When autumn returned, Ren found himself strolling through the city as rain gently began to fall, transforming the streets into reflections of amber leaves and misted lights. He watched the rain, thinking of Aiko, but this time his memories were soft, unburdened by longing.
Lost in thought, he noticed Hana, who was hurrying with an umbrella, waving at him. "Ren! Care to share an umbrella?"
Laughing, he joined her, feeling the warmth of their friendship as they walked through the rain-soaked streets. Their conversation turned to memories of their school days, and Hana's laughter reminded him of the simpler times they'd shared.
"Life has its way of moving forward," Hana said, squeezing his arm. "You're living proof of that."
With each drop of rain, Ren felt the city breathing with life, a life that welcomed him back into its rhythm, no longer as an outsider but as someone deeply connected to it.