Sakura arrived two hours later, holding a small paper bag and an iced coffee in each hand.
"I brought reinforcements," she said, lifting the drinks as if they were precious cargo. "I figured you might need a sugar boost after last night's excitement."
I crossed my arms, leaning against the doorframe. "Excitement? You mean the part where you nearly—"
She grinned. "Oh? What part was that, Yuki?"
I felt my face heat immediately. "Never mind. Come in."
She laughed softly as I stepped aside to let her through.
The second she walked in, I realized something.
"Sakura." I narrowed my eyes. "You didn't leave anything here."
She took a long sip of her iced coffee, deliberately avoiding eye contact.
"Sakura."
She finally met my gaze, feigning innocence. "Oh, right! I guess I didn't technically forget anything."
I groaned, shutting the door behind her. "I should've known."
Sakura flopped onto the couch, hugging a pillow to her chest. "Relax, Yuki. I just wanted to check in. See how you're feeling after… everything."
I raised an eyebrow. "After everything?"
"You know." She swirled her drink casually, eyes twinkling with mischief. "The festival. The fireworks. The part where I almost kissed you."
I choked on my own coffee. "Sakura!"
She laughed, crossing her legs beneath her. "Oh, come on. I saw the look on your face."
I placed my drink down, pressing my palms against the kitchen counter. "You're ridiculous."
She smirked. "And you're adorable when you blush."
I opened my mouth to fire back, but something about the way she said it – soft, teasing, but sincere – made the words die in my throat.
Instead, I sighed and sank onto the couch beside her.
"Okay," I muttered. "Fine. You're right. I was surprised."
Sakura leaned her chin on her hand, watching me closely. "Surprised in a bad way?"
I hesitated.
"No," I admitted quietly. "Not in a bad way."
Her eyes softened, and for a rare moment, she didn't have a comeback.
"Good," she said simply.
We sat there for a while, the TV humming quietly in the background. I wasn't sure what we were watching – some random cooking competition – but neither of us paid much attention to it.
I found myself sneaking glances at her, tracing the curve of her jaw, the soft pink of her lips.
And I realized something that made my heart beat faster.
I wanted her to kiss me.
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Later that evening, Sakura insisted on staying for dinner.
"I'll help," she declared, rolling up her sleeves.
I glanced at her warily. "You sure about that? Last time you helped, we almost set the kitchen on fire."
"That was one time." She grinned, grabbing a cutting board. "Besides, you handle the dangerous stuff. I'll do the easy parts."
I couldn't argue with that, so I handed her a pile of vegetables to chop while I worked on the stove.
The kitchen filled with soft laughter and idle conversation as we cooked.
I hadn't realized how much I missed this – just having someone around, someone who felt so comfortable to be with.
At one point, she nudged me with her elbow. "Hey, Yuki?"
"Hm?"
She held up a crookedly sliced carrot. "I think I ruined this one."
I glanced at the vegetable and burst out laughing. "How do you even mess up slicing carrots?"
Sakura grinned. "It's a talent."
I shook my head, but I couldn't stop smiling.
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After dinner, Sakura lingered by the door.
She shifted slightly, tugging at the sleeve of her hoodie. "I should probably head home."
I nodded, but I didn't move to open the door right away.
Neither did she.
The silence stretched between us, heavy but not uncomfortable.
Finally, Sakura broke it with a soft laugh. "You're really bad at saying goodbye."
I smiled faintly. "Maybe."
She took a step closer, lowering her voice. "Or maybe you don't want me to leave."
I swallowed, unsure how to respond.
Because she was right.
I didn't want her to leave.
Without thinking, I reached for her hand – barely brushing my fingers against hers.
Her eyes flickered to our hands, and something in her expression softened.
Slowly, she interlaced her fingers with mine.
"I can stay a little longer," she whispered.
I nodded, my heart racing.
And as she pulled me gently back toward the couch, I realized that maybe… just maybe… I didn't want her to let go.