The next morning, Haruka woke up with a sense of gratitude. After everything that had happened, she was thankful for the support Yuto and Takumi had given her.
They had been her rock during the past few weeks of chaos. She made her way to the kitchen, a smile on her face as she prepared breakfast, feeling a sense of calm settle over her.
As she sipped her coffee, she decided it was time to take action. Haruka had been thinking about it for a while, and now, it felt like the right moment.
Yuto and Takumi had done so much for her, and she wanted to express her thanks. First, she grabbed her phone and sent a message to Yuto.
"Good morning, Yuto! I just wanted to say thank you again for everything. I feel safe and at peace because of you. I truly appreciate it."
A few moments later, her phone buzzed, and a warm smile spread across her face as she read his reply: "Good morning, Haruka. You don't have to thank me. I'll always be here for you."
Her heart fluttered. Yuto's words meant so much to her.
Next, she pulled up Takumi's contact information. She knew he had done everything he could to help keep them safe. Without him, things could have gotten worse. Haruka tapped out a message to him.
"Takumi, I just wanted to thank you for everything you've done for me and Yuto. I know it wasn't easy, and I truly appreciate you being there when we needed you the most."
Takumi's response came quickly: "Haruka, you don't have to thank me. I was just doing what I thought was right. I'm glad everything worked out."
Haruka smiled at his words. He was right—he had done what any good friend would do, but she still wanted to make sure he knew how much his support meant.
After sending her messages, Haruka paused and thought for a moment. There was one more thing she needed to do. She had been meaning to send flowers to Sayaka, Yuto's sister, as a gesture of goodwill.
While Sayaka's initial reaction to Haruka and Yuto's closeness had caused tension, Haruka understood her concern and wanted to smooth things over.
She picked up her phone again, opened her contacts, and called the flower shop she'd used before. "Hello, I'd like to order a bouquet of flowers. A beautiful arrangement, something that says 'thank you' but also acknowledges the trouble I may have caused." After placing the order, she added a note with the flowers, saying:
"Sayaka, I know things have been difficult, and I just wanted to thank you for all your help during this time. I'm sorry for any misunderstandings. I hope we can put the past behind us. Sincerely, Haruka."
She felt a weight lift off her shoulders, knowing that she was doing the right thing by offering a gesture of peace and acknowledgment. It was time to let go of the tension and move forward.
As she set about preparing for the day, she felt a renewed sense of hope. The darkness of the past few weeks seemed to be fading away, replaced by the light of new beginnings.
With Yuto, Takumi, and even the hope of a peaceful resolution with Sayaka, Haruka was ready to embrace the future with an open heart.
Just as she finished preparing breakfast, Yuto walked through the door, a cheerful smile on his face.
"Good morning," he said, walking over to give her a kiss on the cheek. "How's everything this morning?"
Haruka gasped at the sudden kiss Yuto gave her, her face turning slightly pink. She quickly smacked his shoulder, half laughing, half surprised. "Hey, before you try to steal my first kiss, try to court me first!" she teased, still laughing.
Yuto chuckled, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Ah, my bad, my bad! I didn't mean to steal it—just got carried away." He grinned mischievously, clearly enjoying the playful moment.
Haruka shook her head, still smiling. "You're unbelievable," she said, her eyes sparkling with affection. "Good morning, though," she added softly, her tone warming.
"Good morning, Haruka," Yuto said, his voice sincere now. "How's everything today?"
Haruka's smile softened as she set the plates on the table. "It's better now that you're here. I've been thinking a lot about everything, and I just wanted to thank you again. For everything."
Yuto smiled back, his eyes gentle. "No need to thank me. I told you before, I'll always be here for you."
She felt a sense of calm wash over her, hearing those words again. With him by her side, she knew everything would be alright.
As they sat down together, Haruka noticed how natural it felt to be with him. The past week had been full of challenges, but in this moment, it was just the two of them, enjoying a quiet morning together.
It was exactly what she needed—peace, comfort, and the sense that, no matter what, they would get through anything together.
"So," Yuto began after a few moments, his voice playful again. "How should we spend the day? Should I take you on a proper date, or do we have some errands to run first?"
Haruka smiled, considering for a moment. "Hmm, I think a date sounds nice," she said. "We could use some time to relax. But, let's have breakfast first," she added, leaning back in her chair with a contented sigh.
"Sounds good to me," Yuto replied, picking up his fork and starting to eat. The moment felt peaceful, comfortable—the way things should be.
And in the back of her mind, Haruka couldn't help but think how lucky she was. Despite the rough times, she had found a sense of stability and love that she never expected.
She was grateful to have Yuto by her side, and for the first time in a long while, she felt ready to face whatever the future held. Together, they could handle anything.
Tomorrow was another day, but for today, they had this. And that was enough.
"Maybe working for Love 119 wasn't the only thing that gave me hope in love," she thought to herself, her gaze drifting to Yuto as he made himself comfortable across from her. The past few months had been a whirlwind of emotions, uncertainty, and surprises.
Yet, through it all, there was something undeniably real about the connection they had. It was as though everything she had learned from helping others now had a place in her own heart, and she was starting to understand what love truly meant.
At Love 119, she'd always heard about relationships filled with doubts and fears, the struggles people faced when it came to love. But it was in her own life that she realized love wasn't just about the fairytale moments or the perfect answers—it was about the small moments, the trust, the laughter, and even the challenges.
And Yuto had become a part of that reality. Every day with him felt like a new layer of discovery, not just about him, but about herself as well. The warmth in his eyes, the way he cared for her, even in the smallest gestures—those were the things that mattered.
She smiled quietly, feeling grateful for the unexpected turn her life had taken. With Yuto by her side, she no longer felt like love was something out of reach, but something she could hold in her hands.
Maybe, she thought, this was what true love was all about.
Later that day, after a peaceful morning together, Haruka and Yuto found themselves walking through a local park. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden hue over everything. The crisp autumn air felt refreshing, and the sounds of children playing in the distance mixed with the rustling of leaves beneath their feet.
"Yuto," Haruka said, glancing up at him with a thoughtful expression. "Do you ever think about the future? About where we'll be, what we'll be doing a few years from now?"
Yuto paused for a moment, his eyes scanning the scenery around them. After a beat, he smiled softly and looked down at her. "I do, sometimes," he replied. "I think about all the things we could do, the places we could visit, how we can make things work together."
Haruka felt a flutter in her chest at his words. For so long, she had lived in uncertainty, focused on the challenges in her life and the complexities of others' problems. But now, with Yuto, she could see something different. It wasn't just about surviving; it was about building a future—a future with him.
"I used to wonder if I'd ever have someone like you in my life," she confessed, her voice softer now. "I spent so much time thinking about other people's relationships, about helping them. I never thought about what I wanted, or even thought love could be this simple."
Yuto reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. "Maybe it's not simple. But I think we're figuring it out, step by step."
Haruka smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her. They walked together in comfortable silence for a while, enjoying the peace of the moment, both of them lost in their thoughts about what the future could hold.
For the first time in a long time, Haruka felt truly at ease, knowing that love wasn't something she had to search for anymore—it was right there, beside her. And with that thought, she couldn't help but feel that everything was finally falling into place.
As Haruka and Yuto were getting cozy together, the peaceful moment was interrupted when Haruka's phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out and saw that it was a text from Sayaka. Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly opened the message.
"Thank you for the flowers, Haruka. It was really kind of you. I know things between us were tense, but I appreciate the gesture. I hope we can start fresh."
Haruka smiled softly at the message. It felt like a small but important step toward closure and reconciliation. After everything that had happened, she was glad that Sayaka had accepted her apology and recognized her attempt to make things right.
"Everything okay?" Yuto asked, noticing the thoughtful look on Haruka's face as she read the message.
Haruka looked up at him, her smile genuine. "Yeah, it's from Sayaka. She got the flowers. She said it meant something to her."
Yuto nodded, his expression softening. "I'm glad. It's nice when things can heal, even a little."
Haruka felt a sense of relief wash over her. It wasn't just about resolving things with Sayaka—it was about moving forward, both with her relationships and with herself. "I think this is the beginning of a new chapter," she said, putting her phone away and turning to Yuto. "Not just with Sayaka, but with everything."
Yuto squeezed her hand, his smile warm and reassuring. "I'm with you, Haruka. Whatever comes next, we'll face it together."
With the soft rustle of leaves around them and the quiet hum of the world moving on, Haruka felt a deep sense of peace settle in her heart. Maybe, just maybe, everything was exactly as it should be.
"I wonder how I fell for you even though it was so hard to open my heart for someone, and also, I was a hopeless romantic," Haruka curiously asked, laughing softly. "I didn't even think someone would fall for me, let alone court me."
Yuto smiled warmly, his eyes softening as he looked at her. "Well, Haruka, sometimes love doesn't need a perfect, planned-out beginning. I saw something in you, even when you were a little closed off. And honestly, that made me want to work harder to understand you, to show you that you were worth it. You're not just a 'hopeless romantic'—you've got so much more depth than that."
Haruka's heart fluttered slightly at his words, her laugh quieting as she felt a gentle warmth spreading through her. "I never thought of it that way," she said, her voice soft. "I guess I was so caught up in the idea of love that I forgot to let it actually happen. But you—"
Yuto raised an eyebrow playfully. "But me?" he asked, teasing her with a grin.
Haruka smiled, feeling a bit embarrassed but warmed by the connection they shared. "But you... made me realize that love isn't about waiting for the perfect moment or someone to save me. It's about letting someone in, even when it's scary."
Yuto's grin softened, his tone sincere. "Exactly. And you did let me in. And now here we are."
She chuckled lightly, her fingers brushing against his hand. "I never thought I'd be this happy."
Yuto squeezed her hand gently. "Neither did I, but I'm glad we are."
The two of them fell into a comfortable silence, each reflecting on how far they'd come, how unexpected everything had been.
And in that moment, Haruka knew one thing for sure: despite the uncertainty of the past, everything that had led them here felt just right.
Haruka's smile faltered for a brief moment as her thoughts wandered. *But, am I ready to enter into a relationship?* she asked herself, her mind filled with doubt.
*Pondering if this whole relationship will actually work. What if I wasn't ready and I'm just using Yuto as a distraction to see if my heart can take it?*
She glanced at Yuto, who was now gently swirling his drink, completely at ease. He had been nothing but kind, patient, and supportive—more than she thought anyone would be.
But the weight of her insecurities pressed against her chest. Could she truly give him the love he deserved, or was she fooling herself?
Yuto noticed her silence and tilted his head slightly, concern flickering in his eyes. "Hey, is something wrong?" he asked softly, placing his cup down and leaning closer.
Haruka forced a smile and shook her head. "No, nothing's wrong. Just... thinking."
"Thinking?" Yuto asked, his tone encouraging yet curious. "About us?"
Her heart skipped a beat at his directness. "Well, maybe... kind of," she admitted, her fingers playing nervously with the hem of her sleeve. "Yuto, do you ever... wonder if we're moving too fast?"
Yuto studied her for a moment, his expression calm and understanding. "Haruka, it's okay to feel unsure. Honestly, I wonder about a lot of things too—like whether I'm doing enough or if I'm pushing you too hard. But I think relationships aren't about always being sure. It's about figuring it out together."
She looked at him, her eyes searching for any sign of doubt. Instead, she found only sincerity. "But what if I mess up? What if I'm just... not ready?"
Yuto smiled gently and reached for her hand, holding it firmly yet reassuringly. "Then we'll take it slow. This isn't about rushing or proving anything. It's about building something, step by step, at a pace that feels right for both of us. I'm not going anywhere, Haruka."
Her chest tightened, this time not with doubt but with a swelling of gratitude and warmth. *Maybe I don't have to be completely ready,* she thought. *Maybe just trying is enough for now.*
She nodded slowly, her voice steady. "Okay. Let's take it slow."
Yuto's smile widened, relief clear on his face. "That's all I ask. One step at a time, together."
Haruka felt the tension ease from her shoulders as she allowed herself to trust in his words. Maybe love wasn't about being ready—it was about being willing to try. And for now, that felt like enough.
Meanwhile, from Yuto's perspective, he couldn't help but watch Haruka closely, noticing the way her emotions flickered across her face. It was something he had come to admire about her—how she wore her thoughts so openly, even when she tried to hide them.
*She's overthinking again,* he thought, a mix of affection and worry bubbling inside him. He wanted to say the right thing, to make sure she didn't feel pressured or cornered. When she voiced her doubts, he didn't feel frustrated. Instead, he felt protective, like he needed to reassure her that she didn't have to bear this burden alone.
As he held her hand, Yuto's own insecurities surfaced briefly. *What if I'm not enough for her? What if she decides this isn't what she wants?* He shoved those thoughts aside, focusing on what mattered most—making sure Haruka felt safe and understood.
He remembered the countless times he'd watched her navigate her job at Love 119, giving advice and comfort to strangers with so much care. Yet here she was, unsure of herself. It only made him admire her more, knowing how vulnerable she was allowing herself to be with him.
When Haruka finally nodded and said, *"Okay. Let's take it slow,"* Yuto felt a wave of relief wash over him.
*I'll do whatever it takes to make this work,* he thought. *She's worth it.*
Her hand in his felt like a promise, not of perfection, but of effort—an unspoken agreement to try. And to Yuto, that was more than enough.
The next morning, Haruka and Yuto returned to work after the tumultuous events with Hiroshi. The office felt strangely normal, as if the world had moved on while they were grappling with their own storm.
Haruka took a deep breath as she walked through the familiar doors of Love 119, her heart still slightly heavy but determined to move forward.
"Morning, Haruka," Takumi greeted her with his usual laid-back smile. "You look like you've had quite the week."
She chuckled softly. "That's one way to put it. But I'm here, and ready to get back to it."
Yuto trailed behind her, carrying her bag as a gesture of support. "You sure you're ready to dive back in?" he asked, his voice low with concern.
Haruka turned to him, offering a reassuring smile. "I'll be fine. Thanks to you."
As they settled into their routines, Haruka's desk phone buzzed with calls from the usual mix of lonely hearts and confused lovers. It was almost comforting in its normalcy, a stark contrast to the chaos they had recently endured.
Meanwhile, Yuto busied himself in his own corner of the office, occasionally glancing over at Haruka to make sure she was doing okay.
During their lunch break, Takumi joined them in the break room. "So, any updates on Hiroshi?" he asked cautiously.
Haruka shook her head. "Nothing new. The police said he's being monitored closely at the institution. I just hope he gets the help he needs."
Yuto leaned forward, his tone firm. "He's not coming near you again, Haruka. That much I promise."
Haruka's heart softened at his words. She reached out, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. "Thank you, Yuto. For everything."
Takumi smirked, sensing the unspoken connection between them. "Well, it's good to see you two holding up. Just don't let it get too romantic in here, okay? We're running a hotline, not a rom-com."
Haruka laughed, the sound light and genuine. It felt good to laugh again, to feel normalcy creeping back into her life.
As the afternoon wore on, Haruka realized how much she had missed this—her work, her colleagues, and the odd rhythm of the office. While the scars of recent events lingered, she felt a renewed sense of hope.
She glanced over at Yuto, who was engrossed in his tasks, and thought, *Maybe this is what moving forward looks like—finding peace in the everyday moments.*
Ms. Nakamura stood at the corner of the office, her eyes narrowing as she watched Haruka and Yuto laugh together over a shared joke.
The announcement of their relationship earlier that morning had brought an air of excitement to the office, with most of their colleagues offering their congratulations and teasing them playfully. But for Ms. Nakamura, it was a bitter pill to swallow.
In her mind, the world had tilted unfairly. *Why her?* she thought bitterly, gripping her pen so tightly that her knuckles turned white. *Haruka's nothing special. Just some ordinary woman fumbling through her calls.*
She kept her expression neutral as she continued to observe them, her facade of professionalism firmly in place. Inside, though, anger and jealousy churned in her chest. Every laugh and glance they shared felt like salt in a wound she hadn't even realized she had.
"I don't care if they're dating," she thought to herself, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Yuto deserves better—someone more mature, someone like me. Haruka won't last. I can steal him away any day."
Her jealousy grew with every small interaction she witnessed, each moment between them reminding her of what she didn't have. She told herself she didn't need to play fair—this was about getting what she wanted, and she'd figure out a way to insert herself into Yuto's life.
As the day wore on, Ms. Nakamura began formulating a plan, her mind spinning with ways to subtly undermine Haruka and win Yuto's favor. She convinced herself it wasn't wrong—it was just fate steering Yuto toward the right person.
Meanwhile, Haruka remained oblivious to the cold eyes watching her. To her, this new chapter with Yuto felt like a bright beginning, a chance to find happiness after everything they had endured.
If only she knew that shadows were already gathering in the form of Ms. Nakamura's jealousy.
Ms. Nakamura's subtle campaign began the very next day. It started small—barely noticeable enough for anyone to suspect her intentions.
"Yuto," she called out sweetly from across the office, waving him over. "Can you help me for a moment? The printer's acting up again, and I don't know what's wrong with it."
Yuto, ever the helpful colleague, gave Haruka a quick nod before heading to Ms. Nakamura's desk. "Sure, let me take a look," he said, crouching down to inspect the machine.
Haruka glanced up from her computer and raised an eyebrow. *The printer worked fine this morning,* she thought but dismissed it quickly. Yuto had always been the go-to person for tech issues around the office.
The next time, it was the office supplies.
"Yuto!" Ms. Nakamura called again, this time with a hint of helplessness in her voice. She stood by the storage closet, looking up at the higher shelves. "I can't reach the binders up there. Would you mind helping me? You're tall, and I'd hate to accidentally knock everything over."
Yuto chuckled lightly, standing up from his desk. "Sure thing," he said, walking over.
Haruka, watching from her seat, began to notice the pattern. It wasn't unusual for colleagues to ask for help, but Ms. Nakamura seemed to need Yuto specifically every single time.
Whether it was fixing a "broken" stapler, helping adjust the office thermostat, or troubleshooting her email account, Yuto was her first choice.
"Yuto, you're a lifesaver," Ms. Nakamura gushed, flashing him a charming smile after each task.
At first, Haruka thought she was overthinking it. *She's just being friendly,* she told herself. But when Ms. Nakamura's reasons for calling Yuto over became increasingly flimsy, Haruka's unease grew.
One afternoon, when Yuto was in the break room, Haruka decided to bring it up.
"Yuto, have you noticed how Ms. Nakamura always seems to need your help with something?" she asked, trying to sound casual.
Yuto leaned back against the counter, sipping his coffee. "Now that you mention it… I guess so. I just figured she's not great with tech or reaching high places," he said with a shrug.
Haruka chuckled, though her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "Just… don't let her monopolize all your time, okay? I might start getting jealous," she teased lightly, hoping her tone would mask the flicker of concern in her voice.
Yuto grinned, leaning closer to ruffle her hair. "Don't worry, Haruka. You're the only one I'm making time for."
But as the days passed, Ms. Nakamura's attempts to draw Yuto closer only intensified, leaving Haruka wondering if it was time to speak up before things spiraled further.
Over the next few days, Ms. Nakamura's behavior became even harder for Haruka to ignore.
"Yuto, can you help me carry these reports to the meeting room?" Ms. Nakamura called out one morning, despite the reports being only a small stack that anyone could have managed.
"Yuto, I need help organizing my spreadsheet. It's acting weird!" she said another time, even though her issue was something Haruka could tell was a simple formatting problem.
It wasn't just the constant calls for assistance—it was the way Ms. Nakamura would linger, standing just a little too close or brushing her hand against Yuto's arm whenever she had the chance.
Haruka kept her composure in the office, but her patience was wearing thin. During lunch, she finally decided to address it directly.
"Yuto," she began as they sat together in the break room, "I know I mentioned this before, but… don't you think Ms. Nakamura's been a little too dependent on you lately?"
Yuto raised an eyebrow, pausing mid-bite. "You mean with the printer and spreadsheets? I guess she's just used to asking me for help," he replied casually.
Haruka hesitated before speaking again. "It's not just that. She doesn't ask anyone else, Yuto. And it's not just about work. Haven't you noticed how often she's finding excuses to talk to you or get you to come to her desk?"
Yuto tilted his head, considering her words. "I hadn't really thought about it that way. But now that you mention it… it does seem a little frequent."
Haruka sighed, fiddling with her chopsticks. "I trust you, Yuto, I do. But I think Ms. Nakamura might have… other intentions. I don't want to jump to conclusions, but I've seen this kind of thing happen before."
Yuto reached across the table to take her hand, squeezing it gently. "Haruka, I hear you. I'll try to set some boundaries with her. And if it makes you uncomfortable, I'll talk to her about it."
Haruka smiled faintly, appreciating his understanding. "Thank you, Yuto. I just don't want anything—or anyone—causing unnecessary tension between us."
Meanwhile, in Ms. Nakamura's corner of the office, she watched the pair with narrowed eyes. She saw the way Yuto leaned in close to Haruka, the way he smiled at her so effortlessly.
*This isn't over,* Ms. Nakamura thought to herself, her lips curling into a determined smirk. *I'll show Haruka she's no match for me.*
•~• End of 12 •~•