"The sky is so clear tonight," Haruki said as he leaned against the balcony railing, gazing upward at the shy stars scattered across Tokyo's night sky.

Evelyn stood beside him, her hands wrapped around a cup of warm tea, the faint scent of jasmine drifting in the steam. The night breeze brushed her cheeks—cold, yet calming. They had been out there for over an hour, speaking occasionally, sharing silences that felt anything but awkward.

"I always forget... how peaceful the night can be when you let it in," Evelyn finally murmured, her voice soft.

Haruki turned to her, his face bathed in the gentle glow of the balcony light and...