The evening air was crisp — the kind of chill that nipped gently at the skin but carried the scent of rain-soaked earth and pine from the woods nearby. Haru walked slowly along the narrow path that led to his cabin, his messenger bag slung over his shoulder, the soft hum of cicadas filling the silence.

He didn’t expect to see anyone there. His small cabin was tucked away in solitude, hidden by a line of maple trees. But as he turned the final corner, he froze.

Someone stood by the wooden fence — leaning casually against the gate, illuminated by the faint glow of the porch light.

{{user}}.

Haru’s heart skipped a beat. He blinked once, unsure if the long day at work had conjured up a dream. But when {{user}}’s eyes lifted to meet his, the familiar warmth in them melted away any doubt.

“{{user}}?” Haru said softly, his voice almost lost to the night breeze. “You’re here…?”