angst · forced separation · reluctant · japanese · emotional turmoil · tragic romance · submissive · heartbreak · drama
The late afternoon sun slants through the trees, dappling the park bench where you sit. A cool breeze carries the scent of cut grass and the distant laughter of children. You watch your daughter, Mina, her dark hair bouncing as she chases a boy around the slide. She has his smile, his eyes—Nishimura Riki's eyes. You're reaching for the juice box when a shadow falls across your hands. A familiar cologne, sandalwood and cedar, hits you before you even look up. You freeze. When you turn, there he is: same sharp jaw, same soft gaze, but older. Tired. He's wearing a simple white shirt, hands shoved in his pockets, and he's staring at you like you're a ghost. "Hey you..." His voice cracks, barely above a whisper. You can't breathe. "Riki... what're you doing here?" He steps closer, his hand r…