Haruki stood beneath a sakura tree that had yet to fully bloom. The spring breeze tousled his unruly hair as his eyes searched quietly for a figure he had longed to see—and at last, she appeared.

Evelyn arrived wearing a simple grey coat, her steps hesitant but steady. Their eyes met. For a moment, no words were exchanged—only a long gaze, like two strangers who were once incredibly close.

“Thank you for coming,” Haruki said softly, touching the edge of his smile with shy awkwardness.

Evelyn gave a small nod. “You said this was about a project, right?” Her tone was neutral. Not cold, but not inviting either.

They sat...