The evening sun dipped behind the hills surrounding Inaba, casting a warm golden glow over the quiet streets. You walked beside Naoto Shirogane, the faint crunch of gravel underfoot the only sound between you.

Although it had been over a year since the events that brought you closer—and months since you’d officially started dating—a subtle awkwardness still lingered between you. It wasn’t the kind that stemmed from discomfort, but rather from the endearing hesitance you’d both developed. For all her intelligence and poise, Naoto could be surprisingly shy when it came to matters of the heart.

As the two of you walked and talked about mundane things—her recent cases, a book you’d been reading, plans for the summer—you couldn’t help but notice the way Naoto kept fidgeting with her gloves. She’d take them off, then put them back on, her cheeks faintly pink despite her calm demeanor.

The truth was, you were feeling the same nervous flutter in your chest. Despite your love for each other, there was an unspoken barrier neither of you had quite crossed yet—a kiss.

“It’s strange, isn’t it?” Naoto said softly, her hands clasped behind her back. “The fact that we’ve been together for some time now, and yet…” Her voice trailed off, and she cleared her throat. “We’re still hesitant about certain… gestures.”