Under the Evening Stars

Sushi's heart raced as she made her way to June's guesthouse for dinner. The possibility that this would be the time she finally told the truth mixed with excitement and fear.

As Sushi approached the entrance, she noticed June pacing around with a mix of excitement and nervousness evident in his demeanor. The thought of causing him pain weighed heavily on her heart, knowing that she was about to shatter his happiness. She couldn't help but feel remorseful for what she was about to do.

June helped her down and opened the door as soon as he saw the oncoming vehicle. Sushi was astounded by his appearance. Because of his height and good looks, his sharp features were accentuated by the soft glow of the lights, which created a charming mood.

"Are you not gonna step out?" June asked, extending his hand towards Sushi.

"Ah, sorry," she replied, quickly stepping out of the car without taking his offered hand.

As Sushi stepped out of the car, she looked stunning in her white dress. The dress flowed around her as she walked, and her hair danced in the wind, shining in the sunlight. Her eyes sparkled, and her smile lit up her face, making her look confident and beautiful. June couldn't help but admire her elegance.

The tension between them was evident as they sat down to eat, a delicate ballet of unspoken words and desires that were kept secret. Candlelight flickered, creating fascinating shadows on June's face that drew Sushi's attention to his rough features like a moth to flame.

"I... I want to tell you about something", as her voice came in gentle.

"Sure Chloe, but can I go ahead first?" June replied.

"Hmm...", she went to deep thoughts that he is gonna reveal her hidden intentions.

June said, his eyes full of awe, "You look very different from when you went abroad five years ago, and you are very pretty today." "I thought of messaging you multiple times, but I couldn't dare myself." His words were heavy with unsaid feelings and longing for love.

Hearing those words made sushi's heart fluttered.

"By the way, how did you know my contact", sushi asked with little bit of confusion in her face.

"Did you forget the you gave me the number before going abroad?" June asked softly.

"I know you distanced yourself from me after that incident. That's why I never dared to intrude into your life again. But seeing you here today, it feels like you've forgiven me even before I could apologize, and you've accepted me back into your life. You have no idea how much that means to me," June poured out his thoughts from the depths of his heart, his words echoing with vulnerability and gratitude.

Sushi was touched by his sincerity and overwhelmed by the depth of his feelings, but beneath the surface, a sense of confusion lingered. She couldn't help but feel perplexed, not fully understanding the dynamics between him and her sister.

Yet, despite the uncertainty, she couldn't deny the warmth of June's affection, and the realization that he cherished her sister only deepened her admiration for him.

She couldn't describe it, but as she looked into his eyes, she felt drawn to him in a way that made her heart ache for their relationship in spite of the barriers in their way.

And then, as dishes arrived, June reached across the table, his hand finding hers with a tender grace. Sushi felt a surge of emotions as their fingers touched, causing a shockwave to travel through her veins.

Sushi realized she was falling—deeper and deeper into the enthralling depths of love—at that same instant when June's touch made her heart skip a beat.

I apologize for chatting so much; I thought you wanted to tell me something. "What's it?" asked June.

June's interruption brought Sushi back to the present moment, the weight of his question hanging in the air.

She hesitated, taking a deep breath, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "It's... it's about us, June," she began, her words trailing off as she struggled to find the right way to express herself.

June's expression softened, "Us?" he echoed, his voice barely above a whisper. "What about us, Chloe?"

"I... I need to be honest with you, June," she confessed, her voice trembling slightly. "There's something you need to know about me."

June's brows furrowed in confusion, but he remained silent, waiting for her to continue.

"I'm not who you think I am," Sushi continued, her words coming out in a rush now.

"You know, Chloe, I've noticed something about you," he began, his voice gentle. "You seem... different somehow. More reserved, maybe. I can't quite put my finger on it, but it's like there's been a shift in you since we last saw each other."

"I-I don't know what you mean, June," she replied, her voice wavering slightly. "I'm just... going through some things, that's all. Nothing to worry about.", she said, all the while pondering why her sister had given her number to June and what their relationship entailed.

"Alright, if you say so," he said finally, though there was a hint of skepticism in his tone. "Just know that if there's ever anything you need to talk about, I'm here for you, okay?"

Sushi nodded, grateful for June's understanding, even if it was based on a misconception.

June couldn't resist stealing a few glances at Sushi as they made their way to the car after dinner, her beauty highlighted by the cozy glow of the evening lights. He sensed her unease and wanted nothing more than to ease her worries, but he also understood that she needed time to open up.

June reached out and gently entwined his fingers with hers. Though he could feel her hand trembling a little, he held on tightly, providing her with a subtle source of comfort.

"Chloe," June began softly, his voice filled with warmth and sincerity, "I want you to know that I'm here for you. Always. I respect you and your decisions, and I understand if you need time and space to open up and share your burdens with me. Whenever you're ready, I'll be here, ready to listen and support you in any way I can."

His sincerity touched her deeply, and she couldn't help but be flattered by his unwavering support and understanding. With a grateful smile, Sushi squeezed his hand gently, silently conveying her appreciation for his kindness and reassurance.

As June drove her back. after taking one last look, he squeezed her hand gently, let it go. He whispered, "Take care, Chloe," with genuine seriousness in his voice. "I'll see you soon."

"Thank you, June," she murmured, a grateful smile playing on her lips. With a final wave, she turned and disappeared quickly into her home, leaving June to his thoughts as he prepared for the drive back.