Sakura's alarm blared at 5:30 am. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes, excitement coursing through her veins. Today was the photo shoot with Kaito.
As she dressed, Sakura's mind wandered to their coffee date. Kaito's easy smile and genuine interest had put her at ease.
At 6 am sharp, Kaito knocked on her door. "Ready?"
Sakura grabbed her bag and followed him to his car.
The morning light cast a golden glow over the city as they arrived at the cherry blossom park. Sakura gasped at the breathtaking scenery.
Kaito handed her a camera. "Want to try?"
Sakura hesitated before taking the camera. Kaito guided her through the settings, their hands touching briefly.
"Capture the light," Kaito whispered, his breath tickling her ear.
Sakura's heart skipped a beat.
As they photographed the blossoms, Sakura found herself relaxing in Kaito's presence. His passion for photography was infectious.
During a break, Kaito pulled out a sketchbook. "I draw when I'm not shooting."
Sakura's eyes widened at his talent. "You're amazing!"
Kaito chuckled. "Thanks. I find inspiration everywhere."
Their gazes met, and Sakura felt an undeniable connection.
After the shoot, Kaito dropped Sakura off at her shop. "Thanks for today. You're a natural."
Sakura smiled. "Thanks for showing me the city's beauty."
As Kaito drove away, Sakura couldn't shake the feeling that their connection was blossoming into something more.
Natsumi burst into the shop, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "Spill!"
Sakura blushed. "It was amazing. He's so talented."
Natsumi grinned. "And handsome?"
Sakura's cheeks flushed deeper.
Natsumi's laughter filled the shop. "I knew it! You're falling for him!"
Sakura's smile betrayed her.
As Sakura and Kaito parted ways after the photo shoot, Sakura couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement. She had enjoyed his company immensely.
That evening, Sakura received a text from Kaito:
"Would you like to join me for dinner tomorrow?"
Sakura's heart skipped a beat. She had been looking forward to seeing him again.
But as she hesitated, doubts crept in. She wasn't ready for a romantic dinner, was she?
"Kaito, I'm sorry. I have a prior commitment tomorrow," Sakura typed, trying to sound casual.
"Everything okay?" Kaito replied.
"Yes, just some family obligations," Sakura fibbed.
"Maybe another time, then?" Kaito asked.
"Definitely," Sakura replied, feeling a pang of guilt.
As she put down her phone, Sakura couldn't shake off the feeling that she had just missed an opportunity.
Natsumi walked into the room, noticing Sakura's contemplative expression.
"What's wrong?" Natsumi asked.
Sakura sighed. "Kaito asked me to dinner, but I turned him down."
Natsumi's eyes widened. "Why?"
Sakura shrugged. "I don't know. I just wasn't ready, I guess."
Natsumi's expression softened. "You're scared, Sakura."
Sakura nodded, tears welling up.
"You need to face your fears, Sakura. Kaito might be the one to help you heal."
Sakura smiled weakly. "Maybe you're right."
But for now, Sakura couldn't shake off the feeling that she had just made a mistake.