The day moved at a sluggish pace for Nagase. Even as he immersed himself in meetings and news reports, his thoughts constantly drifted back to her. The memory of her text that morning—of her teasing and care—kept a subtle smile on his face, one that didn't go unnoticed by his colleagues.

"Someone's in a good mood," one of them quipped as they passed him in the hallway.

Nagase merely shrugged, offering a cryptic, "Maybe."

By the time the evening arrived, Nagase had finished his tasks at the station and returned to his apartment. The quiet of his home felt different now—not lonely, but anticipatory. He set his bag down, made a quick dinner, and then settled on the couch, Nagase barely hesitated before typing:

"I'm home now. Want to call?"

It is not take too long before his phone buzzed. And his eyes light as Takamiya's name showing on the screen.

"Hey." Her familiar voice filled his ear.

"Hey," Nagase replied, leaning back against the couch. "How's your day been? Or should I say, how was your extended airport stay?"

She laughed softly, the sound sending a pleasant warmth through him. "Exhausting, but I managed. I read through half a book and drank way too much coffee. How about you? Busy day?"

"Not really," he said casually, though the truth was that his day had been anything but ordinary, thanks to her message. "I couldn't focus much. Someone's been on my mind."

There was a pause, and he could almost hear her smile on the other end. "You're getting bolder, Hiromi. Who is this someone? Should I be jealous?"

He chuckled, enjoying the banter. "No need. It's you. Just you."

The teasing edge in her voice softened. "Well, in that case, I guess I don't mind."

The call had already stretched longer than either of them planned, but neither seemed eager to hang up. There was something comforting, something grounding, about hearing each other's voices after so long.

At one point, the conversation lulled into a soft silence, and Nagase broke it with a quiet, almost hesitant admission.

"Makoto…"

"Hmm?" Her voice was soft, encouraging him to continue.

"I don't think I've said this yet, but… thank you."

"For what?" she asked, the curiosity in her tone genuine.

"For giving me a second chance," Nagase said, his voice tinged with emotion. "I know I don't deserve it—not after everything. Not after the way I messed things up back then."

She didn't respond immediately, and for a moment, he worried he'd said too much. Then, she spoke, her voice steady and sure.

"You're wrong, Hiromi. You do deserve it. We both made mistakes, but that doesn't mean we don't deserve to try again".

Her words settled over him like a balm, easing the guilt he'd carried for years. But then her tone shifted slightly, becoming more hesitant.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Of course," he said immediately, sitting up straighter.

"Are you really okay with this?" she asked. "With… a long-distance relationship? I know it's not going to be easy. And I don't want you to feel like you're making all the sacrifices."

Nagase thought for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "It won't be easy," he admitted. "But nothing worth having ever is. And honestly, I'd rather have this—whatever it looks like—than not have you at all."

Her breath hitched slightly, and when she spoke again, her voice was softer. "You mean that?"

"Of course I do," he said firmly. "I've already lost you once. I'm not making that mistake again. I'll do whatever it takes, Makoto."

She was silent for a moment, and he could almost picture her on the other end of the line, processing his words.

They lingered a little longer, the conversation flowing easily again, but eventually, the weight of the hour caught up with them.

"You should sleep," Takamiya said, though her voice was reluctant.

"Yeah," Nagase agreed, even though the thought of hanging up made him ache. "But Makoto…"

"Yes?"

"Thank you," he said again, his voice soft but sincere. "For everything. For being you."

She didn't respond right away, but when she did, her voice was warm, filled with a quiet affection that made his chest tighten.

"Goodnight, Hiromi. We'll talk soon."

"Goodnight," he replied, his voice just as tender. "And don't forget—we're going to make this work."

"We will," she promised.

As the call ended, Nagase leaned back on the couch, a sense of peace washing over him. The road ahead wouldn't be easy, but for the first time in years, he felt certain.

They had made their promises. Now, it was time to keep them. Together.