Sakura couldn't shake off the feeling that she had missed an opportunity with Kaito. She confided in Natsumi, who listened attentively.
Natsumi's eyes sparkled. "Let's invite him to dinner! My place, tonight."
Sakura's cheeks flushed. "Are you sure?"
Natsumi nodded. "Yes! We'll make it a casual evening. No pressure."
Sakura texted Kaito, her heart racing.
"Sakura: Natsumi and I are having dinner at her place tonight. Want to join?"
Kaito's response came quickly.
"Kaito: Love to! What time?"
That evening, Natsumi's cozy apartment filled with the aroma of homemade cooking. Sakura helped with the final touches.
The doorbell rang. Kaito stood at the entrance, bearing a bouquet of sunflowers.
"Welcome!" Natsumi exclaimed.
As they sat down to dinner, conversation flowed effortlessly. Laughter and stories filled the room.
Sakura couldn't help but notice how naturally Kaito fit in.
Over dessert, Natsumi shared tales of Sakura's childhood escapades. Kaito chuckled, his eyes crinkling.
Sakura blushed, feeling at ease.
As the evening drew to a close, Kaito helped with the dishes.
"Thanks for tonight," Kaito said, his voice low. "I feel like I've known you both forever."
Sakura smiled, her heart skipping a beat.
"Anytime," Natsumi replied. "You're welcome here."
Natsumi yawned, stretching. "I'm exhausted. I'll leave you two to clean up."
Sakura nodded, watching Natsumi retire to her room.
Kaito turned to Sakura, his expression soft. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"
Sakura's heart fluttered. "Of course."
They stepped outside onto the balcony, the city lights twinkling below.
Kaito's voice dropped to a whisper. "Sakura, I have something to tell you."
Sakura's eyes met his, curiosity sparkling.
"I've known you before," Kaito said, his gaze intense. "We were childhood friends."
Sakura's breath caught. "What?"
Kaito's smile was nostalgic. "We grew up together, explored the park, shared secrets."
Memories began to resurface, hazy but familiar.
Sakura's eyes widened. "Kaito Nakamura?"
Kaito nodded. "The one and only."
Sakura's mind reeled, emotions swirling.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Sakura asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kaito's expression turned vulnerable. "I wanted you to remember on your own."
Tears pricked at the corners of Sakura's eyes.
"I'm sorry," Sakura whispered. "I forgot."
Kaito's fingers brushed against hers. "You're remembering now."
The touch sent shivers down Sakura's spine.
As the night air wrapped around them, Sakura processed the revelation.
"Sakura, I'm glad you remember," Kaito said softly.
Sakura smiled, feeling a deep connection. "Me too."
They stood there for a moment, lost in each other's eyes.
Then, breaking the silence, Kaito gestured inside. "We should clean up."
Sakura nodded, and together they tidied Natsumi's apartment.
As they finished, Kaito checked his watch. "I should get you home."
Sakura agreed, grabbing her bag.
Kaito walked her to his car, opening the door for her.
The drive was quiet, filled with comfortable silence.
As they arrived at Sakura's apartment, Kaito turned off the engine.
"Thanks for tonight," Sakura said, smiling.
Kaito's eyes crinkled. "Anytime."
He walked her to the door, his presence warm.
"Goodnight, Sakura," Kaito whispered.
Sakura's heart skipped a beat. "Goodnight."
With a soft smile, Kaito turned and left.
Sakura watched him go, feeling a sense of belonging.