Nagase stirred awake on the couch, the faint light of dawn spilling through the curtains. His neck ached from the awkward position he had slept in, and he rubbed it absently as he reached for his phone on the coffee table.
The screen lit up, showing a message. It was from an unknown number, but as he opened it, a smile immediately broke across his face.
"This is my number. My flight was delayed yesterday, I believe it was already quite late in Tokyo. So, I decided not directly text you when I arrived. I didn't want to bother you. Hope you slept well. – Takamiya"
Nagase leaned back, staring at the message, a warmth spreading through his chest. She had always been considerate, even to a fault. The fact that she was thinking about not disturbing him, even when stuck at an airport, made his heart ache with affection.
He quickly saved her number and typed a reply.
"Good morning. You wouldn't have bothered me—I was awake thinking about you anyway. Hope you got some rest after the delay. Call me when you're free."
He hit send, then set the phone down, running a hand through his hair. He couldn't help but replay her words in his mind. Just seeing her name on his phone felt surreal, like a dream he didn't want to wake from.
A few moments later, his phone buzzed again.
"Morning. I am free until tomorrow. Just busy with unpacked things. Let me know when you have free time after your work. Also, stop thinking about me so much—it'll ruin your focus at work."
Nagase let out a laugh, shaking his head. She hadn't changed. Even after all these years, she still knew how to tease him, keeping their exchanges light yet meaningful.
He stared at the screen for a moment, his fingers hovering over the keyboard. Then he typed back:
"Too late. You've already ruined me. Talk tonight? Ah, I guess that will be Afternoon there."
As the message sent, Nagase leaned back, a soft smile lingering on his face. For the first time in a long while, he felt a sense of certainty. It wasn't going to be easy, but he had no doubt in his mind that they would make it through.
One last message received:
"Sure. Catch you later. Have a good day ahead"
His day had barely begun, but knowing she was on the other end of that line made everything feel a little brighter.