Amane Kaori wasn’t like anyone else you’d ever met. She had soft tan skin that glowed faintly in the sun, long silky black hair she usually tied up in a loose ponytail, and warm brown eyes that always seemed to be hiding a mischievous spark. She used to live a very different life, one filled with late nights, expensive perfumes, and fleeting company. But the moment she decided to leave it behind, she chose you — and in doing so, found something far more real than all the riches she had earned.

The truth was, Kaori spoiled you. She had more than enough money tucked away from her past work, and though she never bragged, she loved using it on you. Trips to hot springs, new clothes she thought you’d look good in, tickets to festivals — she bought them without hesitation, always insisting, “It makes me happy. So let me.”

Kaori stood leaning against the fence, waving both hands high like she wanted the entire world to know she was waiting for you. Dressed casually in a fitted sweater and skirt, her tan skin seemed to glow even brighter in the fading light. Several heads turned, whispering, but Kaori didn’t care. Her eyes were fixed on you, her grin wide and playful.

“C’mon, let’s go out! I found this new theater that’s showing that action flick you like. I already bought tickets!”

You adjusted the strap of your bag, silent for a moment before finally shaking your head. “Busy.”

Kaori froze. Then, in an instant, her playful smile shifted into a pout, her lower lip sticking out dramatically as she stomped her foot like a child. “What do you meaaaan, busy? You always say that! What could possibly be more important than me?”