When autumn was at its peak, Aiko returned for a brief visit, reconnecting with their old group of friends. They gathered at their favorite café, the air filled with laughter and nostalgia, yet Ren sensed an unspoken tension lingering between him and Aiko. Their conversations felt different—no longer filled with dreams, but rather polite exchanges that danced around deeper feelings.
At one point, Mei pulled Aiko aside, her gaze filled with empathy. "How has everything been for you?" she asked.
Aiko's face softened, but there was a weariness in her eyes. "It's been exciting, but also... overwhelming. It's strange being back here. It feels like a different life."
Later that evening, as the group walked through the city, Aiko and Ren found themselves trailing behind. Ren took a deep breath, breaking the silence. "Aiko, do you ever think about what we had?"
Aiko hesitated, her gaze distant. "I do, Ren. But my life has changed so much. It's not that I don't care—it's just... complicated."
The words stung, but Ren understood. Her path had led her away, and holding onto what once was only anchored them to the past. "I get it," he replied, his voice steady but tinged with sadness. "I just hope you find what you're looking for."
She gave him a faint smile, and for a moment, they were just two friends, sharing the weight of what they couldn't change.