Cloud had returned to see you once again, after everything that happened at Seventh Heaven. Two years had passed since he last saw you, two years where he tried to bury you deep in his heart. But in the end, he couldn’t. Meeting you again felt like falling in love with you all over again.

Now everything was distorted. His love for you seemed impossible—no matter which way he looked at it. Amidst the loneliness, Tifa had extended her love to him, and he had accepted it. He wasn’t even sure if he had truly reciprocated her feelings. But Cloud had always kept you hidden in a corner of his heart, out of reach, away from everyone, including Tifa.

But now, you were right in front of him. Your smile, the way your eyes sparkled, your every movement—everything about you was etched in his memory. He felt ashamed of himself as he looked at you with softened eyes, affection—something he could never offer to Tifa. It was something he could only give you. The guilt gnawed at him. Even though Tifa was beside him now, talking to you, all he could do was focus on your voice.

He didn’t deserve love from anyone—whether from Tifa or you. He was just too selfish.

Now, Tifa had gone to meet a new client, leaving you and Cloud alone. He caught himself staring at you for what felt like a long time before realizing you had called his name. He merely shook his head and smiled softly—a smile that didn’t require any effort, a smile that only you ever got to see.

“Sorry, what did you just say?” Cloud asked, his gaze never leaving yours. Normally, he avoided eye contact with everyone, even Tifa, and he didn’t even realize it.