Shattered Moments

The café where Yuki and Hana often met felt like a sanctuary for their growing bond. Yuki had arrived early, nervous but determined to share everything she’d been holding back. Today was going to be different—she was ready to open up to let Hana see the parts of herself she usually kept hidden.

The warmth of the mid-afternoon sun streamed through the window as Yuki settled into her usual corner seat. She fiddled with the corner of her sketchpad, her mind racing through the words she wanted to say.

I want to be honest with you. I’m scared, but I don’t want that to stop me. I… I think I want to try.

The words sounded perfect in her head, but she knew they would be much harder to say aloud.

She glanced at her phone. Hana’s last message said she’d be there soon, but fifteen minutes had already passed. Yuki’s chest tightened, a familiar wave of doubt rising. What if she doesn’t come? What if I’ve already messed this up?

Just as she was about to text Hana, her gaze drifted to the large window facing the street. Her heart stopped.

Across the street, Hana stood by the corner of a boutique shop, and her back partially turned to Yuki. She wasn’t alone. A tall woman with sleek black hair stood close to her, their postures suggesting an intimacy that made Yuki’s stomach twist.

Before Yuki could process what was happening, the woman leaned in, her lips brushing against Hana’s in a soft but unmistakable kiss.

Yuki froze.

Her mind screamed at her to look away, but she couldn’t. Her heart felt like it had been ripped from her chest, the trust she had been so afraid to give now crumbling into a thousand pieces.

For what felt like an eternity, Yuki sat motionless, staring out the window. Finally, she forced herself to stand, her legs shaky as she grabbed her bag and left the café. She didn’t know where she was going—she just needed to get away.

Her thoughts spiraled as she walked aimlessly through the streets. Was I wrong about her? Was this all just… nothing?

The memory of the kiss played over and over in her mind, each replay cutting deeper. But alongside the pain was a growing anger—not just at Hana, but at herself. How could I let this happen? I knew better. I should’ve never let myself hope.

By the time Yuki returned to her apartment, the sun was beginning to set. She dropped her bag by the door and sank onto the couch, her head in her hands.

Her phone buzzed, and she hesitated before picking it up.

Hana: Hey, I’m sorry I’m late. Something came up. I’m on my way now. Can’t wait to see you.

Yuki stared at the message, her emotions a swirling mix of hurt, confusion, and betrayal. She wanted to confront Hana to demand answers, but the thought of hearing whatever explanation she had to offer made her stomach churn.

Instead, she typed a short reply.

Yuki: Don’t bother. I need some time alone.

Hana’s response came almost immediately.

Hana: Yuki, what’s wrong? Please, talk to me.

Yuki ignored it, tossing her phone onto the coffee table. She couldn’t deal with this—not now.

The night dragged on, each passing hour weighing heavily on Yuki. She thought about Hana, about the moments they had shared and the way she had made Yuki feel seen and cared for. But now, all of that felt tainted.

She tried to sketch, hoping to lose herself in her art, but the lines came out harsh and jagged, reflecting the turmoil inside her. Frustrated, she threw the sketchpad onto the floor and buried her face in her hands.

The next morning, Yuki woke to the sound of her phone buzzing. She groggily picked it up and saw several missed calls and messages from Hana.

Hana: Yuki, please talk to me. I don’t understand what’s going on.

Hana: If I did something wrong, tell me. Let me fix it.

The last message caught her attention.

Hana: I saw you at the café yesterday. Please, let me explain.

Yuki’s breath caught in her throat. She saw me? Her mind raced, and against her better judgment, she typed a response.

Yuki: Who was she?

This time, Hana didn’t take long to reply.

Hana: Her name is Emi. She’s… my ex. I ran into her by chance yesterday, and she kissed me. I didn’t ask for it, Yuki. I swear.

Yuki’s chest tightened. She wanted to believe Hana, but the image of the kiss was still burned into her mind.

Yuki: Why didn’t you push her away?

Hana: I was shocked. It happened so fast, and I didn’t know how to react. But I stopped her, Yuki. I told her I’m with someone else now. With you.

Tears blurred Yuki’s vision as she read the message. She wanted to believe Hana, but the fear and doubt from her past were louder than ever.

Yuki: I don’t know if I can do this, Hana. I’m not sure I can trust you.

Hana’s reply was almost immediate.

Hana: Please, Yuki. Don’t let this ruin what we have. Can we talk in person? I need you to know how much you mean to me.

Yuki stared at the screen, her heart aching. Part of her wanted to say yes, to hear Hana out and try to move past this. But another part of her, the part that had been hurt so many times before, was screaming at her to walk away.

She closed her eyes, taking a deep, shuddering breath.

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