New Year's Eve arrived, the city bursting with vibrant lights and celebratory energy. Friends gathered at a local festival, the air thick with laughter, the scent of warm food mingling with the chilly night. Yet, as the countdown to midnight began, Ren's heart felt heavy, weighed down by the distance he sensed between himself and Aiko.
"Let's take a group photo!" Mei shouted, pulling everyone together in a huddle, her excitement infectious.
They posed, arms around each other, and Aiko stood beside Ren. He caught a glimpse of her smile, but it felt forced, like a mask she wore to hide her true feelings.
As the clock struck twelve, fireworks erupted in a kaleidoscope of colors above them. Aiko turned to Ren, her eyes sparkling in the light. "Here's to new beginnings," she said, raising her drink.
"Let's hope we don't leave too much behind," Ren replied, the words escaping before he could stop them. Aiko's smile faltered for a moment, and Ren felt a pang of regret.
"Don't think like that!" she chided softly, but there was a hint of sadness in her voice that echoed his own feelings.