across town, Miyabi and Rin sat on the floor of Rin’s small apartment, tea cooling between them. Miyabi was practical; she met Rin’s worries with quiet certainty.

-You two are obviously in love. Don’t overthink it, just talk.

Rin confessed the small, constant fear gnawing at her: will she be a good girlfriend? Will she hurt Luca? Miyabi squeezed her hand.

-You’re already doing better than you think. Just communicate.

That evening they all separate conversations winding toward the same truth and met again at the park where Luca had once confessed. Under the same tree, beneath the moon’s thin smile, they spilled what was heavy in them.

-Rin, I have a lot to tell you.

-I have a lot to tell you, too. You go first though; I said it first.

Luca started, voice wavering with earnestness.

-Rin, I love you. I just worry I won’t be enough. I’m scared I’ll make mistakes, that I’ll ruin this, that we’ll break up one day. I want to stay with you for a long time. There’s no one else I’d rather be with. I want to make you feel happy, loved, and cared for and everything. I just…

He stopped as Rin’s face crumpled and she took his hands, tears shining.

-There’s no one I want more than you, Luca. I’ve been terrified of not being able to make you happy, of bringing your past back into your life. I was foolish.

-No don’t apologize. I’m the foolish one. You make me allergic to sadness. You’re my greatest blessing.

They looked into one another and shared a kiss under the mute witness of the moon soft, solemn, full of promise.

Winter’s hush slid into the city and the Christmas and new years holidays came. They escaped to Hakone for the vacation they’d waited on. The ryokan felt like a secret carved into the mountains; cedar and polished wood greeted them, smelling like warmth. From the open-air baths, mist rolled over dark hills, and Mt. Fuji cut a patient silhouette in the distance. Steam rose like whispered prayers, wrapping them in hush. Their room breathed tatami, and the futons were soft lumps waiting to be collapsed into. Outside, lanterns swung, and the world seemed gently slowed.

By day they wandered in light yukata: sampling mochi, pausing at overlooks, watching clouds pass the mountain rim. Rin’s laughter chased the wind, and Luca memorized it like a map. Night came indigo and exhausted them both yet neither wanted the dream to end. They sat in their room, sipping warm liquids and planning to watch the fireworks from their veranda.

They didn’t realise their drinks were stronger than they’d expected. Tipsy in the best way loose-lipped, lighter-footed they almost made it to the shoji before they wobbled. Rin rose to turn on the lanterns and stumbled; Luca reached to steady her. Somehow balance failed them both and they collapsed into each other onto the futon, the night spilling wide above the dark window while fireworks began to bloom in the distance.

-Ugh, don’t look at me. I look like a mess.

Luca stared at her, more captivated than he’d ever admit.

-Rin, you’re the most beautiful woman I know and will ever know.

She averted her face, then pressed a hand to his cheek, voice small and sure.

-Luca… through every lifetime

-Rin… through all possibilities

Together they breathed, words sealing like a vow.

-I’ll trace you and tell you I love you every time.

Fireworks painted their silhouettes in flickering colour. Outside, the night moved onward; inside, time seemed to hold its breath. They crossed a threshold not with spectacle but with a soft, private promise. Morning found them still side by side, fingers laced, something new and steady nesting in their chest.