Evening — 6:45 PM
Ren stood outside Hana's house in a plain but neatly ironed shirt. A small bandage was still on his arm from the stalker incident, but the wound didn't hurt nearly as much as the butterflies in his chest did.
He stared at the door for a second, then rang the bell.
It opened almost immediately.
Hana, smiling softly: "You came."
Ren (smirking): "Wouldn't miss it."
She stepped aside to let him in. The house felt warmer today—maybe it was the smell of simmering soup and home-cooked food. Maybe it was the way her parents glanced at Ren and nodded, quietly acknowledging his presence.
Hana's mom: "Welcome, Ren. Please, make yourself at home."
Hana's dad: "We're not very formal people, so don't feel pressured."
Ren nodded, polite but quiet. He sat down at the dining table, and Hana sat beside him. Her parents asked about school, his hobbies, how he was recovering. Ren answered calmly—still reserved, but thoughtful.
Then her dad asked:
"So... how long have you two been together?"
Hana blushed and glanced at Ren.
Ren (shrugging lightly): "Not too long… but I've known her for a while now. She's important to me."
Her mother smiled, nodding approvingly.
Dinner moved on with warm conversation. Hana's parents started to warm up to Ren, especially when he mentioned how Naoki was always annoying him at school and how he was trying to improve his grades for the future.
Then—
Hana's dad: "You live with your relatives?"
A pause.
Ren shook his head slightly.
Ren: "I'm on my own. My parents… passed away."
The table went quiet. Hana gently rested her hand on Ren's under the table.
Hana's mom (softly): "I'm sorry."
Ren: "It's okay. It happened a long time ago."
Her parents didn't press further. They just nodded, giving him that silent respect that didn't need words.
After dinner, Hana and Ren went to the porch. The night air was crisp, but she had brought them both a cup of tea.
Hana: "They liked you."
Ren: "You sure?"
Hana: "Yeah. My mom said you were polite and mature. And my dad? He said you've got good eyes."
Ren (raising a brow): "Good eyes?"
Hana (smiling): "His way of saying he trusts you."
They sat in silence for a moment, watching the stars. Then Hana leaned her head gently against Ren's shoulder.
Hana: "You saved me, you know. That night… you really saved me."
Ren (quietly): "You're not someone I could just leave behind."
She looked up at him.
Hana: "You're someone I want to keep close."
Ren's heart skipped. He didn't say anything at first. He didn't need to. He just placed his hand over hers.
---
Later That Night
As Ren was leaving, Hana's parents stood at the door with her.
Hana's mom: "Come again soon, Ren."
Hana's dad: "Next time, bring that annoying Naoki too. He seems fun."
Ren smirked. "Sure. He'll never shut up at dinner, though."
As he walked away, Hana called after him:
"Hey, Ren!"
He turned around.
Hana: "Next time… maybe I'll cook."
Ren: "I'll eat anything you make."
She beamed.