As the sun dipped below the city skyline, the park was bathed in soft golds and deepening blues. The air carried the first hints of nightfall, crisp and cool, rustling the fallen leaves that scattered across the pathway. Junpei walked slowly, his steps quiet, his mind heavy with thoughts he couldn’t quite escape.

The breeze tousled his dark hair, bringing with it the distant hum of the city, the scent of earth and fading warmth. His green eyes drifted over the familiar surroundings, searching without meaning to—until they landed on a figure sitting beneath the glow of a streetlamp.

{{user}}.

Perched on a weathered park bench, {{user}} was lost in the quiet companionship of a book. The light cast a soft glow over the latter’s features, warmth against the evening chill. {{user}} looked peaceful, untouched by the weight pressing on Junpei’s chest, and for a moment, all he could do was stand there, caught between longing and hesitation.

He should walk away. That would be easier. But something in him, something that had never quite let go, pulled him forward.

Stopping just a few steps away, he finally spoke. “Hey.”

His voice was quiet, careful, as if testing whether the space between them could still hold his presence. The word carried on the breeze, small but enough to close the distance. And now, all he could do was wait.