Chapter 18: A Day Meant for Happiness
The morning sun poured softly through the window, casting golden rays over Naoki's bed. A breeze carried the scent of fresh bread and flowers through the curtains. Somewhere, a dog barked in the distance. Birds sang their usual symphony, and for once, it all felt... perfect.
Naoki, now twenty in this dreamlike world, slowly sat up. His once boyish features had matured—his frame lean yet strong, his hair now slightly longer and tousled. His eyes still held that same spark from years ago, untouched by darkness.
A phone buzzed on his nightstand.
[Good morning, sleepyhead 💖 Ready for our date today? 😘]
He smiled.
[Of course. I wouldn't miss it for the world.]
He hopped out of bed with the excitement of a teenager in love, not the shadow of the boy who once cried alone in silence.
Today wasn't a day for sadness. Not in this world.
---
They met at the train station.
She stood by the vending machines—soft brown hair tied in a playful ponytail, wearing a flowing sky-blue dress that danced with the breeze. Her eyes lit up when she saw him.
"You're late!" she teased, crossing her arms.
Naoki grinned. "Fashionably. It's a rule in the Handbook of Handsome Boyfriends."
She rolled her eyes and poked his forehead. "You mean the Handbook of Dorks?"
They laughed. The world around them, alive with movement and color, seemed to bend in their favor.
Their destination: an old amusement park that sat by the coast—half nostalgic, half romantic.
"I haven't been here since I was a kid," Naoki said as they passed under the rusted entrance arch. "Feels like stepping into a memory."
"Then let's make new ones," she said, tugging his hand.
They started with the classics: the Ferris wheel, which offered a breathtaking view of the sea; the carousel, where Naoki pretended his horse was battling dragons; and the haunted house—where she screamed and clung to his arm.
"Don't laugh! That dummy looked too real!"
"Which one?" he joked. "The ghost or the mirror showing your reflection?"
She gasped and smacked him playfully. "Rude!"
They shared cotton candy, played shooting games, and Naoki won her a small, lopsided stuffed bear.
"This bear's name is... Lumpy," he declared.
"You just made that up."
"Lumpy is offended."
---
Later, they sat by the edge of the boardwalk, feet dangling above the shimmering waves.
"Hey, Naoki?" she asked softly.
"Yeah?"
"Are you happy?"
He looked out to the ocean.
"I think so. With you... yeah, I am."
She rested her head on his shoulder. "Promise me, if we ever get separated... you'll find me again."
"I'll find you," he whispered. "No matter what."
Their fingers intertwined.
Behind them, unnoticed, a figure sat quietly on a bench. The same figure who had followed Naoki for days. Short-cropped hair. Pale skin. A frail hospital gown beneath a gray hoodie.
He watched the couple in silence, hands resting limply on his knees.
There was no malice in his gaze. Only longing.
---
As evening painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, they walked along the beach. The wind whispered stories through the waves.
Naoki stopped. "Can I tell you something?"
She turned. "What is it?"
He hesitated. His eyes trembled. "I... I feel like... all of this might not be real. Like I'm dreaming something I don't deserve."
Her smile softened. "Then I'll stay in your dream as long as you need me."
He pulled her into a hug.
Behind them, the shadow figure watched again.
But this time—he was crying.
And when Naoki turned slightly toward the silhouette... it was gone.
CHAPTER END