The next morning, Miu arrived at the office unusually early. No one knew the reason. Only Miu did. She wanted to see Lena's message before the day began.

Her phone lit up just as she sat down.

Lena: Let's meet tonight.

Miu smiled as if she'd been put under a spell. She folded over the desk, feet kicking lightly in the air like a cat being scratched in the right spot.

Does she want my heart to stop or something...

She typed back.

Miu: Um... what time?

Lena replied almost immediately.

Lena: Whenever you're free.

How could she say things like that so casually...

Miu muttered, covering her face with one hand.

⸻

When Miu stepped out of the building, Lena was already leaning against her car. A light breeze lifted a few strands of her hair. The white shirt made her look both composed and gentle.

Miu walked over, her heart racing but oddly steady at the same time.

"Sorry I'm late," Miu said.

"You're not," Lena looked at her.

"I can wait."

Then Lena held out her hand.
Not for a handshake.
Not to touch her face.
Just an open palm, facing upward.

Like a quiet invitation.

Miu stared at that hand.
One second.
Two seconds.

Then she placed her own into it.

Miu's hand was small, soft, slightly cold from the air conditioning. Lena's was warm, fitting around it perfectly.

Lena closed her fingers naturally, as if this had already happened countless times before.

Miu almost forgot how to breathe.

"W-why are you holding my hand...?"

"Hm?" Lena asked.

"What... what are you planning to do..."

"Hold your hand," Lena answered, stating exactly what Miu was seeing.

"Is there a problem?"

"It's not that... I'm just... surprised..."

"If you don't like it," Lena said, "I'll let go."

Miu tightened her grip instantly.

"No!!!"

Lena lowered her gaze to where their fingers were intertwined.

"Mm. I know."

⸻

"You like art," Lena said once they were in the car.

"There's an exhibition today by a young artist. I think you'll like it."

Miu's eyes widened.

"You... paid attention to my interests?"

"Yes."

"You remembered?"

"I remember everything."

Miu melted into the seat.

The gallery was inside a small building, white-lit, paintings lined in neat rows. Miu walked ahead. Lena followed half a step behind, always within reach.

Miu stopped in front of a painting in deep blue tones, the emotion restrained but heavy.

"This one feels like my mood during my first week at work," Miu said.

"Mm," Lena replied, standing beside her. "You were under pressure."

Miu turned sharply.

"What? How did you know?"

"You talked less," Lena said, eyes on the painting, voice directed at Miu.

"Your messages were shorter. You smiled, but your eyes didn't. You went quiet in art spaces."

Miu froze.

"...You really watch me that closely?"

"Closely," Lena said without hesitation.

"I don't hide it."

Miu flushed and turned away, her heartbeat far too loud for such a quiet place.

⸻

At the eighth painting, Miu bent down to retie her shoelace. Lena bent as well, and instead of speaking, placed one hand lightly on Miu's back.

No pressure.
No pulling.
Just steadying her so she wouldn't lose balance.

Miu startled.

"W-what are you doing...?"

"You'll fall," Lena said softly.

"I won't—"

"Your hands are shaking."

Miu looked down.

They were.

Not because of the shoelace. Because Lena was standing too close.

"Can you... stand a bit farther away...?"

"No."

"Why not..."

"Because you're shaking."

"...Because of you."

"Yes," Lena said.

"I know."

Miu's heart felt like it might drop straight to the floor.

⸻

As night fell, they stepped out of the gallery. The air was cool, the streets quiet.

They walked side by side for a short distance.

Then Lena reached behind Miu and gently placed her hand on Miu's waist.

Not firm.
Not rushed.
Just guiding her half a step closer.

Miu jumped.

"You were holding my hand and now my waist too—what is this?!"

"So you don't get lost," Lena said calmly.

"I won't get lost!"

"You will."

"How?!"

"You're looking elsewhere," Lena replied.

"Not watching where you're going."

Miu wanted to disappear on the spot.

"...People will look..."

"No one is looking."

"They are—"

Lena leaned down, speaking close to her ear.

"If you don't want it, tell me."

Miu grabbed Lena's hand at her waist and held it there.

"...I'm not telling."

Lena tightened her hold just slightly.

"Mm."

"Lena..."

"Yes?"

"Your hand is... really warm..."

"You're cold."

"I'm not—"

"You are," Lena said.

"Your skin is cold."

"...How much more are you planning to care about me?"

Lena stopped and turned to her.

"To the point where you don't misunderstand," she said.

"...Misunderstand what..."

"That I see you as just anyone."

Miu stood still, her heart pounding to pieces.

⸻

When they reached Miu's house, Lena didn't remove her hand from Miu's waist right away. She stood in front of her, close enough that Miu could feel her breath brushing her hair.

"Kiddo."

"...Yes..."

"Did you have fun?"

Miu nodded slightly.

Lena looked at her for a few seconds. Then, for the first time, she lifted her hand and touched Miu's cheek.

Her fingers brushed lightly along Miu's cheekbone.

"Red," Lena said.

"Don't look..."

"I can't," Lena replied softly.

"You're very beautiful right now."

Miu nearly begged her heart to calm down.

"I... I'll go inside..."

"Yes." Lena removed her hand from Miu's waist but didn't look away.

Miu turned to leave, but Lena called out.

"Miu."

"Yes?"

"Tomorrow—"

"Yes?"

"Keep your schedule open."

"For what...?"

Lena looked at her, eyes so deep Miu had to swallow.

"I want to spend more time with you."

Miu flushed all the way to her neck.

"...Okay."

"Sleep well, kiddo."

"You too..."

Miu ran inside as if she were being chased. The door closed, but her feet still felt like they weren't touching the ground.

Outside, Lena stood still, eyes fixed on the closed door.

An unspoken thought lingered:

If you allow it... I'll come even closer.