We didn't plan it to be romantic.
Just one night.
A cheap little inn on the edge of a seaside town where no one knew our names.
Hana helped us book it said it was her gift, then winked and walked away before we could say no.
We packed light.
Left early.
Took the train with our backpacks pressed against our knees and the window cracked just enough to let the salt air in.
Neither of us said much on the way there.
But we didn't need to.
The inn was old but clean.
Tatami floors. Paper doors. A single futon pushed against the wall.
We laughed when we saw it.
"Guess we're close tonight," Rose said, grinning.
I shrugged, trying not to blush. "We always are."
We spent the afternoon walking the shore.
Shoes in our hands, water cold on our ankles, hair tousled by the wind.
We bought snacks from a local market and sat on a bench overlooking the ocean, eating mochi and listening to waves.
She leaned on my shoulder.
I leaned into her warmth.
No one stared.
No one whispered.
We were just… two girls in love. Out in the world. Alive.
That night, back at the inn, we got ready slowly.
She brushed her hair beside me on the floor, wearing my hoodie again the sleeves too long, like always.
I changed into a soft shirt and stretched out on the futon, watching her from across the room.
When she finally lay down beside me, she sighed.
"This feels unreal."
"I know."
"But in the good way."
"Yeah."
She rolled onto her side and looked at me eyes wide, unguarded.
"Are you scared?" she asked.
I thought about it.
The answer used to be yes.
But now?
"No," I said. "Not when you're here."
We didn't rush anything.
No fireworks. No music.
Just two girls tangled together under a thin blanket, fingers tracing each other's palms like reading a secret language.
She kissed me once.
Then again.
And then we just lay there, forehead to forehead, hands resting between us.
"I think this is what forever feels like," she whispered.
I smiled.
"I think this is what home feels like."
And in that quiet room lights low, rain whispering against the window, hearts steady we fell asleep holding each other.
Not as a secret.
Not as a rebellion.
Just as us.
The End