The city was just beginning to stir, the faint hum of distant traffic rising beneath a sky painted in pale gold and powder blue.
In the penthouse, it was quiet.
The sunlight crept lazily in through the tall windows, spilling onto the bed in soft, glowing ribbons. The warmth nudged Sunny awake first — her lashes fluttering, cheek pressed against Zane's bare chest, her arm draped loosely around his ribs. She stirred but didn't move, her breath hitching slightly.
Zane hadn't disappeared.
But for a moment — just one fragile second between sleep and waking — she thought he had. In her dream, he had faded again. Left her without a word. The ache from that vision still clung to her chest, lingering in the corners of her eyes.
And then she shifted — just slightly — and felt his heartbeat beneath her ear.
Slow. Steady. Real.
Her head lifted slowly, gaze trailing upward.
Zane was already awake.
He looked back at her, quietly, almost as if he'd been waiting for her to open her eyes. His expression was soft, tired in the gentlest way — like he could've stayed like this forever.
Neither of them said a word.
Instead, Zane reached up and gently brushed the tear from beneath her eye with the pad of his thumb. The contact made her blink in surprise.
Her lips trembled into the faintest smile.
And then she leaned in — and kissed him.
It wasn't hurried or heated. Just real. Warm. Deep.
His hand cupped the back of her head as he kissed her back.
He was here.
And she was here.
And for the first time in weeks, the morning didn't hurt.
---
They eventually wandered into the kitchen, still sleepy-eyed and tangled in half-lazy smiles. Sunny wore one of his shirts, oversized and draping past her shorts. Zane stood at the counter, squinting at the glowing touchscreen of his deluxe coffee machine like it was a puzzle from another world.
The thing looked more like a spaceship than an appliance — silver, sleek, and decked out with buttons for everything from macchiatos to mocha hazelnut crème.
"Okay," he muttered, dragging a finger down the display. "I think I'm aiming for a 'morning hug in a cup.' That's an option, apparently."
Sunny leaned against the island, amused. "You still don't know how to work that thing, do you?"
"I beg to differ," he said, puffing up a little. "This is award-worthy drip-technique via the power of luxury capitalism. I call it: Desperate Caffeine Addict Returns to Tokyo."
She burst out laughing, covering her mouth. "You're seriously naming your drinks now?"
"Yes," he replied, completely serious. "This one has a shot of espresso, steamed oat milk, a splash of vanilla, and just a kiss of chocolate. I call it the Sunshine Mocha. Inspired by you."
Sunny paused mid-laugh — visibly flustered.
"You're insufferable."
He handed her the warm cup with a wink. "And yet, here you are, wearing my shirt and stealing my coffee."
She took a sip. And despite herself — groaned.
"…Okay, fine. This is a hug in a cup."
"Told you," Zane said proudly, already preparing his own drink — which, judging by the number of flavor buttons he tapped, was going to be a sugar-loaded monstrosity.
---
But then — between coffee sips and bites of toast — Sunny's smile softened. Dimmed.
"I had a dream," she said, almost too quietly. "That you were gone again."
Zane froze.
Just for a beat.
He set his mug down carefully and looked at her — guilt flickering in his eyes. "Sunny, I—"
"I know," she cut in gently, not accusing. "It was just a dream. You're here. You're back." Her voice was softer now. "I don't have to worry anymore. Right?"
Zane stared at her for a long second. Then stood and wrapped his arms around her from behind, pressing his forehead to the back of her neck. She melted into the hold.
"Right," he said, but his voice was quieter.
Because the truth hung between them anyway.
He was here… but only for two weeks.
Still, as Sunny twisted around to face him, arms winding around his waist, he made himself a promise — silent, but firm:
He would make these two weeks count. Every second of them. If this was all the time he was given, then he'd use it to prove just how much she meant to him.
Even if he had to leave again… he'd leave no doubts behind.
---
Getting dressed turned out to be a slow, chaotic process — the kind that had more laughter and kisses than actual progress.
Sunny had managed to steal one of Zane's soft shirts again, refusing to change out of it as she padded barefoot across the sleek penthouse floor, her hair still tousled and her cheeks glowing with leftover sleep.
Zane, meanwhile, was trying — and failing — to get his outfit together.
He had his jeans on. That part went smoothly. But the moment he reached for his shirt, Sunny snuck up behind him, hands brushing across the bare skin of his stomach. He stilled instantly.
Her arms wrapped around his waist.
"No," she mumbled into his back, "don't cover up yet."
He smiled, a little helpless. "Sunshine, we'll be late."
"Five more seconds," she whispered.
He melted.
Instead of resisting, he leaned back into her hold slightly, reaching for her hands to intertwine their fingers. She tightened her grip. They swayed there for a few seconds in silence — just enjoying the feel of each other.
Eventually, Zane turned in her arms, resting his forehead against hers.
"You're dangerous," he murmured.
"You started it," she smiled.
He dipped down to kiss her again — slow, warm, and lingering — before whispering, "We should really get ready."
Sunny groaned dramatically. "Ugh. Fine."
But they still didn't separate right away.
---
In the bathroom, they brushed their teeth side by side, shoulder to shoulder. Zane kept bumping her with his elbow "accidentally", making Sunny giggle through a mouth full of foam. When she tried to retaliate, she ended up flicking water at him with her toothbrush, which escalated into a small splash war and both of them having to change shirts.
Again.
---
While Sunny fixed her hair in front of the mirror, Zane came up behind her and gently took the brush from her hand.
"I got this," he said, eyes catching hers in the reflection.
She raised an eyebrow. "Since when do you know how to brush hair?"
He smirked, clearly amused by her doubt. "Since always."
"Seriously?"
"Seriously," he said, beginning to pull the bristles gently through her hair, starting from the ends with practiced ease. "I used to help my little sister with hers when we were kids."
Sunny blinked, surprised. "You have a sister?"
Zane nodded, brushing carefully. "Yeah. She's five years younger. Total whirlwind. She used to get the worst tangles, and Mom wasn't always around in the mornings, so…" He shrugged. "I figured it out. Became kind of our thing. She'd sit on the floor, I'd brush her hair and complain about cartoons, and she'd threaten to shave it all off if I tugged too hard."
Sunny smiled in the mirror. "That's... really sweet."
"She'd never admit it," Zane chuckled. "But I think she liked the attention. I was a mess back then, but I always made time for that."
He paused to section her hair gently, smoothing it down with his hand before continuing.
Sunny leaned back a little more, visibly touched. "No wonder you're so good at this…"
Zane kissed the back of her neck. "Told you. Professional big brother skills."
"Well," she said softly, tilting her head so he had better access, "you've officially ruined all future hairbrushing experiences for me. No one's gonna top this."
"Guess that means I'm hired for life," he whispered, pressing another kiss to her shoulder.
She just hummed in agreement, eyes closing as he continued — each stroke a gentle lull, each kiss a warm reminder that he wasn't just back…
He was home.
---
After the brushing, after the final kiss to her temple, they moved to the doorway — still not fully dressed, still buzzing with the weightless warmth of the morning.
"Okay," Sunny murmured, slipping on her sandals. "We really need to—"
But then Zane leaned in. Just a little. Just enough.
Their lips met in a soft, stolen kiss.
And then another.
And then another.
What was supposed to be a quick peck turned into something slower, deeper — their arms wrapped around each other again like it was muscle memory. Zane's hand settled against her lower back, pulling her closer. Sunny's fingers curled in his shirt, halfway tucked, halfway forgotten.
Neither of them moved.
Neither of them wanted to move.
Time, for a moment, felt like it could wait.
Then—
Beep-beep.
Sunny's phone lit up from the hallway table with a sharp vibration.
She pulled back with a breathless groan. "No…"
Zane blinked, lips still parted. "What was that?"
Sunny reached for her phone and glanced at the screen — a calendar reminder she'd set just a couple days ago, after Laura had delivered the unexpected, unbelievable news.Zane was coming back.And now… it was real. The meeting was real. He was real.
"Studio Meeting — 10:00 AM."
She stared at it for a beat longer than necessary. As if maybe it would vanish.
Then she sighed, resting her forehead briefly against his chest.
"We have to go," she mumbled.
"Five more minutes," Zane whispered, arms still around her.
She laughed softly into his shirt. "Zane…"
"I know, I know." He kissed the top of her head and stepped back reluctantly.
Sunny looked up at him, her hand still resting on his chest. "We can't be late. Not today. Not after everything Laura did to bring us back together. If we stroll in late like we don't care, it'd be like…" She hesitated. "Like a slap in the face."
"A 'thanks for nothing,'" Zane finished for her, nodding. "Got it."
He gave her hand a gentle squeeze.
"Let's go remind them why Euphony Trio was never meant to be a duo."
She smiled at that. And finally, they turned toward the door — together.
---
The morning sun was warm but not overbearing, painting the sidewalks gold as Sunny and Zane made their way toward the studio. Their fingers stayed linked, swinging gently between them, shoulders bumping every now and then in a rhythm neither of them minded. They stole glances between words, snuck quick kisses at stoplights, and kept getting distracted by each other's presence — as if the reality of being together still hadn't quite settled.
Between the teasing and small talk, the conversation drifted — as it always did — into something deeper.
Amber came up first.
"She's… kind of amazing, you know?" Sunny said, a fond softness in her voice. "Chaotic. But amazing."
Zane smiled, brushing his thumb along the side of her hand. "Sounds familiar."
Sunny rolled her eyes at him, but she didn't deny it. Instead, she continued — telling him how Amber had stayed at her place, how the couch had pulled out into a bed, and how, despite the rocky start, they'd bonded — not just as friends, but as sisters.
"And… she met her real dad," Sunny said softly. "My dad."
Zane looked over at her, his brows lifting slightly. He felt the shift in her tone.
"She told him she never wanted to see him again."
There was a pause. Not awkward — just thick with everything unspoken.
Sunny's gaze drifted forward, her grip tightening around Zane's hand as they walked. "I didn't say anything at the time. I didn't need to. It was her moment. Her choice." Her voice grew quieter. "But it still hit me harder than I expected. That day was… a lot."
Zane didn't press her. He just stayed close.
"We ended up going to the beach the next day. Just us. Amelia called it our 'beach episode,' like we were living through an anime arc or something," she added with a small, wistful smile.
He gave a short chuckle under his breath, but didn't interrupt.
"It was beautiful," Sunny continued, her voice dipping into something softer. "Calm, peaceful… just waves and stars. We told ghost stories like kids at summer camp."
Zane smiled faintly, picturing it.
"We didn't stay all night, though. Amber drove us back on her motorbike once it got too chilly. Then we pulled an all-nighter at my place."
She let out a soft, breathy laugh. "We talked for hours. About everything. Life, music, dads… It felt like we were catching up on all the years we missed in one night."
Zane listened in silence, letting her words settle in.
"And then, morning came…" Sunny's tone faltered just a bit. "I must've dozed off at some point, just for a moment. But when I opened my eyes, she was gone."
Zane's chest tightened.
"No note. No goodbye. Just gone." She looked ahead, not quite sad — just quiet. "She said she'd leave when she thought I was ready. I guess she decided I was."
Zane reached over, brushing his thumb along her knuckles again, grounding her.
"She left before I could even thank her."
There was a pause — still and delicate. The kind of moment that didn't need to be filled with words.
Zane's thumb kept moving — slow, rhythmic — across her knuckles.
And in that silence, the memory hit him.
That summer morning.
The way he had left her.
The train station. Her eyes. That soft, trembled goodbye. How she'd held it together until the very last second — and even then, never asked him to stay.
He hadn't left without saying anything… but in a way, it still felt the same.
He had walked away.
And she had watched him go.
Just like Amber.
The ache that bloomed in his chest was sharp — guilt wrapped in longing.
He glanced at Sunny beside him now — real, present, still holding his hand.
She didn't look at him, didn't say anything about it. Maybe she wasn't even making the connection herself.
But he was.
She had been left too many times by people she loved.
Amber. Him.
And even now, even this time… he was only here for two weeks.
Zane swallowed, jaw tightening. He squeezed her hand just a little.
Then leaned over and kissed her temple.
"I'm here now," he murmured. "And I'm not going anywhere today."
That was all he could promise — today.
But he'd make it count.
Every second of it.
And every day that followed.
---
Somewhere between stories — woven between mentions of ramen bars and thrift shops, juice runs and spontaneous late-night strolls — his name came up.
Nico.
Zane didn't flinch outwardly. Just listened. Kept his expression easy.
Apparently, there was more to the beach episode than Sunny had first let on.
He was there too.
Not alone — never alone, Sunny clarified. Amelia was always with them. Amber joined in too — self invited. But still… he tagged along. Again and again. Juice bar visits. Shopping trips. Quiet dinners at ramen places — just like the one Zane himself had taken Sunny to that first week they met, back after rehearsal. Back when things were just beginning.
And finally… the beach.
Zane blinked.
Nico had seen her in a bikini?
Not even he had gotten that privilege yet.
Sunny didn't seem to think much of it. Her voice was casual, innocent, like she didn't see the layers hidden beneath those outings.
But Zane remembered.
That concert.
That moment when he stepped out onto the stage and saw her in the crowd — running to him, beaming, clinging to him like he was gravity. And Nico — standing right beside Amelia — had called up with that smug little grin:
"Relax, I'm not here to steal your girl."
Zane had smiled back, but it hadn't reached his eyes. Not really.
And then, before the final chorus hit, he kissed Sunny on stage. A long, showy, unmissable kiss.
Not just for her.
For him.
And now… this?
Zane wouldn't admit it — not out loud. But jealousy was curling at the edges of his calm.
Who did this guy think he was?
The helpful friend? The shadow at her shoulder? The one who happened to always be around?
No.
Zane recognized the long game when he saw it.
And Nico was playing it.
He kept quiet for a moment too long, and Sunny glanced over with a soft, curious look — her expression open, unaware.
Zane forced a smile. Brushed his thumb along her hand again.
Fine, he thought.
Let Nico try all he wanted.
Because Zane was back now.
And he wasn't going to waste a single chance to show her exactly who she belonged to. Especially not when Nico was around.
Let him watch.
Let him know.
---
Back at the studio, Zane was greeted with a warmth he hadn't expected.
Axel wasn't sitting in his usual corner tuning his guitar — for once. He actually got up, grinning as he approached. "Look who finally decided to show up."
Zane laughed and pulled him in for a brief hug. "Hey, six weeks isn't that long."
"Long enough," Axel muttered, but the affection in his voice was undeniable.
Even Laura, perched at her usual place on the piano bench, looked up when Zane stepped in. She didn't say anything right away — just gave a small, composed nod. But her gaze lingered, and after a moment, she said gently, "Welcome back."
Zane blinked.
Coming in early — on Sunny's accord — might've actually scored him points.
He glanced sideways at Sunny and found her already smiling at him, like she'd noticed it too. His heart gave a soft kick. Maybe being early wasn't so bad after all.
Then Laura shifted slightly, folding her hands in her lap.
"This isn't rehearsal," she said quietly, her voice more serious now. "It's… a meeting. About the interview."
The room settled.
Despite her calm tone, something in Laura's posture betrayed the tension beneath. Zane could see it — the rigidity in her shoulders, the way her fingers subtly curled around each other like they were holding her still.
Sunny moved to sit beside her, and Axel leaned back on the couch arm, watching quietly.
Laura continued, "They're sending over the outline tomorrow. Basic questions, standard things. But…"
She hesitated. That one syllable said more than she intended. It was rare for her to falter.
Zane leaned forward, elbows on his knees. "Laura. Relax. You don't have to put on the act for me."
Her eyes flicked up to his.
He held the gaze — steady, sure. "I know. About… everything. I'm not here to judge. You've got nothing to prove to me."
There was a pause.
Then Laura slowly looked to Axel. He gave a soft nod and stepped forward, placing a hand on the small of her back. It was so gentle, so subtle — but Laura immediately seemed to ease beneath it. Like she'd found her footing again.
She let out a quiet breath.
"…I'm nervous," she admitted. The words sounded strange coming from her lips, like they'd rarely been used.
Zane didn't hesitate. "Because they might see the real you?"
Her silence was answer enough.
Axel's thumb moved in slow, grounding circles against her back. And Laura, for the first time that morning, looked… real. Not robotic. Not untouchable. Just… human.
"You don't have to worry," Zane said, his voice softer now. "We're not going to let you do this alone. Not for a second."
"Yeah," Axel agreed quietly. "I'll be right there with you. You've got us."
Laura looked between them — Axel, Zane, and then finally Sunny — and something in her expression melted. A hint of emotion passed behind her eyes. She nodded once, slow and deliberate.
Zane sat back, offering a crooked grin. "Besides, Euphony Trio's basically my family now."
Sunny squeezed his hand at that. Just enough for him to feel it.
He glanced down, saw her fingers laced through his, and smiled.
Yeah.
This wasn't just a group.
It was something deeper.
And now, they were all in it — together.
---
Zane's words lingered in the air — "Euphony Trio's basically my family now."
Axel leaned back with a grin. "Family, huh?" He crossed his arms, eyes gleaming with mischief. "I guess that calls for a proper family reunion then."
Zane cocked a brow. "Oh yeah? Got something in mind?"
Before Axel could answer, Sunny perked up beside him. "Ooh — how about Everbrew? You know… the place where we first met Zane."
Axel snapped his fingers. "Sunbeam, you read my thoughts."
Laura, still seated at the piano, gave them all a very patient look. "Before we plan your sentimental side-quests," she said mildly, "let's finish this meeting."
Zane grinned, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Yes, ma'am."
Sunny giggled and leaned her head against his shoulder.
But beneath the laughter, there was a quiet sense of something solid forming between them all again. Not just music. Not just work.
But something like home.
---
The little bell above the café door chimed softly as the four of them stepped inside — not staggered, not separate — but together. Zane and Sunny entered first, hands comfortably laced. Axel followed closely, holding the door with a tilt of his head toward Laura, who stepped in with that same graceful, reserved poise she always carried. The scent of coffee, caramel, and spring rain lingered in the air, wrapping around them like a welcome.
The place hadn't changed.
Same wood-panel walls, same green-tile counter. The windows fogged gently from the chill outside, casting a familiar warmth through the café's golden lighting.
They made their way instinctively toward the back — to their booth. The one they'd claimed, knowingly or not, during their very first meeting. The cushions squeaked slightly as they sat down — Laura on one side, Axel sliding in beside her. Zane and Sunny nestled opposite them, still attached at the hand.
As Sunny set down their drinks — Zane's cup still adorned with the familiar foam-cat art — her boss appeared from behind the counter, drying her hands on a towel like she'd been waiting for them.
She stopped mid-step, her eyes sweeping over the group with amused recognition. "Well, if it isn't déjà vu."
Sunny blinked, looking up. "Huh?"
The boss chuckled, stepping closer. "Same booth. Same faces — except now you're walking in together, all synchronized and couple-y. A far cry from the last time you all sat here."
Axel grinned. "You remember that?"
"How could I forget?" her boss said, folding her arms. "Laura showed up first. All business. Then Axel, looking like he'd just rolled out of bed."
"Because I had," Axel admitted, shrugging.
"Then Sunny came in — nervous but pretending not to be — and finally, Zane, who waltzed in like he owned the place."
Zane smirked. "I mean, did it work?"
The boss rolled her eyes. "You passed the vibe check, if that's what you're asking. More importantly…" She glanced around the table, her tone softening. "You've all grown into something solid. A real group. And from what Sunny's told me… a damn good one."
Sunny blushed, lowering her gaze to her drink.
Zane nudged her knee gently under the table. "Aw, did you tell her about how I heroically saved your dance routine?"
Sunny peeked at him with a crooked smile. "I may have mentioned you were mildly helpful."
"Mildly?" he said, hand over his heart. "I turned you into a star."
The boss smirked. "You two are still at it, huh? I should've known. You gave me a pretty clear preview last time you came in."
Zane leaned back a little, grinning. "What can I say? I make a strong first impression."
"And a louder second," she quipped. Then with a nod at the group, she added, "But seriously — seeing you all walk in like that? It's kind of heartwarming. Last time, you showed up one by one. Now look at you."
Axel lifted his drink like a toast. "Guess we've upgraded."
"This isn't just a group anymore," he added, with a glance around the table. "It's family."
There was a beat of warm silence. Even Laura gave the smallest nod of agreement.
The boss smiled faintly. "Well, then — welcome back, family. Just don't break my espresso machine."
Zane grinned. "No promises."
Sunny elbowed him gently. "You break it, you buy it."
"I break it, I blame Becca."
"You would."
---
The streets had gone still by the time they left the café. A gentle hush settled over the neighborhood, the soft glow of streetlamps stretching their shadows across the pavement as Axel and Laura walked side by side. Their drinks were long finished, the laughter from earlier fading into a more comfortable silence.
It wasn't awkward — just peaceful. The kind of silence that only existed between two people who had known each other for a long time.
Axel kept his hands in his pockets, shoulders relaxed. Laura walked beside him, her gaze calm, fixed ahead, but clearly deep in thought.
After a while, Axel nudged her lightly with his shoulder. "So," he said, voice low. "How does it feel… having Zane back?"
Laura didn't answer immediately. She let out a slow breath, and her eyes dipped slightly toward the sidewalk as if weighing her words.
"…I'm happy," she said finally. "Not just for Sunny. But for us." She looked ahead again. "I might not have liked the idea of Zane at the start… but he grew on me too."
Axel turned to glance at her. There was no teasing in his expression — only something warm. Knowing.
He didn't say anything right away. Instead, he gently reached out, draping his arm around her shoulders as they walked.
Laura didn't flinch. She leaned just slightly into him, her hands clasped in front of her coat, her expression still quiet — but at ease.
Axel smiled. "Yeah," he murmured. "He keeps growing on me too."
And together, they kept walking — the night calm around them, the sound of their steps in rhythm, like the quiet reassurance of something steady, something safe.