The school day had ended, but Aiko lingered near the courtyard, enjoying the warm glow of the late afternoon sun. The cherry blossoms were still shedding their petals, and a gentle breeze made them drift like pink snow.
Ren appeared from behind a tree, carrying his backpack and a soft smile. "Hey, you're still here," he said.
Aiko blinked, slightly flustered. "I… just wanted to enjoy the sunset."
He nodded, walking over to stand beside her. For a moment, they watched in silence as the sky shifted from gold to soft orange.
"It's… beautiful," Aiko whispered.
Ren glanced at her, then back at the horizon. "Yeah… it is." He hesitated, then added quietly, "I like spending time with you like this."
Aiko's heart skipped a beat. "M-Me too," she replied softly, looking down at her hands.
They walked together along the courtyard path, the sound of their footsteps mingling with the rustling petals. Aiko felt a warmth in her chest, a mixture of happiness and nervous excitement.
Ren stopped at a small bench beneath the cherry blossoms. "Aiko… can I tell you something?" he asked, his voice low but steady.
She nodded, heart pounding. "Y-Yes?"
"I… really enjoy being with you," he confessed, eyes meeting hers. "Not just as a friend… I like you. A lot."
Aiko's cheeks turned bright red. Her heart raced, but a soft smile spread across her face. "I… I like you too," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
For a moment, the world seemed to pause—cherry blossoms drifting around them, the golden sunlight casting a gentle glow. They both laughed softly, relieved and happy, their hearts beating in sync.
Ren reached out, brushing a stray petal from her hair. "I've wanted to tell you for a while," he said softly.
Aiko looked at him, feeling a flutter in her chest. "I'm glad you did."
They sat together on the bench, talking quietly as the sun set, sharing feelings they had only hinted at before. It was simple, gentle, and perfect—a first confession that didn't need grand gestures or drama.
And in that quiet, heartwarming moment, Aiko realized that being with Ren—sharing laughter, teasing, and now feelings—was the happiest she had ever been.