Chapter 10: Unspoken Doubts
475 Words
Autumn arrived with crisp air and gold leaves underfoot. The newfound ease between Kai and Luna continued; they walked through campus hand-in-hand, started holding hands during lunch, and Luna had even taken to calling him “Kai-kun” with a tender smile instead of by his last name.
But new worries crept in. Luna still struggled with the idea of her first love, and Arata’s absence hurt in the quiet moments. Kai bore the weight of their marriage, knowing that any dramatic move could tear them apart.
One rainy afternoon, Luna walked into class to find Kai already there. She noticed he wore his coat even though the class was warm. On impulse, Luna slipped off her own raincoat and draped it over his shoulders.
His back stiffened, and for a moment he looked so lonely she felt a pang of guilt. She dropped into her seat.
After class, as students rushed out to escape the rain, Luna hurried to catch up with Kai by the dormitory entrance.
“Kai!” she cried. He paused.
She noticed he held a plastic bag with a small souvenir—a paper lantern keychain that Luna had admired two weeks ago during a festival.
“You never told me about the internship interview tomorrow,” Luna said quietly, taking in his expression.
Kai’s eyes were red. “I—I thought you did. I... I studied all night to prepare something for you.” He handed her the keychain with a wavering smile. “Good luck tomorrow.”
Luna’s heart clenched. Why had she been so caught up worrying that she missed this? She shook the rain from her shoulders, unable to speak.
Kai turned to leave. Luna suddenly realized how much this small gesture meant. “Kai,” she called softly.
He stopped but didn’t look back.
“I...” Luna struggled to find words. She grabbed his hands, drenched in rain. “Thank you,” she managed. “Really.”
Kai met her gaze. “There’s nothing to thank me for,” he said quietly. “I just care about you.”
Luna’s eyes glistened. She could see sincerity in them. “I care about you too,” she said, voice breaking a little.
Kai exhaled. “Promise me something?”
She squeezed his hands. “Anything.”
He swallowed. “No matter what happens... Don’t hide from me. Talk to me.”
Luna nodded. “I promise.”
Despite the rain and their silence, they stood together under the porch, neither wanting to say goodbye. Finally, Luna leaned forward to kiss Kai gently.
“Good night, Kai-kun,” she murmured.
“Good night, Luna,” he replied softly, gently brushing the raindrops from her cheek.
They parted with a little more understanding between them—a silent vow to be honest no matter how difficult.
- Writer
