After Aki's confession under the sakura tree, my world began to shift in ways I hadn't thought possible. I felt like I was living in a dream—a place where someone saw me for who I was and genuinely cared. Whenever I thought of him, I could feel a warmth spreading through me, chasing away the loneliness I'd felt for so long. And when he asked me on a date, my heart nearly burst.
"Yua-san," he'd said with that playful glint in his eyes that always made my heart race. "What do you think about going out with me tomorrow? Like, you know… a date?"
My breath hitched. "A… a d-date?" I could barely believe what I was hearing. The thought of spending time alone with him, outside of school, felt too good to be true.
"Yeah, a date." He grinned, a light blush coloring his cheeks. "We could walk in the park, grab something to eat… or maybe just explore a bit. Whatever you want."
"I-I… I'd like that," I managed, hoping my face wasn't as red as it felt.
The next morning, I spent far too long staring into my closet, feeling unsure of what to wear. Nothing seemed right; everything felt either too plain or too much. After what seemed like ages, I decided on a pastel pink sweater and my favorite skirt. I glanced in the mirror, fingers nervously brushing my hair. Would he think I looked okay?
When I arrived at the park, Aki was waiting under a tree, hands in his pockets and his usual warm smile lighting up his face. My heart fluttered at the sight of him. I was so nervous I could barely breathe.
"You look beautiful, Yua," he said, his voice gentle. I felt my cheeks warm under his gaze, and I looked away, barely managing to mumble a thank you.
We started with a stroll along the winding paths of the park. Aki pointed out little things along the way—the funny way the ducks waddled near the pond, a squirrel darting up a tree with an acorn in its mouth, and an elderly couple who were laughing together on a nearby bench. He seemed so at ease, so comfortable in his own skin, and his joy was infectious.
"Look, Yua," he said, grinning as he nudged me lightly. "See that couple over there? That's us in fifty years."
I stifled a laugh, glancing down shyly. "Fifty years? You're thinking far ahead, aren't you?"
"Hey, I'm serious," he said, pretending to pout. "Don't you think we'd make a cute old couple? You, still looking adorable as ever, and me… probably still trying to make you laugh."
I couldn't help but giggle at the thought, a warmth blossoming in my chest. It was strange but comforting—how easily he could turn my insecurities into laughter.
We wandered further, eventually finding a cozy little café just outside the park. Aki ordered us both hot chocolate, insisting that I try the pastries. "The cream puffs here are legendary," he said, practically bouncing with excitement. "You'll love them, trust me."
We found a small table by the window, and as I took a sip of my hot chocolate, I felt his gaze on me. I looked up, caught off guard by the intensity in his eyes.
"What is it?" I asked, feeling self-conscious under his stare.
He leaned forward, resting his chin in his hand. "I was just thinking… about how happy I am to be here with you."
My heart skipped a beat. "I… I'm happy to be here with you, too."
Aki's expression softened. "You know, Yua, I still remember the first time we spoke—when you almost tripped and fell. I don't know if I ever told you this, but… I actually noticed you way before that."
I blinked, surprised. "You… did?"
He nodded, his gaze warm. "Yeah. I'd see you sitting at the back of the class, always looking so focused and lost in your thoughts. I wanted to talk to you, but you always seemed so… distant. I was afraid you'd think I was bothering you."
The idea of Aki being nervous about approaching me felt surreal. I'd always assumed he was the confident one, completely out of reach.
"I never thought you'd notice me at all," I admitted softly, staring down at my hands. "I thought… I thought someone like you would never look twice at someone like me."
He reached across the table, his hand resting on mine. "Yua, you're incredible. You have this quiet strength about you, and you see the world in a way that's… different. I knew there was more to you than what everyone else saw."
I felt tears pricking my eyes. "I always felt invisible," I whispered, "but you made me feel seen."
We sat like that for a while, hand in hand, both of us just breathing in the moment. I realized then that Aki saw me in a way no one else had, and that alone filled me with a joy I couldn't quite describe.
After our coffee, we returned to the park, and Aki spotted a little boat rental by the pond. "Want to go for a boat ride?" he asked, his eyes shining with excitement.
I hesitated. "I… I've never been on one before."
"Perfect! Then it'll be a new adventure for both of us." He took my hand, leading me toward the boats. The boat rocked a little as we stepped in, and I held onto the sides, feeling a bit unsteady.
Aki chuckled, taking the oars. "Don't worry, Yua. I won't let us tip over." He started rowing, and I slowly relaxed, watching the water ripple around us. The pond was quiet and calm, reflecting the sky above, and a few ducks drifted by, eyeing us curiously.
"Isn't this nice?" he asked, his voice soft.
I nodded, glancing over at him. The way the sunlight hit his face made his smile seem even warmer. "Yes… it's perfect."
We drifted for a while, talking about everything and nothing. Aki told me about his favorite childhood memories, his silly dream of one day traveling the world, and his hope to learn the guitar well enough to play for someone he loved. I found myself opening up to him, telling him about my own dreams—how I wanted to write stories that could help people feel less alone, the way I always had.
As we floated there, I felt a strange sense of peace settle over me, like I was exactly where I was meant to be.
When we finally returned to shore, we continued walking, eventually finding a quiet spot under a cherry blossom tree. We sat down, watching as the sun dipped lower, casting the park in soft golden light. Aki turned to me, looking unusually serious.
"Yua," he began, his voice barely more than a whisper, "I… I want to tell you something."
My heart thudded in my chest as I looked at him. "Yes?"
He took a deep breath, reaching up to tuck a stray strand of hair behind my ear. His fingers lingered on my cheek, his gaze searching mine. "I really like you, Yua. I've liked you for a long time."
My breath caught. "Aki…"
Before I could say anything more, he leaned in, his face inches from mine. "Is it… okay if I kiss you?"
I nodded, unable to find my voice. Slowly, he closed the distance, his lips brushing mine in a gentle, tentative kiss. It was soft and warm, filling me with a sensation I'd never known before. I closed my eyes, letting myself get lost in the moment, feeling his hand cupping my cheek as our lips moved together, delicate and sweet.
When he pulled back, he looked at me, his cheeks pink but his eyes shining with happiness. "I… I'm sorry if that was too sudden."
I shook my head, smiling shyly. "No, it was… perfect."
He reached for my hand, and we sat there, fingers intertwined, watching the sun dip below the horizon. The park was quiet, the world bathed in twilight, and in that moment, I knew my life would never be the same.
Aki leaned over, resting his head on my shoulder. "Yua," he murmured, "thank you for today. I'm… I'm so glad we're here together."
I squeezed his hand, feeling my heart swell with a joy I'd never felt before. "Me too, Aki."
As the last rays of light faded, we stayed like that, wrapped in the warmth of each other's presence, knowing that whatever came next, we'd face it together.
POLAR OPPOSITE PART : FINAL : FIRST DATE