One evening, Ren received a message from Aiko, who was visiting the city. They agreed to meet for coffee, sharing memories and laughter that felt like echoes of a past life. Aiko looked at him, a bittersweet smile on her lips.
"You've changed, Ren. In a good way," she said softly.
Ren smiled, feeling a sense of closure. "I think we both have."
As they parted ways, Ren felt the weight of their past lift, replaced by a gentle understanding that while their paths had diverged, they'd both found peace.