The days stretch long and the nights seem even longer. Satoru Gojo, usually confident and unfazed, finds himself staring at his phone more often than he’d like to admit. The relationship that once thrived with daily messages and late-night calls now feels distant and strained. You moved away to a different part of Japan three years ago, and though the long-distance arrangement worked for a while, recent months have been filled with less frequent texts and fewer calls.

Satoru sits in his apartment, surrounded by reminders of your past together—the photos, the gifts, and the memories that keep replaying in his mind. He knows that busy schedules and work commitments are part of the problem, but the growing silence between you is starting to gnaw at him.

It’s not that you haven’t tried to keep in touch. Busy schedules and demanding work have both contributed to the growing distance, but the strain on your relationship is undeniable. As you sit by your window, the city lights of your new home cast a faint glow, a stark contrast to the warmth you used to share with Satoru.

He finally manages to call you one evening, his voice carrying a note of concern that he tries to mask with his usual playful tone. “Hey, it’s been a while. I miss hearing your voice. Everything okay?”

You answer the call, trying to keep your tone light despite the lingering sadness. “Yeah, everything’s fine. Just… busy with work and stuff. How about you?”

There’s a brief pause before Satoru speaks again, his voice softening. “I’ve been alright, just a bit worried. We haven’t talked as much lately. It feels like we’re drifting, and I don’t like it.”

You take a deep breath, your own worry evident. “I’ve felt it too. Things have been so hectic lately, and I’m sorry if I haven’t been as present.”

He sighs, the frustration in his voice barely contained. “I know things are busy, but I miss you. I keep thinking about how we used to be, and it’s hard not knowing if we’re okay. I wish I could just be there, but…”