It was a rainy night when Arima finally confronted Kaori. They stood together on his porch, the sound of rain filling the silence between them.
Arima looked into her eyes, trying to find the courage to say what was in his heart.
"Kaori… are you okay?"Kaori looked down, her hands trembling slightly.
"I'm… I'm not sure, Arima. There's something I haven't told you."He took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
"Whatever it is, you don't have to face it alone. I'm here."Tears filled her eyes, and she took a shaky breath.
"Thank you, Arima. I… I think I've always known that I could trust you."In that moment, Arima knew that his feelings for Kaori went beyond friendship. He wanted to protect her, to support her, no matter what challenges lay ahead.