Hope

The appointment was set for 7:00 PM.
There was a beautiful red sunset, reminiscent of the dream from a few days ago. Wanting to be early, I left half an hour in advance and arrived there at 6:40. The meeting point was at the park's entrance. 

After 5 minutes, Aya arrived. It seemed she wanted to be early too. She appeared a bit tense. "Hi, Aya."
"Hi, Shin. So, what do you have to tell me?"
She also seemed a bit impatient. I replied:
"Not yet. This isn't the right place."
"Huh?! Then why did you choose the park as our meeting spot?"
I answered enigmatically, telling her:

"Follow me."
Though initially reluctant, she eventually decided to follow. 

We were walking inside the park. There was a light breeze. Aya was very perceptive, and she understood where I was taking her.
"Very well.", she said with a tense tone.
We were walking toward the cherry blossom tree in the park.
I intended to recreate the setting from Aya's story as much as possible.
Once we were beneath the tree, we stopped.

I was about to tell her how I felt.
Normally, I'm not the confession type. I've noticed Aya's certain interest in me by reading her story, so I feel a bit more confident about what I'm about to do. Otherwise, I'm not sure I would've done it. Even though it's not my style, I admit there's a special atmosphere in this moment. 

I was about to start speaking, but I still needed a bit more courage. Aya had her head lowered, visibly emotional, avoiding my gaze. Suddenly, something unexpected happened. She began to speak. 

"Shin, I know what you're about to say. But I'd prefer to tell you first. It's been weighing on me for quite some time. Whatever happens, I want you to stay by my side." 

I was a bit caught off guard when she mentioned wanting to relieve herself of a burden, but considering what she had been through, it was more than understandable. 

"Shin... during these days, when we've been writing our stories, it's been truly enjoyable. We've laughed, joked, shared interesting opinions, and helped each other. I haven't felt alone, and spending time with you has given me another reason to keep going." 

I didn't know Aya had suffered so much. 

"But Aya, I don't know if I'll be able to make you happy, let alone provide emotional support. That's what really concerns me."

 She looked at me sweetly.
"Shin... You've already provided emotional support to me, especially during the toughest times. You're definitely skilled at lifting people's spirits. Believe more in your potential..."

"Aya..."

"Shin, I'm content with my story. Even though I'm just starting out, I feel like I've poured my heart into the work I've written. This way, I won't have any regrets."
"I understand. Same goes for me. It's been a lot of fun writing, especially together." 

Aya's eyes sparkled. And that's when Aya asked me something... 

"Shin... how about you and I write a story together?" 

I smiled and nodded.
We locked eyes intensely.
Her eyes were glistening.

Before we knew it... 

Our lips touched.