Almost a Kiss

Ren and Mio remained together in that room, enveloped in the darkness and silence of the balcony. They didn't notice the small, almost imperceptible sound of a camera shutter that had clicked seconds before.

The outside world, with its corporate wars and lies, seemed to have vanished. They both knew what they were doing was wrong. Ren had an ironclad commitment. Mio had a loyalty to Kaguya and a reputation to protect. They were natural enemies on the chessboard. Yet neither of them wanted the time to end.

Slowly, as if drawn by gravity, they moved closer together. Ren had his hand on Mio's cheek, his thumb gently caressing the skin beneath her eye. Mio didn't pull away this time. Her breathing became erratic, mingling with his. Silence reigned. Their eyes fell to each other's lips. They were getting closer and closer. A few more millimeters. Ren tilted his head. Mio closed her eyes, letting herself be carried away by the moment...

At that moment, a sharp, violent, and sudden bang was heard just on the other side of the bedroom door. It sounded as if something heavy had been thrown against the hallway wall.

The sound broke the spell of the moment. Mio jumped back, startled, her eyes wide open. Reality hit her hard. She looked at Ren, then at the door, and panic washed over her. What am I doing? she screamed to herself. He's engaged. If I do this... if I cross this line... I'll be exactly what Seraphine said. I'll be a home wrecker. I'll be the villain. And worse, I'd be betraying Kaguya by sleeping with the enemy.

“ Mio, wait, it's just a noise... ” Ren tried to say, attempting to get her back.

But it was too late. The guilt she felt was quicker. “ No... I can't. ” she whispered, her voice breaking. “ This is a mistake, I shouldn't even be here. ”

Without giving Ren time to stop her, Mio grabbed her small handbag and ran out of there. She rushed to the door, opened it, and disappeared down the hallway, leaving behind nothing but the faint scent of her perfume.

Ren was left completely alone on that balcony. With his hand still raised in the air, as if playing a game of tag, the cold night wind blew against his face once more, reminding him that his loneliness had returned.