Stop Pretending Like We're Just Friends Chapter 15 - 8 Letters, a toradora! fanfic

Why do I pull you close?

And then ask you for space

If all it is is eight letters

Why is it so hard to say?

Wednesday Morning, 19th of May 2010 - Fabrizio's apartment

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting soft golden rays across the apartment. Fabrizio sat at the small kitchen table, a half-empty cup of coffee in front of him, untouched and lukewarm. The quiet hum of the city below was distant, almost muffled by the weight of his thoughts.

He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his eyes, still exhausted despite a full night's sleep. His mind had been restless, drifting in and out of the memory of Nanako's voice—I love you. She had spoken those words with such sincerity, her eyes filled with a quiet, unwavering truth.

Fabrizio let out a sigh, running a hand through his messy hair. The words had been there, hanging on the tip of his tongue, but he hadn't been able to say them back. Instead, they remained lodged in his chest, heavy and unmoving.

"If all it is is eight letters," he muttered to himself, staring at the ceiling, "why is it so hard to say?"

It wasn't that he didn't feel it—he did. But Clara's memory was still tangled up with his feelings, a ghost he couldn't quite let go of. Every time he imagined moving forward, it was like betraying her, like letting go of the promises they once shared.

Fabrizio's phone buzzed again, but this time, it wasn't a message—it was a call. The screen lit up with Hana's name. He hesitated for a moment, staring at the phone before sighing and picking it up.

"Hey," he answered, his voice a little groggy from the weight of his thoughts.

"Morning, sleepyhead!" Hana's voice was bright and cheerful, the complete opposite of how Fabrizio felt. "You sound like you just rolled out of bed. Are you okay?"

He rubbed his eyes again and leaned forward, resting his elbow on the table. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... thinking."

"Still thinking about Nanako?" she asked, her tone softening slightly, knowing exactly what was going on in his mind.

Fabrizio didn't answer, but the silence was enough for Hana to know she was right.

"Well, listen," she continued, trying to lift the mood, "Hiroto-kun and I are heading to this new little café by the beach. We were thinking of grabbing some breakfast and then maybe hitting the shops after. You should come! It'll be good for you to get out of your head for a bit."

Fabrizio stared at the half-empty cup of coffee in front of him, wondering if it would be better to just stay here, lost in his thoughts. But Hana was right. He needed a break from the endless cycle of doubt that kept replaying in his mind.

"I don't know…" he began, but Hana cut him off before he could finish.

"Come on! It'll be fun. You can't spend the whole day brooding over things. Plus, Hiroto-kun's been asking about you. We all have, actually. We just want to make sure you're okay."

Fabrizio couldn't help but smile a little at Hana's persistence. She always had a way of dragging him out of his darker moments. "Alright, alright. I'll come."

"Great! We'll meet you at the café in, like, half an hour? Don't be late!"

"I won't be," he promised, ending the call.

He stood up, stretching as he looked out the window. The morning sunlight gleamed brighter now, and maybe, just maybe, a day with friends could help clear his mind, even if just for a little while. Fabrizio pocketed his phone, threw on a shirt, and stepped out of his apartment into the crisp morning air.

Wednesday Morning, 19th of May 2010 - Naha

The streets of Naha were already bustling with activity, a mix of tourists and locals making their way through the city. As he walked toward the café where Hana and Hiroto were waiting, he tried to quiet the racing thoughts in his mind.

What am I even doing? he thought, feeling a pang of frustration. Nanako had confessed her feelings, and yet, here he was, stuck in his doubts. His heart pulled him toward her, but something—Clara's memory, his lingering fears—kept holding him back. Why can't I just let go and move forward?

The rhythmic sound of his footsteps blended with the hum of the city, but his thoughts were a whirlwind. She deserves someone who's sure, who knows how to love without hesitation. He sighed. I want to be that for her… but how can I, when I still can't shake the past?

Lost in his thoughts, Fabrizio rounded a corner just as someone else came from the opposite direction, and before he could react, he collided with the person head-on.

"Ah, sorry!" Fabrizio instinctively reached out, steadying the person before taking a step back. His eyes widened when he recognized the familiar face in front of him.

Mitsuri, Mister Homura's daughter, stood there, adjusting the strap of her bag with a small, surprised smile on her lips. "Fabrizio-kun? Wow, long time no see."

"Mitsuri-chan!" Fabrizio blinked in surprise. "I'm so sorry, I didn't see you coming."

"No worries," she laughed softly, waving off his concern. "I wasn't paying much attention either. How have you been? It's been a while since we last spoke."

Fabrizio shrugged, a little unsure how to respond. "Yeah, it has. I've been... alright, I guess." He paused, then quickly added, "Still singing at the club, of course."

Mitsuri grinned. "Yeah, I've heard! My dad's always telling me how you're becoming quite the crowd favorite. He's really happy with the performances you've been giving. I haven't had the chance to see you live lately, but I'll try to drop by soon."

Fabrizio smiled, grateful for the distraction. "I'm glad to hear that. Your dad's been really supportive."

"You've earned it," Mitsuri replied warmly. "But you look... distracted," she added, tilting her head slightly. "Something on your mind?"

Fabrizio hesitated for a second before offering a small, tired smile. "It's a long story."

Mitsuri raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "I've got time, you know. But I won't pry. Just—if you ever want to talk, you know where to find me."

"Thanks, Mitsuri-chan. I appreciate that." Fabrizio's smile widened a bit, grateful for her understanding.

"Well, I better get going," she said, glancing at her watch. "I've got an early meeting, but it was nice running into you—literally."

Fabrizio chuckled. "Yeah, sorry again about that. It was good seeing you."

"Take care, Fabrizio-kun. And I'll definitely come by the club soon." She gave him a playful wink before walking off.

As Fabrizio walked away, Mitsuri stood in place for a moment, watching his figure grow smaller in the distance. She couldn't help but notice the weight he carried in his expression, the heaviness in his eyes. He's not just distracted, she thought, a touch of concern creeping into her mind. He's torn.

She adjusted her bag and started walking again, her steps slow as she glanced back one last time. Whatever it is, I hope he finds his way through it.

As he neared the café, he thought maybe, just maybe, this morning wouldn't be so bad after all.

Wednesday Morning, 19th of May 2010 - Seaside Garden Cafè

Fabrizio finally reached the café, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods mixed with sea air, spilled out from the entrance as he approached. He hesitated for a moment at the door, gathering his thoughts before stepping inside. The small bell above the door jingled as he entered, and the warm atmosphere instantly enveloped him.

The café was cozy, with wooden tables, soft lighting, and quiet music playing in the background. He scanned the room, but Hana and Hiroto were nowhere to be seen. Fabrizio walked up to the counter, where a young cashier with a friendly smile stood behind the register, wiping the counter.

"Hi," Fabrizio began, trying not to sound too rushed. "I'm looking for a girl with dark hair and a boy with a ponytail. Have they come in?"

The cashier nodded immediately, recognizing the pair. "Yeah, they arrived a little while ago. They're on the back patio." She motioned toward a small hallway to the left of the counter. "You can head straight through there."

"Thanks," Fabrizio said with a grateful nod, glancing toward the direction she pointed. As he turned to leave, the cashier added, "Can I get you anything? Coffee, maybe?"

He gave a quick shake of his head, still feeling a little distracted. "Maybe in a bit."

"Alright, just let me know." She smiled politely before returning to her tasks.

Fabrizio stepped onto the back patio, greeted by the soft murmur of conversation and the warmth of sunlight filtering through the leaves of a few potted trees. Hana and Hiroto were seated at a small round table near the corner, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Hana was leaning forward, animated as she talked, while Hiroto sat back, nodding thoughtfully, sipping on a cold drink.

As Fabrizio approached, Hana noticed him first. She waved him over with a bright smile, her energy immediately contagious. "Fabrizio-kun! Over here!"

Hiroto turned and gave a nod of acknowledgment, a small smile appearing on his usually calm face. "Hey, glad you made it."

Fabrizio returned their smiles and pulled out the chair opposite them, sitting down with a sigh. "Sorry, I'm a bit late."

Hana shrugged, shaking her head. "Nah, you're fine. We were just talking about the festival coming up next week. You know, trying to get Hiroto-kun here to show some enthusiasm for once," she teased, nudging Hiroto with her elbow.

Hiroto gave a soft chuckle, shaking his head. "I have enthusiasm," he said calmly, taking another sip of his drink. "I just don't show it as loudly as you."

Fabrizio chuckled lightly, grateful for the casual banter. He leaned back in his chair, letting the atmosphere settle over him, but he could feel their eyes on him. It was Hana who finally broke the silence with a soft but serious tone.

"You doing okay?" she asked, her gaze soft but perceptive, as if she could see the weight hanging over him.

Fabrizio glanced at her, then at Hiroto, whose face was similarly concerned though less direct. He hesitated, his thoughts swimming with doubts and conflicting emotions. "I'm… not sure," he admitted, his voice low. "It's just been a lot lately."

Hana reached across the table, placing a comforting hand on his arm. "We get it. You don't have to carry it all by yourself, you know?"

Fabrizio gave her a small, grateful smile. "I know. It's just... things feel different now. With Nanako going back home to recover, and..." His words trailed off as he found himself unable to fully express the weight of what had been stirring inside him. Clara. The guilt. His feelings for Nanako.

Hana spoke up, her voice steady and reassuring. "You don't have to rush anything. Let yourself process everything. The rest will fall into place."

"Yeah," Hiroto added, crossing his arms and leaning back in his chair. "You both need time. But, honestly? You two are close, man. Really close. Sometimes it's about letting things fall into place when the time's right, like I said earlier."

Fabrizio sighed, rubbing his temples. "I just don't know if I'm ready for all that. For everything Clara left behind and for what Nanako's brought into my life. It's all so… complicated."

Hana's eyes softened, and she gave him a knowing look. "It's never easy. But the way I see it, love always comes with complications. If it didn't, it probably wouldn't be real."

Just as the words settled between them, a loud, enthusiastic voice interrupted their conversation. "Aw dude! This place is amazing!"

Fabrizio's attention snapped to the side, and he turned in his chair to see a group of people seated at a table near the balcony, which provided a beautiful view of the bay. The guy who had spoken had long blue hair tied into a ponytail, his voice booming with excitement.

The group was a striking mix. Beside the blue-haired guy was a girl dressed in a trendy fashionwith vibrant orange hair, her enthusiasm matching his. A skinny guy with glasses sat next to her, his orange hair as bright as hers, while another man with a stockier build, sampaku eyes and sharp features — who looked like he had walked straight out of a mafia movie — sat quietly, arms crossed. Finally, there was a exquisitely beautiful girl with blue hair who seemed to be listening carefully, occasionally chiming in with a soft laugh.

The guy with the glasses finished his drink and set the glass down with a grin. "Alright, let's hurry up! We've gotta surprise Nanako-chan today!" he said excitedly, looking at the others.

Fabrizio's heart skipped a beat. "Nanako?" he muttered under his breath.

Hana, noticing the change in his demeanor, raised an eyebrow. "Fabrizio-kun?"

Without a word, Fabrizio stood up abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. His sudden movement puzzled Hiroto and Hana, both of whom looked at him with concern.

"Fabrizio-kun, what's going on?" Hiroto asked, his voice steady but curious.

Fabrizio's eyes were locked onto the group near the balcony. His heart raced. He recognized those names. Haruta, Maya, Noto, Ryuuji , and Ami. These were Nanako's friends from Ohashi. What were they doing here, and why didn't they know she wasn't in Naha?

"They… they're Nanako-chan's friends," Fabrizio whispered, more to himself than to the others.

Hana glanced at the group and then back at Fabrizio. "Wait, those are the ones she's always talked about?"

Fabrizio nodded, still processing what this meant. Why hadn't they been informed about her injury or her return to Ohashi? He had to tell them before they set out on their plan to surprise her.

"I need to go talk to them," Fabrizio said with urgency, already starting to move toward the table where Nanako's friends were gathered.

Hana and Hiroto exchanged worried glances, but before they could ask further, Fabrizio weaved through the tables, his mind racing as he neared Nanako's friends. Taking a deep breath, he approached their table, hoping to find the right words to explain the situation.

"Hey, excuse me," he said cautiously.

The group turned toward him, their conversations halting. Haruta, the guy with the long blue ponytail, smiled brightly. "Hey, man! What's up? You here to enjoy this view too?"

Fabrizio gave a small nod before glancing at the group. He recognized Maya, the girl with orange hair, who waved at him casually. Noto, the bespectacled guy, peered at him curiously. Ryuuji, who had the tough look of a mafia movie goon, simply gave a nod. Finally, there was Ami, the pregnant woman with blue hair, who gave him a soft smile, though there was a question behind her eyes.

"Actually…" Fabrizio began, hesitating for a moment. "I couldn't help but overhear. You're here to see Nanako, right?"

At her name, the group perked up. Noto grinned and leaned forward. "Yeah, we've got this whole plan! She has no idea we're coming. Going to surprise her good!"

Haruta laughed. "Yeah, we've been planning it for weeks. She's gonna freak out when she sees us!"

"By the way, who are you? Do you know Nanako?" Maya asked.

Fabrizio offered a small smile before introducing himself. "I'm Fabrizio. Nanako-chan and I are… friends and..." he sighed, his heart heavy as he tried to figure out how to break the news gently. "...There's something you need to know."

Ami's smile faded, concern flickering in her eyes. "What is it? Did something happen?"

Fabrizio glanced at each of them before answering, his voice careful. "Nanako… she's not in Naha. She's back in Ohashi with her mom."

The group fell silent, their faces confused and a bit shocked. Haruta frowned. "Wait, what do you mean? She went back home? Why? What happened?"

Fabrizio ran a hand through his hair, trying to find the right words. "She injured her leg… pretty badly. It happened a week ago. She's been recovering in the hospital, but they discharged her and she's gone home to rest and heal."

Maya gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "What? Why didn't she tell us? Why didn't we know?"

"I'm sorry," Fabrizio said softly, his guilt apparent. "She didn't want to worry anyone. She's… she's been through a lot, and her mom wanted her back home to recover."

Ami, looking the most affected, lowered her gaze as she whispered, "Is she going to be okay?"

Fabrizio nodded. "Yeah, the doctors say she's going to be fine. She just needs time."

The group fell into a heavy silence. Ryuuji rubbed his face, clearly frustrated. "Damn, we had no idea… We should've been there for her."

Maya's eyes filled with worry. "I feel so bad that we didn't know… I can't believe she didn't tell us."

Ami placed a hand on Maya's arm, her expression sad but understanding. "You know Nanako-chan. She never wants to burden anyone."

Then, she looked at Fabrizio, her gaze thoughtful. "You were with her, weren't you? When it happened?"

Fabrizio's heart clenched at the memory. "Yeah… I was."

Ami studied him for a moment, then nodded, her voice soft. "Thank you for being there for her."

Fabrizio nodded but said nothing. The weight of the past few days hung heavy over him, and he knew it was only going to get harder before it got better.

Just then, Noto broke the tension, his tone light though still tinged with concern. "Well, I guess our surprise trip didn't go as planned."

Haruta, after a few moments of silence, chuckled lightly, trying to break the tension. "Well, we're already in Okinawa. Even if our surprise plan went south, we might as well try to enjoy it, right? Nanako-chan wouldn't want us moping around the whole time."

Maya gave him a small smile. "Yeah, you're right. We can still make the most of it."

Ami placed a comforting hand on Maya's shoulder, nodding. "We'll still see her when she's feeling better."

Fabrizio felt the warmth of their friendship and realized how important Nanako was to all of them. After a brief pause, he cleared his throat. "You know, I'm here with my friends, Hana and Hiroto. If you guys want, you could join us for a tour of the city. I'd be happy to show you around, and we could hit some of the shops. Naha's got a lot to offer."

Haruta brightened up at the offer, his grin widening. "That sounds awesome! What do you think, guys? A little sightseeing might help take our minds off things."

Maya and Noto nodded, their expressions softening. Ami smiled at Fabrizio, her eyes filled with gratitude. "We'd love that. Thank you, Fabrizio-kun."

"Great," Fabrizio replied, relieved that they were onboard. He glanced back toward Hana and Hiroto, who had been watching him, their curiosity obvious. He waved them over and introduced the two groups.

"This is Hana, and that's Hiroto," Fabrizio said. "They're friends of mine, and we've all been hanging out here in Naha."

Hana smiled warmly at the new arrivals, and Hiroto gave a friendly nod. "Nice to meet you guys," Hana said, "We'd love to show you around the city."

With the introductions made, the two groups merged into one, and Fabrizio felt a little lighter. Even though Nanako wasn't there, the connection between her friends and his felt like a bridge between the two worlds.

Wednesday Midday, 19th of May 2010 - Ohashi

Nanako, seated in her wheelchair, gazed out at the familiar neighborhood as her mother pushed her along the pathway. The steady hum of the wheels on the pavement was the only sound, a gentle rhythm that matched the peaceful atmosphere of the early morning.

She had been back in Ohashi for a few days now, recovering from the accident and the ordeal that followed. While her body was healing, her mind was restless. Being confined to her wheelchair, with limited mobility, gave her far too much time to think.

Her mother, Touka, pushed her along with a smile, offering encouraging words here and there. "It's a beautiful day, isn't it?" she said softly, more to fill the silence than anything else.

Nanako nodded absentmindedly, her mind elsewhere. Today, they were heading to Maya's house, the last stop after a few confusing visits earlier in the morning. She had already been to Noto's, Haruta's, and Ami's homes, but no one had been there. It was strange. Normally, there was always someone around, especially on weekends, but every door she knocked on was met with silence.

"Do you think Maya-chan will be home?" Nanako asked, glancing over her shoulder at her mother.

Touka smiled gently, though there was a hint of uncertainty in her eyes. "I'm sure she will be. You know how she is—always busy with something. But if she's not, we can try again later."

Nanako sighed, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of the blanket draped over her lap. "I just don't understand why no one's around. It's not like them to all be gone at the same time."

Her mother didn't have an answer for that, but she squeezed Nanako's shoulder reassuringly. "Maybe they've all gone out together. They're a close-knit group, after all."

Nanako nodded, but a small part of her felt uneasy. Where could they be?

As they continued down the familiar road toward Maya's house, Nanako found herself lost in thought. The quiet town, the familiar sights—it all seemed the same, yet something felt different. Her mind wandered back to Iriomote, to the hospital room, and to the conversation she had with Fabrizio before she left. His face, his voice, the way he held her hand—it was all so vivid in her memory. She had confessed her feelings to him, but the uncertainty in his eyes still lingered in her mind.

"Where are you right now, Fabrizio-kun?" she whispered under her breath, feeling the weight of his absence more acutely than before.

They turned the corner, and Maya's house came into view. Nanako looked up hopefully, but again, there was no sign of life. The curtains were drawn, and the front door was closed, just like the others.

Her heart sank a little as they approached. She had been looking forward to surprise her friends, to catching up and sharing everything that had happened. But now, she was starting to wonder if something was wrong. Did they all leave without telling me?

Her mother must have sensed her unease because she stopped pushing the wheelchair for a moment and crouched down beside her. "Hey," she said softly, "don't worry. I'm sure we'll figure out where everyone is soon. Maybe Maya-chan's just out for a bit. We can wait if you'd like."

Nanako shook her head, her brows furrowed in confusion. "It's just… strange. It's not like them to disappear like this. I thought at least someone would be home."

Her mother nodded sympathetically, brushing a strand of hair from Nanako's face. "Let's not jump to conclusions just yet, sweetie. I'm sure there's a simple explanation."

Nanako gave her mother a small smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. She wanted to believe that everything was fine, that her friends were just out enjoying the day. Where could they be?

Nanako sighed and reached into her pocket, fishing out her phone. Maybe Maya was out, but it wouldn't hurt to send her a quick text. As she unlocked the screen, her thumb hovered over the messaging app, but something made her pause.

Her wallpaper—the familiar image Hana had sneakily captured during the Golden Week Boat Races—caught her eye. She had forgotten about it. The photo showed her and Fabrizio standing side by side, looking out over the bay as the sun set behind them, casting a golden hue over the water. The vibrant mix of oranges, pinks, and purples reflected off the surface, creating an almost magical scene. They weren't facing the camera; it was just a candid moment, their shoulders barely touching, both lost in their own thoughts.

Nanako stared at the picture for a long moment. Her chest tightened as memories flooded back—the excitement of the boat races, the laughter shared among friends, and the way Fabrizio had looked at her that day. She had always known there was something special between them, but it wasn't until she confessed her feelings at the hospital that she truly understood just how much he meant to her. The image of him sitting beside her bed, his hand in hers, resurfaced in her mind. He hadn't said much in response to her confession, but his eyes—those soft, conflicted eyes—had spoken volumes.

"Where are you, Fabrizio-kun?" she whispered again, her fingers brushing over the screen as if it could somehow bring her closer to him.

Was he thinking about her? Did he feel the same pull she did, this constant yearning that seemed to grow stronger with every passing day? Or had she scared him off? The uncertainty gnawed at her, filling the quiet moments with doubt. She hadn't heard from him since she'd left the hospital, and while she had tried to give him space, the silence was beginning to feel unbearable.

Just as she was about to dive deeper into her thoughts, her mother's voice broke the silence.

"Maybe they're all at Ryuuji-kun's house?" Touka suggested, her tone casual but laced with a hopeful edge.

Nanako blinked, startled out of her reverie. "Ryuuji-kun's?" she repeated, slightly confused.

Her mother nodded. "It's possible. Maybe they decided to hang out there today. He lives just a few streets over, doesn't he?"

Nanako hesitated, glancing at her phone again. It was plausible, she supposed. But Ryuuji's house wasn't the kind of place they usually gathered. He lived in a small apartment with his mother, definitely not the best hangout place.

Still, it was the only lead they had. "I guess we could check," Nanako murmured.

Touka smiled, standing back up and adjusting her grip on the wheelchair handles. "It's worth a shot. And if they're not there, we can head home and figure out what to do next."

Nanako nodded, her thoughts still lingering on Fabrizio as her mother began pushing the wheelchair again. The familiar streets passed by, the early morning sun casting long shadows along the sidewalk. She tucked her phone back into her pocket, the image of her and Fabrizio at the bay still etched in her mind.

What if Ryuuji's house was just as empty as the others?

Wednesday Midday, 19th of May 2010 - Ryuuji's house

As they turned onto Ryuuji's street, Nanako spotted his house at the end of the block, tucked away behind a row of tall trees. It was a modest, two-story house, a bit older than the other homes in the neighborhood, with a small flight of stairs leading up to the front door.

Nanako's heart sank a little when she saw the steps. Stairs—of course. She had been so focused on finding her friends that she hadn't considered how she'd manage with her cast and the wheelchair. Her mother must have noticed too, because she slowed to a stop at the bottom of the stairs, her face creased with hesitation.

Touka frowned and leaned down slightly. "Nanako, these stairs look tricky. Maybe I should go up and knock for you? You can wait here while I check if anyone's home."

Nanako glanced at the stairs and then back at her mother. Part of her wanted to agree, to let her mother handle it, but the other part of her, the one that hated feeling helpless, pushed back. She was tired of being treated like she was fragile. "I can do it, Mom," she said firmly, though her voice was gentle. "I'll be careful. Besides, if they're there, I want to talk to them myself."

Touka hesitated, concern etched on her face. After a moment, she nodded. "Alright, sweetheart. But be careful. I'll be right here with you."

With a deep breath, Nanako carefully swung herself out of the wheelchair, balancing on her good leg. She gripped the railing tightly, and with a bit of effort, began to make her way up the stairs, step by step. Touka stayed close behind, her hands hovering near her daughter, ready to catch her if needed.

By the time they reached the top, Nanako was a little winded, but she felt a small sense of accomplishment. She leaned slightly against the railing for support as Touka stepped forward and knocked on the door.

It didn't take long for the door to swing open, revealing a vibrant, energetic presence. Yasuko, Ryuuji's mother, appeared with a wide grin. She was striking, with wavy blonde hair that cascaded down her shoulders, and she greeted them with her usual enthusiasm.

"Well, well, well! Look who's here!" Yasuko exclaimed, her eyes twinkling with surprise and warmth. "Nanako-chan! Touka-san! What a nice surprise. What brings you both here?"

Nanako, still catching her breath, smiled politely. "Hi, Yasuko-san. I've been trying to visit Noto, Haruta, Ami, and Maya, but no one was home. I thought maybe they were here with Ryuuji?"

Yasuko tilted her head, a look of confusion crossing her face for a brief moment. Then, she clapped her hands together as if remembering something. "Oh, sweetie, didn't they tell you? They all left for Okinawa early this morning!"

Nanako blinked, her mind racing to catch up. "Okinawa?" she repeated, processing the news.

Yasuko nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! They've been planning a surprise trip for you! Noto-kun, Haruta-kun, Maya-chan, Ami-chan and my Ryuuji—they wanted to surprise you by showing up there! They thought you'd be thrilled when they showed up in Okinawa out of the blue!"

Nanako's heart sank. A surprise trip? For her? They didn't know she was back in Ohashi to recover from the accident. She felt guilty for unintentionally spoiling their plan—after all, they were going out of their way to surprise her. But then again, how could she have known? She had only returned home because of the accident, and none of them were aware.

Before she could say anything, Yasuko realized that the girl her son and his friends should have surprised was standing at her door. While wondering why she was there, her eyes traveled down to the cast wrapped around Nanako's leg, and her expression shifted to one of shock.

"Oh my goodness!" Yasuko gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "What happened to your leg, Nanako-chan? Are you alright?"

Nanako shifted slightly, feeling the weight of the situation settle in. She glanced at her mother, who gave her a reassuring nod, then back at Yasuko. "I had an accident a while ago," Nanako explained softly. "That's why I'm back here… to recover."

Yasuko's face fell, a mixture of sympathy and regret flashing across her features. "Oh, Nanako-chan, I'm so sorry! They had no idea, did they? Why didn't you tell them? They could have helped." she continued. "They've been planning this trip for weeks. I can't believe they didn't know about your injury! Poor things must be in Okinawa right now, thinking they're about to surprise you."

Nanako offered a small smile. "It's okay! I didn't want to be a burden. I figured they'd be worried about me if they knew."

Yasuko shook her head, stepping aside to let them inside. "Come in, come in. You shouldn't be standing out here, especially with that cast. Let me make you some tea, and we can talk this through."

Touka helped guide Nanako into the cozy living room, where Yasuko fussed over them, pulling out a chair from Ryuuji's room for Nanako and offering drinks. Nanako settled into the chair, her mind still reeling from the unexpected news.

"I can't believe they left without knowing," Yasuko murmured as she paced slightly. "They're going to feel terrible when they realize you're not there."

Nanako nodded slowly, her thoughts drifting to her friends—Noto, Haruta, Ami, and Maya—now in Okinawa to surprise her. It was such a kind gesture, and she felt a warmth in her chest, knowing how much they cared. "I just hope they don't feel too bad when they find out."

Yasuko smiled brightly, ever the optimist. "Oh, I'm sure they'll come up with a new plan once they find out! They love you, and knowing them, they'll want to make sure you're included in the fun."

Nanako smiled, her heart lightening at Yasuko's words. "Thank you, Yasuko-san. I really appreciate it." As she looked around the cozy living room, the warmth of Yasuko's kindness filled her with hope.

Touka, sensing her daughter's uplifted spirit, reached over and squeezed her hand gently. "And in the meantime, we can enjoy some time together here. We'll make the best of it."

Yasuko nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely! Let's make some plans of our own while we wait for them to figure things out! We'll have our own little celebration!"

With that, the room filled with laughter and warmth, and Nanako felt a sense of belonging wash over her. Even though she missed her friends and felt a pang of guilt about the surprise, she couldn't help but feel grateful for the support of those who were there with her now.

But as she settled into the cozy atmosphere, her mind began to wander again. She couldn't help but wonder if her friends had met Fabrizio yet. They were all in Okinawa now, and the thought of them running into him was both exciting and nerve-wracking. Did they know how special he was to her?

Touka, sensing her daughter's shift in mood, turned her head slightly, her brow furrowing in curiosity. "Are you thinking about Fabrizio-kun?"

Nanako blinked, pulled from her thoughts. "Yeah," she admitted, a small smile creeping onto her lips. "I can't help but wonder if he's met my friends yet. I hope they get along."

Yasuko, overhearing, leaned in closer, her interest piqued. "Fabrizio-kun? Who's that?"

Nanako hesitated, suddenly feeling shy about revealing too much. She knew she liked Fabrizio a lot, but mentioning him felt like a big step.

Before she could find the right words, Touka jumped in, her voice bright with maternal pride. "Oh, he's Nanako's boyfriend!"

Nanako's cheeks flushed bright red, hotter than a tomato, and she shot her mother an incredulous look. "Mom! You didn't have to say that!"

Yasuko's eyes widened in delight, and before Nanako could protest further, she was swept into a warm embrace. "Oh, how wonderful! A boyfriend! I can't believe it! Tell me everything!"

Nanako squirmed slightly in Yasuko's enthusiastic hug, her face still burning. "Well, um, there's not much to tell…" she stammered, but Yasuko was already brimming with questions.

"Is he cute? How did you two meet? What's he like?..." Yasuko flooded her with questions, her excitement infectious.

As Nanako glanced at her mother, she could see a mixture of amusement and pride in Touka's expression. With a playful roll of her eyes, she took a deep breath, feeling the warmth of the moment wash over her. Maybe sharing a little about Fabrizio wouldn't be so bad after all.

Wednesday Midday, 19th of May 2010 - Naminoue Beach Waterfront

The small restaurant on the Naminoue Beach waterfront buzzed with the sounds of chatter, the soft crash of waves, and the occasional call of seabirds. Fabrizio sat with Hana and Hiroto on one of the benches by the beach, a simple sandwich in his hands as Ami, Ryuuji, Haruta, Noto, and Maya in the other benches with their sandwiches, laughing and sharing stories about the trip so far, the salty breeze making the afternoon even more pleasant.

Fabrizio took a bite of his sandwich, chewing slowly as he gazed out at the shimmering sea. The peacefulness of the moment transported him to a memory that had been lingering in his mind ever since Nanako left for Ohashi to recover. He found himself drifting into a flashback in which she fell asleep after their late night swim in the sea. Her head had gently settled on his chest, her breathing soft and even.

Fabrizio remembered how he'd glanced down at her, surprised at first by the intimacy of the moment. He had thought about moving, about waking her up to offer her a more comfortable place to rest. But as he felt her warmth against him and the way her presence filled the quiet night, he'd decided against it. A soft smile had tugged at his lips, and instead, he had gently wrapped his arm around her, pulling her a little closer. The stars twinkled overhead, but all he could focus on was the peacefulness of having her so close.

The memory brought an unexpected wave of warmth, a sense of comfort he hadn't realized he'd needed until then. Nanako had become something more to him, something precious, though neither of them had said the words aloud.

"Fabrizio-kun!"

Hiroto's voice snapped him out of the memory, followed by a playful pat on his shoulder. "Dude, your sandwich… it's crumbling!"

Fabrizio blinked in confusion and glanced down to see the crumbs of his sandwich falling onto his lap. "Oh no!" he exclaimed, quickly trying to salvage the pieces.

The group erupted into laughter, Hana giggling beside him while the others exchanged amused glances. "You're so lost in thought, you're forgetting how to eat!" Hiroto teased, leaning over to slap Fabrizio on the back with a grin.

Ami, who was sitting across from him, grinned. "What were you thinking about, Fabrizio-kun? You looked like you were in another world."

Fabrizio chuckled, brushing the crumbs off his lap. "Just… the sea," he said with a sheepish smile, though the memory of Nanako lingered in his mind. He could still feel the warmth of that night, and it left him smiling a little more than usual.

"Well, you better keep an eye on your food before you lose the rest of it," Hiroto joked again, nudging him good-naturedly.

As the others continued to laugh and joke around, Ami's gaze lingered on Fabrizio a little longer than the rest. She knew that distant look, the one where someone's mind wasn't on the present moment but elsewhere—on someone else. It wasn't the sea that had his thoughts so wrapped up; it was Nanako.

Ami leaned forward slightly, a knowing smile tugging at her lips. "Are you sure it's just the sea you're thinking about?" she asked, her tone teasing but gentle.

Fabrizio blinked, caught off guard by the question. He opened his mouth to respond, but the sheepish smile that crept across his face gave him away.

Ami chuckled softly, shaking her head. "I thought so. It's Nanako-chan, isn't it?"

For a moment, Fabrizio didn't answer, feeling a little embarrassed that she'd seen right through him. He sighed, leaning back on the bench with a small, fond grin. "Yeah," he admitted, his voice softer. "I was thinking about her."

The group, still absorbed in their conversation, didn't catch the exchange between Ami and Fabrizio, but Ami smiled warmly, understanding. "She's got a way of sneaking into your thoughts, doesn't she?"

Fabrizio chuckled at that, nodding. "You have no idea."

Ami watched Fabrizio carefully, her curiosity growing as she leaned in a little closer. "So," she began with a soft smile, "why is she in the center of your thoughts right now?"

Fabrizio hesitated, shifting uncomfortably on the bench. He wasn't used to talking about his own feelings, especially something this complex. His hand fidgeted with his sandwich as he attempted to shrug it off. "It's nothing, really," he muttered, trying to keep things vague. "Just... thinking about her, that's all."

But Ami wasn't letting him get away with that. Her grin turned more playful, but her eyes stayed on him, searching for the truth. "Come on, Fabrizio-kun. You're not fooling anyone. There's more to it, isn't there?"

He sighed, realizing that Ami wasn't going to drop it. Her curiosity and perceptiveness were hard to evade. "It's… complicated," he finally admitted, his voice barely audible over the sounds of the beach.

"Complicated how?" Ami asked, her tone still gentle but insistent. "Nanako-chan's my friend too, and if something's bothering you about her, maybe I can help."

Fabrizio glanced at Ami, seeing the genuine concern in her eyes. He hesitated again, unsure if he should really share what had happened between him and Nanako. But as Ami waited patiently, something about her calm persistence made him feel like it was okay to talk about it—at least a little.

"Last week... when she was in the hospital," Fabrizio began, his voice barely above a whisper, "she told me something. Something big."

Ami leaned in, sensing that Fabrizio was opening up. "What did she tell you?" she asked, her voice soft but filled with anticipation.

He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "Last week, when Nanako was in the hospital," he began, his voice slow and uncertain, "She... she confessed her feelings to me. She said she had feelings for me for a while,

Ami's eyes widened slightly, surprised but intrigued. "She confessed to you?" she asked softly.

"Yeah," Fabrizio nodded, his voice growing quieter as he continued. "She opened up about how she felt. But... ever since, I've been struggling with what to do."

Ami tilted her head, sensing there was more to the story. "Struggling how?" she pressed.

Fabrizio sighed again, running a hand through his hair. "It's not about her feelings—it's about mine. I... I care about her a lot, but I have doubts. Doubts about if I'm ready, or if I even deserve to be with her after everything that happened."

Ami nodded slowly, not interrupting, sensing that this was something he needed to get out.

"She makes me feel things I don't know if I should feel," Fabrizio continued, his brow furrowing. "After Clara died… I told myself I wouldn't—I couldn't—move on. Not with her. But now..."

Ami's expression softened. "Fabrizio-kun… it's okay to have feelings. You don't have to punish yourself for that."

He shook his head, frustrated. "It's not that simple. Clara wasn't just my girlfriend. She was Nanako's best friend. They were everything to each other. And now… now I'm scared that what I'm feeling for Nanako is betraying Clara's memory. How can I love someone else when I was in love with her? Especially Nanako, of all people."

Ami leaned back, taking in the weight of his words. "You think you'd be betraying Clara if you're with Nanako-chan," she said, more as a statement than a question.

Fabrizio nodded. "Yeah. I feel like I'd be betraying both of them—Clara for moving on, and Nanako because she was Clara's best friend. It feels… wrong."

Ami was quiet for a moment, her expression thoughtful. "But Nanako-chan's not Clara," she said softly. "And I'm sure Clara would want both of you to be happy, even if that's together."

Fabrizio looked down, his hands tightening around the remnants of his sandwich. "I just… I don't know if I can. Every time I think about Nanako-chan, I feel guilty. And I don't even know if she would feel the same. She hasn't said anything, but the way we've been since the hospital… it's different."

Ami reached out and placed a hand on his arm, her touch reassuring. "I get it. I really do. But holding onto guilt isn't going to help anyone—not you, not Nanako-chan, and not Clara's memory. I think you need to figure out what's in your heart."

Fabrizio let out a long breath, as if the weight of his internal struggle had finally been spoken out loud. He still didn't have answers, but Ami's words offered a sense of understanding, a moment of clarity in the chaos of his emotions.

"You're right," he said quietly. "I need to figure this out… for myself and for her."

Ami smiled warmly, her teasing side slipping back in. "And maybe next time, you can figure it out before your sandwich falls apart."

Fabrizio laughed, the tension in his shoulders easing just a little. "Yeah, I'll work on that."

As Fabrizio finished brushing off the last crumbs of his sandwich, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He fished it out and saw a message from Mr. Homura.

Mr. Homura: Fabrizio-kun, I need you at the club tonight. It's a special night—don't miss it.

Fabrizio's eyes widened slightly. Mr. Homura wasn't the type to call for last-minute performances unless it was important. Fabrizio quickly typed a response.

Fabrizio: I'll be there.

Moments later, his phone buzzed again.

Mr. Homura: Knew I made the right choice hiring you. See you tonight.

Fabrizio smiled and slipped the phone back into his pocket. He turned to Hana and Hiroto, who were busy finishing up their food, and cleared his throat. "Hey, guys, just got a message from Mr. Homura. I'll have to work tonight at the club."

Hana's face immediately dropped into a look of desperation. "What?!" she exclaimed, nearly dropping her sandwich. "But we planned a barbecue on my balcony tonight! You can't bail on us!"

Fabrizio chuckled, trying to soothe her disappointment. "I'm not bailing! Look, you can still have the barbecue. How about you guys come to the club after dinner? You can catch my performance, and we'll hang out there after."

Hana crossed her arms, still pouting but visibly softening to the idea. "I guess that could work..."

Fabrizio grinned and turned to the rest of the group. "What do you guys think? Wanna join?"

Haruta and Noto exchanged glances before nodding eagerly. "Yeah dude, we're in!" Haruta said with a grin. "Sounds fun."

Maya, who had been quietly sipping her drink, raised her hand with a cheerful smile. "Count me in too. I've been wanting to check out the clubs for a while."

Ami, resting her hands on her stomach, hesitated. "I think I'll have to pass. The baby's been kicking a lot, and I'm feeling pretty tired."

Ryuuji, who had been sitting beside Ami, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I'll stay with Ami-chan. Actually, we were thinking of finding a hotel for the night, just to make things easier."

Fabrizio shook his head, waving off the suggestion. "No need for that. There's plenty of room at my place for everyone. You, Ami, and the rest of the group can crash at our apartment. No need to go through the hassle of a hotel."

Ryuuji raised an eyebrow, glancing at Ami. She seemed relieved by the offer, and after a moment, Ryuuji grinned. "Alright, that's a plan. We'll stay with you guys."

Ami smiled warmly. "Thanks, Fabrizio-kun. That'll definitely make things easier."

Fabrizio nodded, leaning back against the bench as a sense of calm settled over the group. "Great. It's settled then. You'll have a barbecue, and afterward, we'll all meet up at the club for some music and fun."

Hana, finally coming to terms with the change of plans, smiled again. "Okay, I'll forgive you for abandoning us—if you promise to give us a great performance tonight."

Fabrizio chuckled, playfully saluting her. "Deal."

As the group continued their conversation, Noto suddenly leaned forward, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "Hey, you know what we should do?" he said, looking around at everyone. "We should take a photo and send it to Nanako-chan! Let her know what she missed."

Maya's face lit up at the suggestion, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "That's a great idea! We can tell her about the surprise we planned, even though it didn't happen because, well… she's back home in Ohashi to heal. But she'll still get a kick out of knowing we're all together."

Noto nodded eagerly. "And we can tell her we finally got to meet Fabrizio-kun and his friends!"

Everyone seemed on board with the idea. Maya pulled out her phone, standing up to get the best angle. "Alright, everyone squeeze in!"

Fabrizio, sitting in the middle, flashed a grin as Hana and Hiroto leaned in on one side, while Haruta, Noto, Ami, and Ryuuji arranged themselves on the other. Maya held her phone up high, making sure everyone fit into the frame. "Alright, say cheese!"

The group smiled brightly, and Maya snapped the picture. After checking to make sure it looked perfect, she quickly began typing a message to accompany it.

Maya: Hey, Nanako-chan! We're all here in Okinawa, and we had a big surprise planned for you… but you went and beat us to it by going home to recover! Hope you're feeling better!

She paused for a second, then grinned mischievously as she added another part.

Maya: Also, we had the chance to meet Fabrizio-kun! He's awesome, by the way. Now we know why you talk about him so much.

After sending the message, Maya turned to the group, smiling wide. "Alright, sent! Now she'll know we were thinking about her."

Fabrizio, still smiling, looked out at the sea, the thought of Nanako filling his mind again. He hoped she'd enjoy the message and the surprise of everyone meeting him, even though it hadn't been the reunion they had originally planned.

Wednesday Afternoon, 12th of May 2010 - Nanako's house

Back home after her visit to Ryuuji's house, Nanako was sitting by the window in her room, the warm afternoon sunlight filtering in through the curtains. The house was peaceful, with the faint sound of her mother moving about downstairs. She stretched out her leg, careful with her cast, and let out a soft sigh. It had been a strange day, full of unexpected emotions and revelations.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed beside her, breaking the silence. She picked it up, seeing that there were two new messages. One from Maya and another from Fabrizio. Curiosity sparked within her, and she unlocked the phone.

She opened Maya's message first. Her eyes widened as she saw a photo attached—a group selfie of all her friends at a beach, everyone smiling brightly. Maya, Haruta, Noto, Ryuuji, Ami, and… Hana, Hiroto and...her heart skipped a beat when she spotted Fabrizio right there in the middle, grinning alongside them. Beneath the photo was a message:

Maya: Hey, Nanako-chan! We're all here in Okinawa, and we had a big surprise planned for you… but you went and beat us to it by going home to recover! Hope you're feeling better! Also, we had the chance to meet Fabrizio-kun! He's awesome, by the way. Now we know why you talk about him so much. Miss you!

Nanako smiled, a mix of warmth and longing swelling in her chest. She hadn't expected her friends to meet Fabrizio—he was such a big part of her life in Okinawa, but she had never imagined them all coming together like this. The surprise had been ruined by her injury, but she couldn't help but laugh a little at how things had turned out.

Before she could dwell too long on Maya's message, she opened Fabrizio's. His message was much shorter, but it made her smile even wider.

Fabrizio: Oh, by the way, I might've forgotten to mention... your friends are here to surprise you. Surprise! Hope you're doing okay!

Nanako chuckled softly, shaking her head. She could imagine the playful look on his face as he wrote that. It was just like him to try and lighten the mood, even after such an unexpected twist. She stared at the photo again, her heart warm despite the pang of missing them all.

As she sat there, she felt a mix of emotions—gratitude for her friends, affection for Fabrizio, and a little bit of sadness that she couldn't be with them in Okinawa. But overall, she was happy. Happy that her friends had gone to such lengths for her, happy that Fabrizio had found a way to connect with her world back home.

Nanako smiled at the messages again, warmth blooming in her chest as she started typing her reply to Maya first.

Nanako: Hey, guys! I can't believe you all planned such a sweet surprise for me. I feel bad for missing it, but you've seriously made my day with that picture! You all look like you're having so much fun. And you met Fabrizio-kun? I wish I could've seen your faces when that happened!

She paused, glancing at the picture again, especially at Fabrizio, sitting in the middle of her friends with that familiar grin on his face. Her heart fluttered slightly as she continued typing.

Nanako: I miss you guys so much! I'm recovering well here in Ohashi, so hopefully, I'll be back on my feet soon. Take lots of photos for me, and I promise, next time we'll all hang out together! Love you all!

Satisfied with the message, Nanako hit send, letting out a soft sigh of contentment. It felt good to know that her friends had gone out of their way for her, even if the surprise hadn't gone exactly as planned. After a few moments, she opened Fabrizio's message again, feeling a different kind of warmth creeping up on her.

She started typing, her fingers hesitating just for a second.

Nanako: I see you're hanging out with my friends now? No fair, I wanted to be there for the big introductions! But seriously, thank you for being there for them.

Nanako paused, her heart picking up speed. She hesitated before continuing, feeling the need to acknowledge the deeper bond they had begun to share.

Nanako: Also, I'm doing okay. It's kind of lonely without you guys around here, though. We'll have to make up for lost time once I'm back in Okinawa. Until then, knock 'em dead at the club tonight. I'll be thinking of you!

She smiled at the message, a sense of calm washing over her as she hit send. As her phone screen dimmed, she leaned back, feeling the closeness of her friends and Fabrizio, despite the miles between them.

Wednesday Late Afternoon, 19th of May 2010 - Fabrizio's apartment

Fabrizio sat on the balcony of his apartment, his guitar resting on his knee as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting warm hues across the Okinawa sky. The soft breeze from the sea carried the scent of salt and the distant laughter of beachgoers winding down their day. He strummed the familiar chords of a Michael Jackson song, humming quietly to himself as he practiced for tonight's performance.

The others were inside, chatting, while Fabrizio retreated to the quiet of the balcony, needing a moment to himself. The gentle strum of the guitar was soothing, almost enough to push away the lingering thoughts that had been weighing on him for days.

His phone buzzed on the small table beside him, snapping him out of his focus. He picked it up, his heart skipping a beat when he saw Nanako's name on the screen. A smile tugged at his lips as he opened the message.

Nanako: I see you're hanging out with my friends now? No fair, I wanted to be there for the big introductions! But seriously, thank you for being there for them.

...

Also, I'm doing okay. It's kind of lonely without you guys around here, though. We'll have to make up for lost time once I'm back in Okinawa. Until then, knock 'em dead at the club tonight. I'll be thinking of you!

His smile grew as he read the message, imagining Nanako's playful tone. She missed everyone—including him. But as much as her words brought a sense of warmth, deep down in his soul, the same gnawing doubts resurfaced. The weight of Clara's memory, the complexity of their past, and Nanako's confession at the hospital—it all came crashing back, like a quiet storm brewing in his mind.

He leaned back in his chair, eyes drifting over the horizon. Ami's words from earlier came flooding back to him, her gentle nudge about moving forward, about letting go of the doubts that had kept him tethered to the past. Fabrizio stared at the darkening sky, his fingers idly plucking at the strings, lost in thought.

"Maybe it's time to tell her," he murmured under his breath, his voice barely louder than a whisper. His eyes narrowed slightly, as if saying the thought aloud would give it clarity. "Those eight letters…"

Before he could let the thought settle, Ryuuji passed by the open balcony door, pausing mid-step when he heard Fabrizio's words. He tilted his head, curiosity flashing in his eyes.

"Eight letters? What are you talking about?" Ryuuji asked, stepping onto the balcony, crossing his arms as he leaned against the railing.

Fabrizio blinked, startled for a moment. He hadn't realized he had spoken out loud. He shifted in his seat, glancing up at Ryuuji, who was now looking at him with a raised eyebrow, clearly intrigued.

"Uh, nothing important Ryuuji-kun," Fabrizio replied, trying to brush it off, but Ryuuji wasn't having it. He could see the way Fabrizio's expression had darkened just a bit, and he wasn't about to let it go.

Ryuuji smirked. "Come on, Fabrizio-kun. You can't just throw out something cryptic like 'eight letters' and not explain."

Fabrizio sighed, leaning the guitar against the side of the balcony. He ran a hand through his hair, feeling a mix of amusement and hesitation. He hadn't planned on revealing this to anyone yet, but Ryuuji had a way of coaxing things out of people with his easygoing nature.

"The eight letters," Fabrizio began, his voice softening, "are the ones I haven't been able to say yet. To Nanako-chan."

Ryuuji's eyes widened for a second before realization dawned on him. His smirk turned into a knowing grin as he took a seat beside Fabrizio, crossing his arms. "Ah, I see. 'I love you,' huh?"

Fabrizio chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, those ones. I'm not sure if I'm ready to say them… or if I should. Not yet, anyway."

Ryuuji nodded thoughtfully, glancing out at the horizon. "You're overthinking it. I get it, you've got history. But maybe it's time you stop thinking so much and just go with what you feel."

Fabrizio leaned back, resting his head against the chair, staring up at the first stars beginning to peek through the darkening sky.

Ryuuji leaned back against the balcony railing, a contemplative look settling on his face as he stared out at the horizon. After a moment of silence, he glanced sideways at Fabrizio, who still seemed lost in his thoughts.

"You know," Ryuuji began, his voice soft but steady, "I wasn't always the best at saying what I felt either. Especially when it came to Taiga."

Fabrizio looked over at him, curious. He didn't know much about Ryuuji's personal life, especially his relationship with this "Taiga," but something in Ryuuji's tone told him this was more than just casual conversation.

"Who's Taiga?" Fabrizio asked, sensing the shift in the atmosphere. "You've never really talked about her before."

Ryuuji chuckled, though there was a trace of melancholy in his voice. "Yeah, I don't talk about her much, but she's... well, she's the reason I get what you're going through."

Fabrizio waited patiently, sensing that Ryuuji was about to share something deeply personal. After a brief pause, Ryuuji began again, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

"Taiga and I... we weren't exactly the perfect match on paper. She was fiery, stubborn, and had a temper like no one else," Ryuuji said with a grin, his eyes softening at the memory. "But that's what I loved about her. She challenged me, made me a better person, but... I was always too scared to say how much she meant to me."

Fabrizio nodded silently, understanding the hesitation all too well.

"You know," Ryuuji began, his voice quieter now, "I did tell Taiga how I felt. I told her I loved her, that she meant everything to me." He paused, his expression softening slightly, as if a bittersweet memory was resurfacing. "We even had this crazy romantic getaway. We had a fight with our moms, after we bickered for five minutes, Taiga took my hand and we just... fled the scene. We didn't have much of a plan, but we were on this bridge, and I remember telling her that we should run away and get married." Ryuuji chuckled, the memory bringing a small smile to his face.

"We were just kids, y'know? Full of big ideas and no real clue how the world worked. But at the time, it felt like we could take on the world together." He paused, reflecting on the next part. "We stayed with my grandparents for a bit, and I introduced Taiga as my wife. We even had a fake wedding at night, just the two of us. I really thought we'd make it, that we'd work through everything together."

Ryuuji's smile faded slightly as he continued, his tone more serious now. "But after we got back home, something changed. Taiga left. I found this letter from her, explaining why she had to go. She said she didn't want to keep running from her problems, that she needed to deal with her family on her own. She didn't want me to wait around for her or feel like I was being held back by her issues."

Fabrizio's expression shifted as he absorbed Ryuuji's words. The sense of loss in Ryuuji's voice was palpable, and it hit close to home for him.

"She didn't disappear without a word," Ryuuji clarified, his voice softer now. "But even with that letter, even with her explaining everything, it didn't make it hurt any less. She was gone. And for a while, I wasn't sure I'd ever be able to love someone else. I thought I'd lost my chance at happiness."

Fabrizio felt a pang of empathy as he listened to Ryuuji's story. Ryuuji's pain mirrored his own, but in a different way. He hadn't lost Clara because she'd left—he'd lost her to death. But the aftermath of that loss, the emptiness and uncertainty, felt painfully familiar.

"For the longest time," Ryuuji continued, "I couldn't even think about being with someone else. The idea of loving someone after what Taiga and I had felt... impossible. I thought I'd never be able to feel that way again."

He sighed, his eyes softening as a hint of a smile touched his lips. "And then Ami came into my life. I wasn't looking for anything—I wasn't ready for anything. But she was there, just being her usual self. She didn't push, didn't try to replace Taiga. She just... saw me, you know? For who I was at that moment, broken and all."

Fabrizio nodded, feeling the sincerity in Ryuuji's words.

"It wasn't easy," Ryuuji admitted. "But I had to realize that loving someone new didn't mean forgetting Taiga. It didn't mean moving on in the sense of erasing the past. It just meant that I could open my heart again, even if it was scary as hell."

Ryuuji turned to Fabrizio, his gaze direct and supportive. "I get what you're going through, man. You're holding onto Clara's memory, and that's okay. But if you care about Nanako-chan... don't let fear or guilt stop you. Don't wait for the perfect moment because it won't come. Sometimes, you just have to take that leap."

Fabrizio swallowed hard, the weight of Ryuuji's words settling into his chest. He thought of Nanako—the way she looked at him with such warmth, the way her presence brought a sense of calm he hadn't realized he was missing. But those lingering doubts, the guilt about moving on from Clara, had kept him from fully embracing those feelings.

"Thanks, Ryuuji-kun," Fabrizio said quietly, his voice thick with emotion. "I needed to hear that."

Ryuuji smiled and gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder. "No problem. Just don't let time slip away. Life's too short to live in what-ifs."

As Ryuuji turned to head back inside, Fabrizio stayed on the balcony for a moment, his mind still turning over everything Ryuuji had said. He glanced down at his phone, rereading Nanako's message: "I'll be thinking of you!" The warmth of her words tugged at him, and for the first time in a long while, the idea of saying those eight letters—I love you—didn't feel as impossible as it once had.

Wednesday Night, 19th of May 2010 - Homura Music Club

Fabrizio arrived at the club a little after 9:30 p.m., a full hour before it officially opened to the public. The air inside was calm, the dim lights creating a warm glow that contrasted the bustling nightlife outside. He made his way to the stage, carrying his guitar case with him. The room was still, with only a few staff members preparing for the evening rush.

As he reached the stage, he set his guitar down and began tuning it, the familiar clicks and strums grounding him in the moment. The empty seats and low hum of activity provided a quiet solace, something he appreciated before the storm of music and energy that would soon flood the club.

His fingers moved skillfully over the strings, and he was lost in the rhythm when he glanced up and noticed a figure sitting at the bar. Mitsuri. Alone, her long dark hair cascading over her shoulders, she was sipping a cocktail, her eyes distant as if lost in thought. She wore her usual sharp outfit, but something about her seemed different tonight.

Intrigued, Fabrizio finished tuning his guitar and carefully placed it back in its case. He hopped off the stage and made his way over to the bar.

"Is this seat taken?" he asked, gesturing to the barstool next to her.

Mitsuri turned to him, her eyes lighting up in recognition, and a playful smile curved her lips. "For you, it's always free," she said, with a teasing lilt in her voice.

With a chuckle, Fabrizio sat down next to her, motioning to the bartender. "Whiskey sour, please."

As the bartender nodded and began preparing his drink, Fabrizio turned his attention back to Mitsuri. He could see the mischief in her expression, but something about her seemed... softer tonight. She wasn't as loud or overtly flirtatious as usual. There was a certain quietness, a depth, as if she had something on her mind.

"So," Fabrizio began, resting his elbow on the bar, "you're here early."

Mitsuri took a sip of her cocktail, raising a brow. "Could say the same for you," she quipped lightly, but then her gaze softened. "Gotta be here to see the star of the night, right?"

Fabrizio chuckled, shaking his head. "Not sure about being a star, but I'll take the compliment." His drink arrived, and he took a slow sip of the whiskey sour, enjoying the sharp, yet sweet balance of flavors. As they settled into a comfortable silence, Fabrizio observed her again, the way her fingers traced the edge of her glass, her gaze flickering between her drink and the empty space ahead.

"You seem... different tonight," Fabrizio said after a moment, his tone careful.

Mitsuri's lips curled into a half-smile, though there was a flicker of something in her eyes. "Different? How so?"

He tilted his head, considering his words. "I don't know. Usually, you're more—" he hesitated, searching for the right word, "—playful. But tonight, you seem quieter."

Mitsuri laughed softly, but it wasn't the usual boisterous sound he was used to hearing from her. It was almost… reflective. She took another sip of her drink, the ice clinking against the glass, and then glanced at Fabrizio, her eyes gleaming with that same playful, yet guarded energy.

"Maybe I'm just saving all my playful energy for later," she joked, her voice light, but then she paused, looking down at her drink. After a moment, she added, more quietly, "Or maybe I'm just thinking a little more tonight. Everyone has their off days, right?"

Fabrizio looked at her, sensing there was more to her words. "Want to talk about it?"

She shook her head quickly, flashing him a grin that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Nah. Not tonight. Tonight's your big night, right? Let's keep things light."

Fabrizio nodded but couldn't shake the feeling that there was something beneath her playful exterior that she wasn't sharing. Whatever it was, it wasn't his place to pry. He took another sip of his drink, the whiskey burning pleasantly as it went down.

"Well, if you change your mind," he said, his tone gentle, "I'm here."

Mitsuri looked at him, her eyes lingering on his face a little longer than usual, before she took another sip of her cocktail and nodded. "I'll keep that in mind."

For now, the conversation shifted back to lighter topics—music, the upcoming set, and the general happenings at the club. But even as they talked, Fabrizio couldn't help but wonder about the deeper layers Mitsuri was hiding, just out of sight, like the shadow of a wave beneath calm waters.

As the club's doors swung open, the once-quiet room began to fill with the energy of the arriving crowd. The low murmur of voices gradually grew into a lively buzz as groups of friends and couples filtered inside, looking for seats and grabbing drinks from the bar. The lights dimmed slightly, casting a soft glow across the space, while the stage, set with a single stool and a mic, stood illuminated in the center of it all.

In one of the booths near the stage, Fabrizio's friends—Hana, Hiroto, Noto, Maya, and Haruta—settled into their seats. They had arrived early enough to grab a perfect view of the performance, and now they chatted excitedly, their drinks in hand. Hana leaned forward, eyes sparkling as she scanned the room.

"This place is packed!" she whispered to Hiroto, who nodded in agreement.

"Fabrizio-kun always brings in a good crowd," he replied with a grin.

Noto, seated across from them, looked around. "This place has a nice vibe. It's gonna be a good night."

Maya smiled, leaning into the booth as she scanned the stage. "I can't wait to see him perform. Nanako-chan always talks about his music."

"Same here," Haruta added, raising his glass. "Let's see if the hype is real."

The club continued to fill up, and soon, every seat was taken. The lights dimmed even more, signaling that the night's main event was about to begin. A hush fell over the crowd as the announcer's voice boomed through the speakers.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for the main and only act of the night. Please welcome to the stage, the one and only—Fabrizio!"

A wave of cheers and applause echoed through the club as Fabrizio stepped onto the stage, his guitar slung over his shoulder. He gave the crowd a warm smile as he adjusted the microphone, his calm and confident presence instantly drawing everyone's attention. His friends in the booth cheered the loudest, Hana practically bouncing in her seat.

"Go, Fabrizio-kun!" she shouted, grinning widely.

Fabrizio chuckled, waving in their direction before turning his focus back to the crowd. He scanned the room, taking in the faces, the energy, and the excitement that buzzed in the air.

"Good evening, everyone," he began, his deep voice carrying through the room. "I hope you're all ready for a night of music and good vibes."

The crowd responded with enthusiastic cheers, and Fabrizio's smile widened. He strummed a few chords on his guitar, the familiar sound filling the space.

"Let's get this started," Fabrizio said, his eyes twinkling as the first notes of the song echoed through the club. "Here we go!"

As the crowd cheered, Fabrizio strummed his guitar, his fingers dancing effortlessly across the strings. He performed a mix of his original songs and covers of famous artists, seamlessly moving between genres, keeping the audience engaged and on their toes. With each chord, the energy in the room seemed to swell, the crowd swaying and clapping along to the rhythm, completely absorbed in the music.

Maya and Haruta, phones in hand, eagerly captured every moment. Maya leaned forward to get the best angles, recording Fabrizio's soulful performance, while Haruta snapped pictures of the stage, the lights casting dramatic shadows around the performer.

"Nanako-chan's gonna love this," Maya whispered to Haruta, glancing at the screen of her phone.

"Definitely," Haruta agreed, grinning as he caught a shot of Fabrizio mid-strum, completely immersed in his music.

The crowd, now more flamboyant than ever, responded to every song with cheers, claps, and even the occasional shout of approval. Fabrizio's voice carried through the room with raw emotion, filling the space and leaving everyone mesmerized. Each note, each lyric, seemed to connect deeply with the audience, pulling them closer into his world.

With his friends cheering him on from the booth and the crowd hanging on every word, Fabrizio's performance hit its stride. It was more than just a night of music—it was a celebration of connection, and the room buzzed with excitement as the night carried on.

Wednesday Night, 19th of May 2010 - Nanako's House

Nanako sat on her balcony in Ohashi, a cool breeze brushing against her face as she flipped through the pages of her book. The soft hum of her music played through her headphones, but her thoughts were far from the words on the page. Instead, she found herself drifting, imagining a different scene—one far from her quiet balcony.

In her mind, she was at the club where Fabrizio was performing. The energy of the crowd, the dim lights, the pulse of the music—it all felt so vivid, as if she were really there. She could picture it clearly: Fabrizio up on stage, strumming his guitar, his voice filling the room as the audience cheered him on. She imagined herself sitting in a booth with all her friends, their laughter and excitement mingling with the music.

She could see Maya and Haruta cheering alongside the crowd, Noto nodding along to the beat, Ami and Ryuuji listening to him, embracing each other, Hiroto and Hana smiling as they watched their friend shine under the spotlight. It was as if she could feel the rhythm of the music, Fabrizio's voice ringing in her ears, even though she was miles away.

Her heart ached a little, longing to be there with them, to feel the pulse of the club, to be part of that moment. But for now, all she could do was imagine it—her own private concert, with her mind transporting her to where she most wanted to be.

She closed her eyes, the book now forgotten in her lap, and let herself sink into the daydream. In that moment, it almost felt real. She was there, in the middle of it all, watching Fabrizio pour his heart into every note, surrounded by the people she cared about the most.

For a while, she let the fantasy carry her away, feeling closer to them even from a distance. Nanako set her book down and removed her headphones, letting the quiet sounds of the night wash over her. She leaned back in her chair and gazed up at the sky, the stars twinkling against the deep indigo backdrop. Tonight, the stars seemed especially bright, as if they were whispering secrets to her.

As she studied them more closely, a group of stars appeared to form a delicate heart shape. Nanako blinked, her breath catching for a moment. It felt like a sign, something special meant just for her. A quiet smile played on her lips as warmth spread through her chest. Somehow, she felt that those stars were promising her joy, something beautiful on the horizon.

Could this be a sign? A sign that love was on the horizon, that joy awaited her? In that moment, her heart turned to Fabrizio, and she couldn't help but let out a quiet thought, almost like a wish: "Fabrizio-kun... I wish you were here."

The moment the words escaped her lips, Nanako's eyes widened, her face flushing crimson. She quickly glanced around the empty balcony, her heart racing. Had anyone heard? Of course, no one was around, but her embarrassment remained. She breathed a sigh of relief, gently pressing her hands to her cheeks as if to cool them down.

"Calm down, Nanako," she muttered to herself, shaking her head with a self-conscious smile.

Just then, her phone buzzed and lit up beside her. Curious, she picked it up and saw a message from Maya. There were several photos attached. Opening the message, she gasped softly.

The pictures were of Fabrizio, standing on stage at the club. In one, he was caught mid-song, his guitar in hand, his expression focused and passionate. The soft lighting framed him perfectly, casting shadows that highlighted the depth of his performance. Another showed him from a different angle, his silhouette against the backdrop of the stage lights.

Nanako's heart fluttered. Even though she wasn't there, she felt connected to him, as if Maya had given her a window into that special moment. She could almost hear his voice, feel the energy of the crowd, and sense the way he poured his soul into every note.

As she continued to scroll through the photos, her heart fluttered with each smile and each moment captured. Then, another notification popped up: a video from Maya. Excitement bubbled within her as she opened it, anticipation tingling in her fingertips.

The video began to play...

Wednesday Night, 19th of May 2010 - Homura Music Club

As the energy in the club reached a fever pitch, Fabrizio stepped back from the microphone, taking a moment to soak in the cheers and applause that filled the room. The vibrant lights danced across the crowd, illuminating the faces of his friends and fans, each one beaming with excitement. He looked out at the sea of people, their anticipation palpable, and his heart raced. This was it—the final song of the night.

Maya adjusted her phone, angling it just right to capture the moment. She could feel the excitement bubbling within her, a grin plastered across her face. "This one's for you, Nanako-chan!" she thought, knowing her best friend was watching from afar.

Fabrizio smiled warmly, his eyes glimmering with sincerity. "Alright, everyone! This next song is called '8 Letters,' and I want to dedicate it to a special girl who couldn't be here with us tonight," he announced, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. He felt a swell of warmth in his chest as he thought of Nanako, his heart whispering the words he struggled to say out loud.

He strummed the first chords on his guitar, and the room fell silent in eager anticipation. As he began to sing, the lyrics flowed from his heart:

...

You know me the best,
You know my worst, see me hurt, but you don't judge.
That right there is the scariest feeling,
Opening and closing up again.
I've been hurt, so I don't trust,
Now here we are, staring at the ceiling.

Fabrizio's gaze drifted momentarily to where his friends were sitting, their eyes glued to him, supportive smiles lighting up their faces. But his thoughts wandered elsewhere—to Nanako, to the moments they shared, the laughter, the quiet times together. He wished she could be there, experiencing this with him.

The lyrics continued to flow, each line resonating with the emotions he had been grappling with:

I've said those words before, but it was a lie,
And you deserve to hear them a thousand times.

With each verse, Fabrizio felt a mix of yearning and apprehension. The song was not just a performance; it was a confession, a cry for understanding. The crowd swayed, caught up in the music, while Maya held her phone high, capturing the moment for Nanako.

If all it is is eight letters,
Why is it so hard to say?
If all it is is eight letters,
Why am I in my own way?

Fabrizio closed his eyes for a moment, envisioning Nanako's face, the way her eyes lit up when she smiled, and the way she made him feel understood. He channeled all those feelings into the song, his voice strong and full of emotion.

Why do I pull you close?
And then ask you for space?
If all it is is eight letters,
Why is it so hard to say?

As he sang, the room felt alive with energy. The crowd sang along, some swaying gently, others holding their drinks high in the air, creating a sense of unity. The warmth of the moment surrounded him, but beneath it all, a lingering doubt remained.

Isn't it amazing how almost every line on our hands align?
When your hand's in mine,
It's like I'm whole again, isn't that a sign?

The lyrics hit close to home. Fabrizio felt the truth of his own feelings in those words. Shouldn't he be telling her? Shouldn't he be brave enough to say what needed to be said?

I should speak my mind,
I've said those words before, but it was a lie,
And you deserve to hear them a thousand times.

As he continued to play, the chorus erupted around him:

If all it is is eight letters,
Why is it so hard to say?
If all it is is eight letters,
Why am I in my own way?

Each repetition felt like a step closer to something he desperately wanted but was terrified to reach. The crowd's energy swelled, and he could see Maya swaying to the beat, her smile wide, fully immersed in the moment.

When I close my eyes,
It's you there in my mind.

He opened his eyes, scanning the crowd again, and for a moment, it felt as if the music wrapped around him like a warm embrace. He could almost see her there, cheering him on, her heart in tune with his.