That afternoon, Lena came to pick Miu up exactly on time just as she had promised.

But unlike every other time, she didn't step out of the car.
Didn't open the door for her.
Didn't look at her with that familiar gaze that always made Miu's heart soften.

She only gave a small nod.

"Get in. We're leaving now."

Her voice was normal. But something warm was missing.

Miu paused.

"...Okay."

She opened the door and got in by herself.

Lena didn't take her hand.
Didn't ask if she had eaten.
Didn't glance her way.

She just drove, eyes fixed on the road.

No music.
No conversation.

The silence felt wrong—heavy enough to make Miu uneasy.

"Lena..." Miu tried softly.

"Yes?"

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

One word.
Short.
Cool.

Miu lowered her gaze.

Lena had once spoken more gently than this even while running a fever.

So today... what was wrong?

⸻

After more than thirty minutes, the car turned onto a road leading out toward the outskirts.

Tall trees lined both sides. Insects hummed softly in the air.

"Where are we going?" Miu asked.

"A weekend place."

Another clipped answer.

Miu pressed her lips together.

"Are you upset with me?"

Lena glanced at her just briefly. For a split second, her eyes softened... then closed off again.

"No."

"Then why are you so quiet?"

Lena stayed silent for a few seconds.

"I'm thinking."

About what?

Miu wanted to ask, but something fragile in the air stopped her. As if touching it might break everything.

⸻

When they arrived, Miu felt even more unsettled.

It was a small lakeside villa—white walls, a yard full of bougainvillea, warm yellow lights glowing around the porch.

Beautiful.
Quiet.
The kind of place couples went to hide from the world.

Lena turned off the engine and got out first.

She didn't walk around to open Miu's door.
Didn't wait.
Didn't take her hand.

She went straight inside.

Miu stood by the car, her chest sinking.

What is happening...?

⸻

Inside, the lights were already on. A basket of fruit, fresh flowers, a bottle of wine waited on the table.

Lena took off her jacket, hung it up, and said,

"You can shower first."

Her tone was calm.

Too calm.

So calm it felt distant as if they had stepped back to before everything. As if Lena was rebuilding a wall.

Miu stayed where she was, gripping her bag strap.

"...Lena."

"Hm?"

"Did I do something wrong?"

Lena turned, frowning slightly.

"No. Why would you think that?"

"Because you're different."

Lena went quiet.

Miu bit her lip until it nearly turned white.

"If you're tired of me... then tell me. Don't go silent like this."

At that moment, Lena shut her laptop more forcefully than necessary.

She walked over, took Miu by the shoulders, and bent down until their eyes met.

"Kiddo."

Her voice was low, slow, tight.

"What are you thinking right now?"

"...I thought you were pulling away from me."

Lena exhaled sharply as if struck.

She lifted Miu's chin.

"Look at me."

Miu looked up, her eyes already rimmed with red.

Lena spoke carefully, clearly, each word deliberate:

"I will never walk away from you."

Her voice dipped—almost trembling.

"That will never happen."

Miu searched her face.

"Then why are you so cold?"

Lena's hand tightened slightly around Miu's. She turned her face away a fraction.

"...Because I'm afraid."

"Afraid of what?"

Lena stayed silent for a long time.

Then she said,

"I'm afraid that if I stay too close... you'll figure it out."

"Figure out what?"

Lena pressed her lips together.

"That I'm preparing something important for us."

Miu froze.

"...Something important?"

Lena nodded just barely as if admitting something deeply private.

"I don't want you to see me when I'm anxious. When I'm clumsy. When I'm unsure."

Miu felt her heart tighten in the softest way.

"You think I only want to see the strong version of you?"

Lena didn't answer. But her eyes said yes.

Miu stepped closer.

"If you hide yourself whenever you're weak... how am I supposed to stand beside you fully?"

Lena stilled.

Miu placed her hand over Lena's chest—right over her heart.

"I love you as you are," she said quietly, firmly.

"Not the version you pretend to be."

Lena closed her eyes for one second.

As if the words had touched a place she'd always protected.

Miu wrapped her arms around Lena's neck and held her tightly.

"I really thought you were leaving me..." her voice shook.

"I was scared."

Lena hugged her back immediately, resting her chin on Miu's shoulder.

"Don't be." she whispered.

"I just walked a little ahead... to clear the path for you."

Miu held on tighter.

"I don't need a perfect path. I need you."

Lena's breathing nearly unraveled.

After a long moment, she whispered,

"I'm sorry."

They stood like that for a long time, until their breaths matched.

Then Miu pulled back slightly and looked straight at her.

"Next time... if you're preparing something for me,"

Miu touched her nose lightly to Lena's, "you still have to hold me."

Lena's lips curved.

"Okay."

"And kiss me too."

"...Kiss you?"

"Yes. So I know you're still here."

Lena leaned down and kissed her softly.

Not rushed.
Not possessive.

Just confirmation.

"I'm here."

⸻

That night, they lay together on the large bed. They didn't do anything more than hold each other.

Miu rested against Lena's chest, Lena's arm wrapped securely around her.

"Lena."

"Hm?"

"If you're preparing something for the future... I want to be part of it."

Lena stroked her hair, her voice deep and steady.

"You'll be the center of it."

Miu closed her eyes, smiling.

"Then don't avoid me next time."

"I won't."

"Even if you're worried. Even if you're scared. Even if you're clumsy..."

Miu tightened her hold.

"...you still have to let me stay."

Lena hugged her closer, warm breath against her ear.

"I promise."