(Day Seven – Night)
The warmth of Sakura's forehead pressed against mine lingered, but the soft, fluttering feeling in my chest wouldn't settle.
Her confession replayed in my head like a looping melody – quiet, sweet, but leaving behind a thousand unspoken questions.
I shifted slightly, feeling the weight of her hand still laced with mine.
It felt… right.
But the thought that kept tugging at me refused to let go.
I glanced at her, barely able to hold her gaze. "So…" I started, voice barely above a whisper, "what does this make us now?"
Sakura leaned back slightly, just enough to look me in the eyes, her lips curling into that mischievous smirk she always had when she was about to say something that would make me blush.
"What do you think, Yuki?" she teased, brushing a stray lock of hair behind my ear.
My heart fluttered at the way her fingers lingered.
"I mean…" I hesitated, the weight of my own nervousness keeping me anchored to the couch. "Are we… you know… girlfriends now?"
I barely had time to process the words leaving my mouth before Sakura leaned in.
Her lips met mine – soft and warm, delicate yet sure, like she had been waiting for this moment as long as I had.
The kiss wasn't long. It wasn't dramatic or earth-shattering.
But it felt real.
When she pulled away, her forehead rested lightly against mine again, her violet eyes half-lidded as she smiled.
"What do you think, Yuki?" she whispered, her lips barely brushing against mine.
I couldn't breathe.
My heart was racing so fast I was sure she could feel it through my chest.
I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came out.
Instead, I melted into her touch, leaning into the space between us like I never wanted to leave.
Sakura giggled softly, trailing her fingers gently down my jaw. "I'll take that as a yes."
I groaned, burying my face in her shoulder to hide the embarrassment burning my cheeks. "You really love making me flustered, don't you?"
She wrapped her arms around me, pulling me close until I could hear the steady rhythm of her heart.
"Of course I do," she murmured. "You're cute when you're like this."
I peeked up at her, my lips curling into a soft, playful smile of my own. "I guess I don't mind… girlfriend."
Her eyes sparkled with amusement, but there was something warmer beneath it – something that made my heart feel full for the first time in a long while.
"Say that again," she teased, brushing her nose against mine.
I rolled my eyes, laughing softly. "Don't push your luck."
But even as I said it, I felt my fingers tighten around hers – afraid to let go.
Because for the first time, I wasn't afraid of who I was becoming.
I wasn't afraid of what I might look like tomorrow or the day after that.
As long as she was by my side… I knew I'd be okay.