"I'm guessing the party was lit," Rose said, making herself some coffee.

"Lit? Since when do you speak like that?" I shot back.

"So, who brought you home last night, Uber?" Rose asked, taking a seat at the dining table.

"Haruto," I mumbled.

"Sorry, what?"

"Don't act like you did not hear me," I shot back, serving myself some eggs and toast.

"Why?" She asked.

"Because we spent the evening together," I replied.

"You what?"

"Goodness, Rose! We just went to a cafe after the party, okay?"

"You need to sit and tell me everything before you leave for work," Rose said, pulling a chair back for me.

"There is nothing to tell," I replied, taking a seat.

"Spill."

"Okay, so I left the party after I saw him walk in and I went to sit in the park for a while. Of course, he had already seen me. He found me at the park and asked if he could sit. We had a chat and he suggested we carry on at a cafe. So, I went, we talked, and he drove me home. End of story," I said.

"Nothing special happened?"

"Uh—nope," I replied, stuffing my mouth with eggs. "Well, we looked like a couple because we were wearing the same shirt."

"What shirt?"

"The LMLY one," I replied.

"You both wore the Let Me Love You shirt?" Rose gasped. "Rie, that's a sign!"

"No, that's a coincidence," I shot back.

"Really? A coincidence?" Rose rebutted. "Wow, you are thick in the heart."

"Stop mocking me," I said flatly.

"Girl! I need you to leap out of your comfort zone and accept that you like him."

"I never said—"

"No, you did not, but the universe is giving you signs that you should pay attention to."

"Rose, I—"

"Tell it straight to my face that you have zero feelings for Haruto and I will let this slide," Rose said. I could see it in her face, she was challenging me.

"I like him, happy?"

"What are you going to do about it?" She asked, sipping her coffee. "And don't you dare say nothing."

"I am leaving in three weeks," I replied. "Why should I start something I cannot finish?"

"Because you never know," Rose said. "Have you thought that maybe you do not have to leave?"

"Not this again," I shot back. "I have to leave and you of all people should know why!"

"I do, I really do," Rose pleaded. "But I also want you to be happy. I want you to stop being afraid of falling in love again because you of all people deserve to."

"I know," I replied, holding back tears. "I need to leave for work. I'll think about it and besides, who said he like me?"

"I know you know he likes you," Rose said. "Otherwise, you wouldn't be this flustered."

"Maybe," I replied. "I need to leave for work."

"Have a nice day," Rose called out as I left.

"You too."

Rose was right, I was afraid. I was afraid that with Haruto in my life, I would be tempted to stay, but I had to leave to get myself in order. To detach from the memories that suffocate me. 

"Morning," I said, walking into the locker room.

"Hey, Rie," Tony said. "Had fun yesterday?"

"Uh—yeah," I replied.

"Morning," Haruto said, walking in.

"Haruto, enjoyed yourself yesterday?" Tony asked, smiling sheepishly.

"Not at the party, no," He said.

"What?" Tony shot back.

"I had fun after," he replied, tying his apron and wearing his hat. "So much fun."

He glanced over at me and smiled before leaving. My insides melted, like butter on a hot pan.

"Well, I guess you made his night," Tony whispered, facing me.

"Huh?"

"You know, I have never seen him this happy and focused in years," Tony said. "You've brought the light back into his eyes. And yes, it sounds cheesy, but you and Haruto are like two people who need to be together."

"Why?"

"Because you both deserve to be happy," Tony said. "I do not know your story, but I can tell you're afraid and that is okay. Don't let fear stop you from being happy though. See you out there, Rie."

"Yeah."

I walked out and Haruto and I locked eyes the moment I glanced his way. I smiled and he smiled back. And I guess that's all it took.