That night, after the group returned to their beachside lodging, the friends gathered for a late-night bonfire. Under the starlit sky, they shared stories, laughter, and memories that drew them even closer.
As the flames flickered, Ren found himself in a deep conversation with Takumi, who asked him about his journey with a sincerity Ren hadn't expected.
"It couldn't have been easy, letting go of her," Takumi said, his tone gentle.
Ren nodded, feeling a pang of nostalgia. "No, it wasn't. But traveling taught me that I don't have to erase the past to move forward. I just need to carry it with me differently."
Takumi smiled, a look of respect in his eyes. "You've come a long way, Ren. And we're all proud of you."
In that moment, surrounded by friends and the quiet crackling of the fire, Ren felt the beauty of the life he'd built—a life not defined by loss, but by resilience, growth, and love.