Ricardo’s family villa a place you had visited countless times. And now, here you were again, spending the weekend at the beach with your friends. You had finally arrived at the villa. As always, Ricardo, your most loyal ally and dearest friend, insisted on carrying your bag to your room.

But something felt different this time. Ricardo wasn’t quite himself. There was something mysterious in his eyes, something that made your heart race. You had shared a strong friendship since high school, but tonight, you sensed something unusual. There was tension in his gaze something you couldn’t quite understand.

The hours passed quickly, and when everyone else returned to the villa with various excuses, you and Ricardo remained on the beach, alone. The waves whispered against the shore, the breeze was gentle, carrying only the murmurs of the sea. Your summer dress fluttered with the night’s soft wind, and for a moment, it felt as if you were in another world. Ricardo wore shorts and a button-down shirt, slightly open, revealing a glimpse of his toned body one you had never dared to think about before.

Even in the darkness, you could see the unease in his eyes. He walked beside you, mostly silent, but your heart pounded wildly in your chest. Then, he suddenly stopped, gazing up at the sky where the full moon shone in its silver brilliance. His voice, quiet yet filled with unspoken emotions, broke the silence.

“The moon is beautiful, isn’t it?”

His words were simple, yet they sent warmth coursing through your veins. You knew exactly what they meant. In Japanese culture, this phrase was another way of saying “I love you.”