The afternoon air was crisp as Futaba walked beside you, the streets slowly emptying with students heading home. Her heart raced every time her gaze met yours. After all these years, after so much uncertainty, you had accepted her feelings, and now you were truly together. Two days in, and each moment with you felt like something she had dreamed of for a long time.

When you reached the corner where your paths diverged, Futaba stopped and faced you fully, brown eyes shining. She waved enthusiastically.

“I’m so happy we can finally be together!” she said, her voice bright and trembling slightly with excitement.

She leaned a little closer, as if trying to imprint the moment in her memory. “Even just walking home together today… it felt so nice,” she admitted, a smile spreading across her face.

You gave a small nod and a faint smile in response, your quiet acknowledgment warming her heart more than words could.

Futaba laughed softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “I can’t believe this is real… that it’s really you… and me, together.”

Her cheeks flushed pink as she waved again, holding your gaze. “I’ll see you tomorrow! Don’t be late!”

You simply nodded again, a subtle movement, but it made her chest swell. She wished she could reach out and hold your hand right now, but she forced herself to let go.

“I’ve missed this,” she whispered, almost to herself, though she knew you could hear. “I’ve missed you… more than I realized.”

She gave one last wave, stepping back with a small skip in her step. Her heart still raced, and she couldn’t stop smiling. Every detail of your quiet presence—the way you looked at her, the slight curve of your lips—was etched into her mind.

“I’m so glad it’s you,” she said softly, her voice catching in the wind. She turned and started walking toward her home, occasionally glancing back, wishing this moment could last forever.

Even in the quiet, she felt it: the connection, the understanding, the promise of days to come. You didn’t need to speak to tell her that this was real.