Monsoon Romance

The cool spring night wrapped around them like a gentle embrace, the air crisp but not uncomfortably cold. The scent of fresh grass mixed with the lingering fragrance of cherry blossoms, their petals drifting softly in the night breeze. The world felt quiet, as if holding its breath in anticipation of the celestial show about to unfold.

Aiko and Haruto sat side by side atop a small hill, a little outside of town where the city lights wouldn't dim the brilliance of the stars. A thick blanket lay spread beneath them, shielding them from the chill of the earth.

Aiko hugged her knees to her chest, her dark eyes fixed on the sky. "It's so peaceful here," she murmured.

Haruto, leaning back on his elbows, nodded. "Yeah… It's nice."

There was something about this night—something that felt different from their usual moments together. They had heard about the meteor shower a few days ago, and Haruto had casually asked Aiko if she wanted to watch it with him. He hadn't thought much of it at the time, but now, as they sat in the stillness of the night, he felt a quiet anticipation in the air.

Aiko turned her head slightly, looking at him. "Have you ever seen a meteor shower before?"

Haruto shook his head. "Not like this. I mean, I've seen a few shooting stars before, but I've never actually taken the time to just sit and watch them."

Aiko smiled. "Me neither. It feels… kind of special, doesn't it?"

Haruto turned his gaze toward her, watching as the soft moonlight illuminated her face. The way her features softened in the glow, the way her hair fluttered in the breeze—it made something in his chest tighten.

"Yeah," he said quietly. "It does."

A gentle gust of wind carried the scent of blooming flowers and damp earth, rustling the leaves around them. Then, as if on cue, the first streak of light shot across the vast, endless sky, leaving behind a faint glowing trail.

Aiko's breath hitched. "There! Did you see that?"

Haruto sat up straighter, eyes widening just as another meteor flashed across the darkness. One by one, they streaked through the sky, each one more breathtaking than the last.

Aiko clasped her hands together, awe reflected in her gaze. "They're beautiful…"

Haruto wasn't looking at the meteors anymore. His eyes were fixed on Aiko, watching the way her expression lit up with wonder, the way her lips parted slightly in amazement. He had seen her in so many ways before—laughing, pouting, lost in thought as she sketched, her eyes bright with excitement whenever she talked about something she loved.

But this… this was different.

The sight of her, bathed in moonlight and stardust, stirred something deep within him.

He looked down at his own hands, feeling an odd nervousness creep into his veins. The space between them was small, but tonight, it felt impossibly vast.

Would it be okay?

Would it change anything?

His fingers twitched slightly before he finally found the courage to move. Slowly, hesitantly, he reached out, his hand brushing against hers.

Aiko stiffened slightly at the sudden warmth but didn't pull away. Instead, she turned to face him, her expression unreadable.

Haruto swallowed, his voice quiet but steady. "Your hands are cold."

Aiko blinked before a small smile curved her lips. "Yours are warm."

Haruto let out a soft chuckle, though his heartbeat was anything but steady. "Guess that means it balances out."

For a brief moment, neither of them moved. The quiet hum of the night surrounded them, the distant chirping of crickets blending with the whispering wind.

And then, Aiko shifted slightly, her fingers tentatively intertwining with his. The touch was light, almost hesitant, but it was there.

Haruto felt something inside him settle—a quiet kind of happiness, the kind that didn't need words to be understood.

Another meteor streaked across the sky, and Aiko's grip tightened ever so slightly.

"Make a wish," she whispered.

Haruto turned to look at her, but for the first time in his life, he didn't need to.

Because at that moment, he knew—everything he could ever wish for was already here, sitting right beside him.

Still, he closed his eyes for a second, his heart whispering the only wish he truly had.

Let this moment last. Let her stay by my side.

Aiko, still watching the meteors, let out a breath and closed her own eyes. She didn't need to say her wish out loud either.

Because deep down, she already knew it was the same as his.