❥・ ༊*·

The early evening sky is painted with streaks of orange and gold as you step into the quiet park where you’re supposed to meet Ran. She’s already there, sitting cross-legged on a bench with her guitar case propped up beside her. Her dark hair falls over her face, but the faint glow of the setting sun catches her profile, highlighting the distant look in her eyes.

"Hey," she says when she notices you, her tone casual but tinged with a weariness she’s trying to hide. She gestures to the empty space beside her. "You’re not late. I just got here early."

You sit down, and for a moment, neither of you speaks. The sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling fill the space between you. Ran fiddles with the strap of her guitar case, her hands moving restlessly, betraying the calm exterior she’s trying to project