The streets of Tokyo were still dusted with snow from the previous night's fall, creating a picturesque, serene backdrop to the bustle of everyday life. Haruki stared out the window of the café where he and Emi had agreed to meet for breakfast. The warmth of the room, combined with the subtle chatter of other customers, was comforting—yet Haruki couldn't shake the nervous anticipation buzzing in his chest.
She arrived right on time, her cheeks flushed from the cold, and her scarf wrapped tightly around her neck. Emi greeted him with a smile, and for a moment, Haruki was struck by how natural she seemed in his life now.
"Morning," she said, setting her gloves on the table as she took a seat. "Hope I didn't keep you waiting."
"Not at all," Haruki replied, motioning to the menu. "I already ordered coffee for you. I remembered how you like it."
Emi raised an eyebrow, teasing him. "Impressive memory. Should I be flattered or worried?"
Haruki smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Definitely flattered."
As they chatted over their meal, the conversation flowed effortlessly, weaving between light banter and deeper reflections. Emi shared more about her childhood, her dreams, and her struggles with finding her place in the world outside of Haruki's spotlight. Haruki, in turn, found himself opening up in ways he hadn't before—about the pressure he felt to always perform, not just as an actor but as a person everyone expected to be perfect.
"You know," Emi said, stirring her coffee absentmindedly, "for the longest time, I thought people like you had it all figured out. But... you're just as lost as the rest of us, aren't you?"
Haruki let out a soft laugh. "More than you know. Sometimes I think I'm just playing a role, even when the cameras aren't rolling."
Their eyes met, and a quiet understanding passed between them. Haruki realized how much Emi's presence had become a grounding force in his life. She saw him not as the famous Haruki Tanaka, but simply as Haruki—a flawed, uncertain man trying to find his way.
After breakfast, they decided to walk through one of the quieter districts of the city. Snow still lined the rooftops, and the air was crisp and refreshing. They passed a small shrine tucked between the buildings, its red torii gate standing out against the white snow. Emi stopped suddenly, her gaze fixed on the shrine.
"Let's go in," she suggested, her voice soft but determined.
Haruki followed her, curious. Inside the shrine grounds, they found a small wishing tree where visitors could write their hopes and dreams on wooden plaques. Emi handed him one of the blank plaques and a marker.
"Write something," she said, her smile gentle but insistent. "Anything you want."
Haruki hesitated, his mind racing. What would he wish for? Success? Fame? No, those things felt hollow now. Instead, he found himself writing something simple yet profoundly important to him.
When they hung their plaques on the tree, Emi glanced at his, but he quickly blocked it with his hand. "No peeking."
"Fine," she replied, laughing. "But don't blame me if I find out later."
Before leaving, Emi tugged on Haruki's sleeve. "Thank you for today," she said, her voice quieter than usual. "It's been... nice."
Haruki nodded, his heart feeling unexpectedly full. "The day's not over yet," he said. "Let's make it even better."
The chapter ends with the two walking away from the shrine, side by side, their laughter echoing softly through the crisp winter air. Haruki felt, for the first time in a long while, that he wasn't walking through life alone—and that maybe, just maybe, he didn't have to play a role to be loved.