The trail behind the waterfall shimmered with sunlight. Water droplets sparkled like falling stars, and the distant sound of splashing echoed softly through the stone path.

Ren and Akki sat on a large, flat rock near the edge of the water. Their shoes were off, feet dipped into the cool stream. The atmosphere between them had changed — no longer full of tension, but of something new… something fragile and hopeful.

Akki broke the silence first. “I always thought… you hated me.”

Ren chuckled quietly. “Hate you? I’ve never hated you, Akki. I just… didn’t know how to deal with my own feelings.”

Akki turned to him. “Then why were you always close to Huru?”

Ren leaned back, lying against the rock. “Because she made it easy to pretend I didn’t care about you.”

Akki looked down at his reflection in the water. His cheeks were pink, but not from the sunlight. “Do you still want to pretend?”

Ren looked at him seriously. “No. Not anymore.”

The two sat quietly, just the sound of water filling the space between them.

Ren suddenly grinned. “Remember that time in second year when I pushed you into the school fountain?”

Akki gasped. “You said it was an accident!”

“It was,” Ren laughed, “but I didn’t hate watching you scream like a soaked cat.”

Akki shoved him lightly. “You’re such a jerk.”

“Maybe,” Ren said, eyes softening, “but now I want to be your jerk.”

Akki’s lips curved into a smile.

---

Later That Evening – Back at the Hotel

The boys returned from their day trip, full of laughter and stories. Yuki and Dai came back together, both smiling and holding cold drinks.

Dai whispered something to Yuki, and he blushed a little. Akki saw that and smiled. Maybe they’ll be okay.

In the hotel lobby, the group was deciding how to spend the evening.

“Movie night?” one friend suggested.

“Or we can play cards,” another said.

Akki stood beside Ren, watching the chaos.

Ren leaned in and said quietly, “Wanna skip all that?”

Akki raised a brow. “And do what?”

“There’s a piano in the lounge,” Ren said. “Play something for me?”

Akki blinked. “You never even liked my guitar playing.”

Ren smiled. “I lied.”

---

That Night – Hotel Lounge

The lounge was dimly lit, with only a few wall lamps and the moonlight filtering through tall windows. Akki sat on the piano bench while Ren stood behind, leaning on the edge of the grand piano.

Akki’s fingers touched the keys gently. “I’m not very good…”

“Play anyway,” Ren said. “Just for me.”

He played a soft tune, uncertain but full of feeling. Ren closed his eyes as he listened. When the music stopped, he opened them and said, “You always surprise me.”

Akki looked up. “Why?”

Ren came closer and whispered, “Because every time I think I’ve figured you out… you show me something beautiful.”

Akki looked away shyly. “…You’re being cheesy.”

Ren grinned. “Yeah. But only for you.”

---

[To be continued in Chapter 21...]