Haruka woke up to the shrill, annoying sound of her phone vibrating on the nightstand. It was just her alarm. Groaning, she reached out with her eyes barely open and turned it off.
Still half-asleep, she sat up on the edge of her bed, stretching and yawning as the early morning sunlight seeped through her curtains.
For five minutes, she sat in a daze, trying to gather the energy to start her day. Finally, she stood and shuffled toward the kitchen.
She pulled out a slice of bread, popped it into the toaster, and set the kettle on the stove for her morning tea.
While waiting, she grabbed her work uniform from the drying rack and carefully folded it, placing it on the couch where she always prepared her outfit for the day.
The comforting aroma of toast snapped her out of her grogginess, and she quickly buttered the bread and poured her tea.
As she ate in silence, Haruka glanced at the clock, realizing she had just enough time to shower and get ready.
*Another day at Love 119,* she thought, her mind already running through the list of calls she might receive. Broken hearts, tearful confessions, and endless stories of love lost.
Yet, despite the emotional toll of her work, Haruka felt a small sense of purpose knowing she was helping others rebuild what they'd lost.
Her breakfast finished, Haruka placed her dishes in the sink and made her way to the bathroom. The sound of running water filled the apartment as she prepared herself for yet another unpredictable day at the call center.
After her shower, Haruka stepped out feeling slightly more awake but still weighed down by the monotony of her routine.
She slipped into her neatly prepared uniform, a plain yet professional blouse and skirt, and tied her hair into a loose ponytail.
Catching her reflection in the mirror, she paused for a moment, adjusting her collar and straightening her posture. "Another day," she murmured softly, trying to muster some enthusiasm.
Grabbing her bag and phone, she headed out the door, the crisp morning air hitting her cheeks as she stepped into the bustling streets.
The familiar sounds of the city greeted her: the hum of traffic, snippets of conversation from passing pedestrians, and the distant screech of train brakes.
She joined the steady stream of commuters, blending into the crowd as she made her way to the station.
Once on the train, Haruka leaned against the window, watching the buildings blur past as the train sped through the city.
Her mind wandered, wondering what kind of calls she'd handle today. Would it be someone mourning a relationship that had ended years ago, still clinging to hope? Or perhaps someone hesitant to love again after being betrayed? Every call was different, yet they all shared a common thread-a longing for connection.
Arriving at her stop, Haruka exited the train and walked briskly to the nondescript building where *Love 119* operated.
Inside, the atmosphere was calm yet bustling, with her colleagues already settled into their cubicles, headsets on, voices low and soothing.
She clocked in and took her seat at her own station, a small desk adorned with a few personal touches: a framed picture of her parents, a tiny potted plant, and a sticky note that read, *"One kind word can change someone's day."*
As she slipped on her headset, the familiar chime of an incoming call echoed in her ears. She took a deep breath and pressed the button to connect.
"Thank you for calling *Love 119*. This is Haruka. How can I help you today?" she said in her practiced, gentle tone.
A shaky voice answered on the other end, and Haruka immediately focused, ready to guide another soul through their heartache. It was just another day at work, but for someone out there, it could be the first step toward healing.
Haruka listened intently as the caller spoke, their voice tremulous, the weight of their sadness palpable even through the phone.
A woman in her mid-thirties, she had been struggling with the end of a long-term relationship and now found herself unsure of how to move forward.
"I thought we were fine," the woman whispered, "but one day, everything just fell apart. I never thought I'd be here-alone, unsure if I can trust again."
Haruka nodded silently, though the caller couldn't see her. It was a sentiment she had heard countless times before. She gently reassured the woman, her voice calm and soothing, offering guidance on how to navigate through this difficult chapter. "It's okay to feel lost. Healing takes time, but you have to give yourself that chance," Haruka said, her words measured, but full of empathy.
As the call continued, Haruka jotted down a few notes on her notepad-suggestions for the woman, advice on seeking support, and small reminders to take care of herself.
She didn't just listen; she offered hope, and as the call came to a close, she felt a small sense of relief for the caller, knowing they had someone to turn to during this fragile moment.
After ending the call, Haruka exhaled slowly, the heaviness of the conversation lingering. She wiped a hand over her face and checked the time.
It had only been fifteen minutes since she arrived at the office, but it already felt like the weight of the day was settling in. The next call could come at any moment, and she couldn't afford to get lost in her own thoughts.
She glanced at her coworker's desk, where Takumi Tanabe, one of the senior agents, was already on a call. His calm, collected demeanor always made him seem like he was in control of everything around him.
He was the type of person who made work look effortless, and Haruka couldn't help but admire him for it, even if she'd never told him that.
Their relationship had always been professional-he was her senior, after all-but over the past few months, there had been quiet moments where she caught him looking at her longer than necessary or offering small gestures of kindness.
Haruka often wondered if there was more to his glances, but she never allowed herself to dwell on it. She had her own role to play in this delicate world of healing hearts.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the chime of another incoming call. She adjusted her headset and took a deep breath.
"Thank you for calling *Love 119*. This is Haruka. How can I help you today?"
The voice on the other end was different-young, unsure.
"Uh... Hi," the boy stammered, his voice a little awkward. "I think I might've dialed the wrong number... but, uh, are you... are you the love advice people?"
Haruka's brow furrowed slightly. "Yes, you've reached *Love 119*. How can I assist you today?"
There was a brief silence, and then the boy spoke again, his words rushed but hesitant. "I'm a college student... and I've been reading about love, but honestly, I don't get it. Everyone around me seems to be falling in and out of relationships, and I don't even know where to start. I thought maybe... maybe you could help me understand?"
Haruka paused, unsure at first how to respond. He sounded so young-definitely not someone calling in due to heartbreak, but perhaps seeking some kind of guidance. She softened her tone. "It's okay to be confused, especially when you're figuring things out on your own. Love is something everyone experiences differently, but the most important thing is to understand that it takes time. There's no need to rush into anything."
She continued, offering him advice on understanding emotions and relationships. As she spoke, Haruka realized that despite the odd circumstances of his call, there was something refreshing about his innocence.
She couldn't help but feel a small tug at her heart. He was so different from the callers who were crushed by broken hearts. Maybe he was looking for something she had long stopped expecting-a pure, untainted view of love.
The call ended shortly after, and Haruka sat back, processing the conversation. She felt a little lighter, reminded that love was not always about pain and loss. Sometimes, it was about discovering the simplicity of connection.
Just then, her phone buzzed, and she looked down at the message. It was from Takumi:
"Are you free for lunch today?"
Haruka's heart skipped a beat. It wasn't uncommon for him to ask her out for a quick bite, but today, the question felt heavier. Could this be something more than just a friendly gesture?
Her fingers hovered over her phone as she considered the question.
Her fingers hovered over her phone as she considered the question. *Should I respond now?* she thought, her mind briefly wandering to what it might mean. Takumi had always been kind, supportive-even a little protective at times.
Was he just being friendly, or was there something more behind it? She took a deep breath, about to type a response when the familiar chime of an incoming call interrupted her thoughts.
"Thank you for calling *Love 119*. This is Haruka. How can I help you today?"
To her surprise, the voice on the other end was the same as before-the college student from earlier.
"Uh... hey, it's me again," the boy said, his tone now more casual, even a little hesitant. "I guess I have another question..."
Haruka recognized his voice immediately and felt a small smile tug at her lips. "Of course, how can I help you today?"
This time, however, he wasn't seeking advice on love. Instead, his voice took on a more awkward, uncertain edge.
"Uh, so... I was wondering... do you guys, like, also offer a service where you can rent a girlfriend or, like, a boyfriend? Like for events or... you know, something like that?"
Haruka blinked in surprise, her grip on the phone tightening. She hadn't expected this. "I'm sorry, but *Love 119* is a hotline dedicated to helping people heal from broken relationships or offering guidance on love. We don't offer services like that."
There was a brief silence, and Haruka could practically hear the boy's embarrassment through the phone. "Oh, right... sorry, I thought I'd ask," he mumbled. "I don't really know where to go for that kind of thing."
Haruka's voice softened, trying to ease the tension. "It's okay, really. It's just important to understand that relationships, whether romantic or not, are about connection and trust. Sometimes, it's better to focus on building genuine relationships first, rather than looking for temporary solutions."
"Yeah, that makes sense," he replied, sounding a little more relieved. "I guess I'm just trying to figure out how this whole 'love' thing works."
She smiled to herself, the innocence in his voice reminding her of how she once felt-confused and unsure, but with the hope that one day, it would all make sense. "It takes time," Haruka said gently. "You'll get there. Just take things one step at a time."
As the call ended, Haruka sat back in her chair, thinking about the strange, yet endearing conversation she'd just had. She couldn't help but wonder if Naoki, as he had introduced himself, would one day figure it all out.
For now, he seemed so far removed from the complex emotions she dealt with daily, but maybe that was the beauty of youth-its innocence, its curiosity, and the endless possibility ahead.
Her phone buzzed again, and Haruka glanced at it, only to see a new message from Takumi:
"You sure you're not too busy? I was thinking we could go to that café around the corner. My treat."
This time, Haruka didn't hesitate. With a small, quiet smile, she typed back:
"I'd love to. See you at noon?"
She placed her phone down, her thoughts once again drifting to Takumi. There was a quiet hope stirring inside her, a feeling she hadn't experienced in a long time. *Maybe today would be different,* she thought, as she stood up to prepare for her lunch break.
Haruka arrived at the café just as the clock struck noon. It was a small, cozy place tucked away on a quiet street, the kind of café that had a warm, inviting atmosphere with soft jazz music playing in the background and the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air.
She spotted Takumi immediately-he was seated near the window, his back straight and his eyes scanning a magazine, but he looked up the moment she entered.
"Haruka," Takumi greeted her with a small but genuine smile. "I'm glad you could make it."
Haruka smiled back, feeling her shoulders relax at the sight of him. Despite the small nervous flutter she had felt earlier, being around Takumi was always easy.
He had this way of making her feel at ease, no matter how busy or stressful the day had been. She walked over to the table and took a seat across from him.
"Sorry if I kept you waiting," she said, pushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear.
Takumi shook his head. "No problem at all. I was just catching up on some reading." He set the magazine aside and looked at her with his usual calm expression. "How's work been? Busy?"
Haruka nodded, glancing out the window briefly before answering. "It's been the usual. Lots of heartbroken callers, but you know, that's part of the job. Sometimes, it's harder than others." She took a deep breath. "But it's rewarding, too."
Takumi gave a soft chuckle. "You always seem to handle it well. I don't know how you do it."
Haruka shrugged, but there was a flicker of gratitude in her eyes. "I think I just focus on helping them one step at a time. It's all I can do, really." She paused, then turned the conversation back to him. "How about you? How's everything at the office?"
Takumi leaned back in his chair, his usual composed demeanor still intact. "Busy, of course, but I can't complain. It's been a good challenge." His gaze softened as he looked at her. "Though I've been meaning to ask you something. I hope it's not too forward."
Haruka's heart skipped a beat, and she felt a slight tension in the pit of her stomach. The tone in his voice was different, like there was something more to his words than casual conversation. "What's on your mind?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
Takumi hesitated for just a moment, as if weighing his words carefully. "I've been thinking a lot about you lately, Haruka. About everything you do at *Love 119*. You have this incredible way of making people feel seen, heard, and important. I admire that a lot."
Haruka felt warmth spread through her chest at his words, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I just do my job," she replied softly, though part of her felt her heart race. "It's not anything special."
Takumi smiled, a little more sincerely than usual. "It's special to me." He paused before continuing, his voice softer now. "I don't know if you've noticed, but I've always admired you-more than just as a colleague. You're someone I genuinely respect, Haruka."
Haruka's breath caught in her throat, her thoughts momentarily clouded. She hadn't expected this.
It wasn't as though she didn't appreciate his friendship, but now, as she sat across from him, she realized just how much she'd been overlooking her own feelings.
Takumi had always been there-steady, reliable, and always so kind to her. But now, his words made something stir in her heart.
Before she could respond, the waiter came over, and they both quickly turned their attention to the menu. Haruka fumbled a bit, trying to shake off the unexpected emotions swirling inside her.
She ordered a simple sandwich and a cup of coffee, all the while feeling Takumi's gaze on her. When the waiter left, the air between them seemed to shift, and Haruka could sense that Takumi was waiting for her response.
She took a deep breath, collecting her thoughts. "Takumi," she began, her voice gentle but firm, "I've always appreciated you too. You're a great senior and mentor... and I value everything we've shared working together." She felt a small hesitation. "But I don't know if I'm ready to... move beyond that. Not yet, at least."
Takumi nodded slowly, not looking disappointed, but rather understanding. "I get it," he said quietly, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "I just wanted you to know how I feel. No pressure, Haruka. I don't want to make you uncomfortable."
Haruka's heart softened at his response. She could see that Takumi was being honest with her, and that sincerity made her feel even more conflicted.
She had never really thought about their relationship in that way until now. But despite the growing affection she could feel for him, there was still something else she wasn't ready to confront.
"I'm not sure where I stand yet, Takumi," she admitted, her eyes meeting his. "But I'm glad you told me. Really."
The silence that followed wasn't awkward-rather, it felt like a quiet understanding passed between them. The waiter returned with their food, and they continued their lunch, the conversation shifting to lighter topics, but there was an unspoken bond between them now-something more than just colleagues, yet still uncertain.
As they finished their meal and stood to leave, Haruka couldn't shake the feeling that this lunch had changed something between them. Maybe it was the first step toward something new, or maybe it was just a momentary shift.
But for now, she was grateful that Takumi had been honest with her. As they walked out of the café together, Haruka couldn't help but wonder if this was the start of a new chapter-both for her heart and for the relationships around her.
Haruka returned to the office, feeling a little lighter after her lunch with Takumi, but the weight of the conversation lingered in her mind. She sat back down at her station, adjusting her headset and preparing for the next call.
The usual calm of the office surrounded her-colleagues working diligently, the soft hum of conversations filling the air. It was just another day at *Love 119*, and yet everything felt different.
The phone rang again, pulling her back to the present. She answered the call with a practiced, comforting tone, but her thoughts kept drifting to Takumi and what he had said during lunch.
*Could I ever be ready for something more with him?* she wondered, but before she could settle into the rhythm of work, a presence loomed beside her desk.
Haruka looked up to see Aiko Suzuki, one of the senior colleagues who worked in the office. Aiko was a few years older than Haruka, around the same age as Takumi, and had always been somewhat of a mystery to Haruka.
On the surface, she was polished and professional, but there was an edge to her-a certain sharpness that made Haruka uneasy. Aiko's eyes, usually calculating and cold, glinted with something else now as she leaned against the edge of Haruka's cubicle.
"I need to talk to you for a moment, Haruka," Aiko said, her voice dripping with subtle mockery.
Haruka felt a knot form in her stomach. "Of course, Aiko. What's on your mind?"
Aiko smirked, crossing her arms over her chest. "So, I hear Takumi confessed to you today," she said, her voice low but carrying a weight of annoyance. "You've got to be kidding me. Out of all people, he chooses you?"
Haruka blinked in confusion, her heart sinking a little. "I-I didn't mean to make anyone uncomfortable. Takumi was just being honest with me."
Aiko's smile was tight, a cruel edge creeping into her voice. "Oh, please," she scoffed. "You think Takumi doesn't know how hard I've worked around here? I've been here longer than you, Haruka. I'm the one who's always been by his side, helping him with everything, showing him the ropes." She took a step closer, her gaze narrowing as she dropped her voice into a whisper. "And yet, he has the nerve to confess to you and not me?"
Haruka's breath caught in her throat. She had never realized how much Aiko might harbor resentment toward her. Aiko was always friendly on the surface, but this bitterness was something new-and unsettling.
Haruka tried to maintain her composure, though she couldn't deny the uncomfortable tension building between them.
"Aiko, I didn't ask for anything to happen," Haruka said quietly, her heart pounding. "Takumi is his own person. I didn't want to make it awkward, but he was just being honest. I can't control who he has feelings for."
Aiko's eyes flashed with frustration. "You think I don't know that?" she hissed. "I've watched Takumi for years. I thought if I just kept being around, showing him I could be the one to support him, he'd see me. But instead, he picks you. Some naive little girl who doesn't even know what she wants." She let out a bitter laugh, her eyes cold and sharp. "Do you really think you stand a chance with him?"
Haruka's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but she refused to let Aiko's words get to her. She was trying to do the right thing-simply being herself-but it was clear that Aiko had no intention of letting that happen without causing trouble.
"I'm not trying to compete with you, Aiko," Haruka said, her voice firm. "And I'm not trying to take anything from you. If Takumi feels something for me, then that's between us. But it's not something I'm forcing, and I'm not interested in making anyone feel bad."
Aiko laughed again, the sound like nails on a chalkboard. "You think you're so different from the rest of us? You're just some sweet, innocent girl who doesn't understand how the real world works. You'll never be enough for someone like Takumi." She paused, letting the silence hang in the air for a moment. "You'll always be second to someone like me, Haruka. Just remember that."
Haruka stood still, the weight of Aiko's words sinking deep into her chest. But before she could respond, Aiko turned and walked away, her high heels clicking sharply on the floor as she made her way back to her own desk.
The air around Haruka felt thick with the tension Aiko had left behind, and she couldn't help but feel small in comparison.
The call center, which had been a place of refuge and comfort for Haruka, suddenly felt like a battleground. *Why was everything so complicated?* Haruka wondered as she sat down, her mind spinning.
She glanced at the clock. Her break wasn't far off, and she needed to focus on the next call that would come through. But no matter how hard she tried, Aiko's words echoed in her mind.
Would she really ever stand a chance with Takumi? Or was she simply an afterthought in the complex web of relationships that seemed to always surround him?
Haruka sat in her cubicle, her fingers tapping lightly on the desk as she tried to shake off the conversation with Aiko. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts-Aiko's biting words echoing in her head, along with her own growing feelings for Takumi.
Was she really just a naive girl caught up in something she didn't fully understand? Aiko had made it sound so simple, so inevitable. *Maybe I don't stand a chance,* Haruka thought, trying to push away the nagging doubts that had taken root.
But even as she told herself that, something deep inside her couldn't shake the hope that maybe-just maybe-she could have something real with Takumi.
The sound of the phone ringing broke her train of thought, pulling her back to the present. She quickly adjusted her headset, taking a deep breath to clear her mind.
"Thank you for calling *Love 119*. This is Haruka. How can I help you today?"
The voice on the other end was soft, uncertain, and full of hesitation. "Um... Hi. I don't really know if I should be calling... but I feel really lost right now, and I don't know where else to turn."
Haruka's heart softened immediately. This was what she was here for-helping people who were struggling, offering them a chance to find some light in the darkness. "You're not alone," Haruka said gently. "It's okay to feel lost sometimes. I'm here to listen. What's going on?"
The caller took a deep breath before speaking again, their voice trembling slightly. "I've been in a relationship for a while, but lately, I feel like I've lost myself. I don't even recognize the person I'm becoming. It's like... everything I do just isn't enough, and I'm constantly questioning if I'm really loved."
Haruka felt a pang of empathy for the caller. She could hear the exhaustion in their voice-the weight of a relationship that had begun to feel more like a burden than a source of comfort. "I'm really sorry you're feeling this way," Haruka replied, her tone soft and soothing. "It sounds like you're going through a lot. Relationships can sometimes make us feel overwhelmed, especially if we start losing sight of who we are. But it's important to remember that your worth isn't defined by someone else's love. You deserve to feel valued for who you are."
The caller let out a small sigh of relief. "I don't know... I've tried to talk to them, but it always ends in arguments. I'm just so tired. I don't know if I can keep doing this."
Haruka leaned forward slightly, her voice gentle yet firm. "It's important to take care of yourself, too. Sometimes, stepping back and focusing on your own well-being is the best thing you can do-not just for the relationship, but for yourself. You have the right to feel loved, valued, and respected. And if that's not happening, it's okay to take a step back and reassess what's best for you."
The call lasted a bit longer as Haruka continued offering guidance, helping the caller explore their feelings and options.
When the call finally ended, Haruka felt the familiar sense of fulfillment that came with knowing she had helped someone see things from a different perspective. She leaned back in her chair, taking a moment to let the emotions of the conversation settle.
But as she exhaled deeply, her thoughts quickly drifted back to Aiko's words. *You'll never be enough for someone like Takumi.* She tried to push the thought away, but it lingered, like a shadow she couldn't escape.
Just as Haruka was about to gather her thoughts and focus on the next call, she felt a sudden presence beside her cubicle. She looked up to find Takumi, standing there with a gentle smile, his expression soft but slightly hesitant.
"Hey, Haruka," he said, his voice quieter than usual. "Got a minute?"
Haruka's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected him to come by so soon after their lunch, and now, with her mind still reeling from everything Aiko had said, she felt both nervous and uncertain. But she nodded and smiled, trying to keep her composure. "Of course, Takumi. What's up?"
Takumi leaned against the edge of her cubicle, his hands tucked in his pockets, and for a moment, the two of them just stood there in silence, as if unsure where to begin. His gaze softened as he looked at her.
"I've been thinking about earlier... about what I said at lunch," Takumi began. "I know it might have caught you off guard, and I didn't want to make things awkward between us, but I just couldn't ignore what I feel anymore. I've always admired you, Haruka, more than you know." He paused, his gaze steady as he met her eyes. "I understand if you're not sure about it, but I wanted to be honest with you. I don't want you to feel pressured in any way. But I also didn't want to leave things unsaid."
Haruka felt a warmth spread through her chest, her heart beating faster as she listened to his words. Takumi had been kind, patient, and considerate, but now it seemed like there was more to his feelings than she had realized.
Before Haruka could respond, Aiko's words echoed in her mind again. *You think you're so special, but you'll always be second to someone like me...*
Haruka's breath caught in her throat. She wasn't sure what to say, or how to navigate these complicated feelings, but for the first time, she realized that maybe, just maybe, she deserved to let herself feel something real.
"Takumi," Haruka began slowly, her voice barely above a whisper, "I'm not sure where I stand yet... but I'm glad you told me. I really am."
She paused, her heart racing as she tried to find the right words. "Let's just take things one step at a time, okay?"
Takumi smiled, his expression warm and understanding. "Of course," he said, his voice soft with sincerity. "We don't need to rush anything."
And for the first time that day, Haruka felt a small spark of hope. Maybe things were complicated, but she wasn't alone in this journey. And with Takumi standing beside her, maybe she could figure out what came next.
The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of calls for Haruka. Heartbroken lovers, individuals struggling with loneliness, and a few callers who just needed someone to listen to their worries. With every call, she tried to set aside her own swirling emotions and focus on the people who reached out for help.
As the day wore on, the clock inched closer to the end of her shift. Haruka leaned back in her chair, rubbing her temples and letting out a soft sigh.
Her mind was still replaying the conversation with Takumi, as well as the sharp words Aiko had thrown at her earlier.
Despite everything, she reminded herself why she had taken this job in the first place-to offer hope to people who felt like they had none.
The phone rang again, snapping her out of her thoughts. Haruka glanced at the clock-this would be her last call for the day. She adjusted her headset and answered with her usual warmth.
"Thank you for calling Love 119. This is Haruka. How can I help you today?"
There was a pause on the other end of the line, followed by a familiar voice that made her blink in surprise.
"Hey, it's me again," said the slightly nervous, youthful tone.
"Naoki?" Haruka asked, sitting up straighter in her chair.
"Yeah," Naoki admitted sheepishly. "I, uh... called earlier today. I didn't know if it was okay to call back, but I guess I just wanted to talk."
Haruka softened, her professional demeanor giving way to a more personal concern. "It's fine, Naoki. That's what we're here for. What's on your mind?"
There was a pause before Naoki spoke again, his words a little rushed and awkward. "So, um... I was wondering. Earlier, I asked if your company rents out girlfriends or boyfriends, and I know you said no, but... do you think pretending to have a girlfriend is a bad idea?"
Haruka's brows furrowed. "Pretending? Why would you want to do that?"
Naoki hesitated, and Haruka could hear him sigh softly. "There's this girl I like at school. She's, like, way out of my league, but I thought if I looked more... experienced, she might notice me. My friends keep saying it's the only way to get her attention. I just... I don't know what to do."
Haruka felt a mix of sympathy and amusement. Naoki's youthful insecurity reminded her of how simple and yet overwhelming love could feel when you were young. "Naoki," she began gently, "pretending to be someone you're not might get her attention for a little while, but it's not a real connection. If you like her, the best thing you can do is show her your genuine self."
"But what if she doesn't like the real me?" Naoki asked, his voice small and uncertain.
"Then she's not the right person for you," Haruka replied softly. "The person who's meant to be in your life will like you for who you are, not for who you pretend to be. And I know it's scary, but being honest is always better than building something on a lie."
There was a long silence on the other end before Naoki finally spoke again, his voice quieter. "I guess you're right. I just... I don't want to mess it up."
"You won't mess it up by being yourself," Haruka reassured him. "And even if things don't go the way you hope, you'll know you were true to yourself-and that's what matters most."
Naoki let out a small, nervous laugh. "You're pretty good at this, huh? Thanks, Haruka. I think I'll give it a shot... the honest way."
Haruka smiled. "You're welcome, Naoki. Just remember-you're braver than you think."
As the call ended, Haruka leaned back in her chair, letting out a soft breath. Despite the long day and everything weighing on her mind, helping Naoki gave her a sense of purpose. She logged off her system, tidied up her desk, and grabbed her bag, ready to head home.
But as she walked toward the exit, the events of the day lingered in her thoughts-Takumi's confession, Aiko's harsh words, and Naoki's youthful worries about love.
Everything felt tangled and unresolved, like the threads of her life were pulling in different directions.
Tomorrow's another day, she told herself as she stepped into the cool evening air. But deep down, she knew that the complexities of love-both her own and the ones she guided others through-were only just beginning.
•~• End of 01 •~•