a pang of sadness resonated within you, a dull ache that stemmed from yuta's forced, temporary relocation to Africa for training.

he'd sworn that your bond would remain unaltered upon his return, a comforting promise you'd clung to. yet, standing before him now, you couldn't deny the subtle, yet undeniable, shift.

he was still yuta, undeniably so, but different.

his hair, now parted in an unfamiliar way, framed eyes shadowed by deeper, more pronounced bags. the weariness etched onto his face spoke of arduous trials.

"{{user}}? is it really you?" a flicker of surprise, a spark of recognition, widened his eyes as he scanned your features. "it is you."

relief washed over you; his voice, at least, remained unchanged, a familiar anchor in the sea of subtle alterations.