The Forgotten Promise
---
The next day, Tokyo greeted the morning with clear skies and fresh air. However, within Misaki's heart, there was a storm brewing. That morning, she sat in her classroom, staring at her phone screen, which displayed a message from Kaito. A message that made her heart race, even though she tried to stay calm.
"Misaki, I want to talk to you about what happened a few days ago. Maybe we could have lunch together tomorrow. I feel like there's something that needs to be explained."
The message came suddenly, and Misaki didn't know how to respond. She was confused. Kaito, who was usually so cold and reserved, had sent her a personal message—and it was no ordinary message. There was something strange in his words, as if he wanted to talk, but also had doubts. A feeling that made Misaki more curious.
Meanwhile, Kaito was in the family dining room when Hina approached him. Hina, who was always cheerful and spoiled, as usual, asked a question that made Kaito a bit uncomfortable.
"Kaito, who sent you that message last night? I saw you staring at your phone with a worried look," Hina asked, tilting her head and gazing at Kaito with her innocent eyes.
Kaito quickly turned his gaze, looking at Hina with a calm face. "It's nothing, Hina. Just a message from a school friend," he answered briefly, hoping Hina wouldn't continue asking.
But Hina remained curious. "Kaito, you must have a lot of friends, right? But why don't you ever talk about them? Maybe I'd like to meet your friends too," she said enthusiastically, though there was a hint of disappointment in her eyes.
Kaito sighed, trying to find the right words. "I'm too busy, Hina. There are a lot of family matters I have to deal with. Maybe later."
Hina seemed slightly hurt, but she tried to smile. "I understand. But don't forget, okay, Kaito? I'll always be here for you."
Kaito smiled and took Hina's hand, holding it gently. "Of course, Hina. Don't worry."
However, deep inside, Kaito felt trapped between two worlds. Hina, who always depended on him, and Misaki, who for some reason attracted his heart in a way that was difficult to explain.
---
When lunchtime arrived, Misaki sat alone in the school cafeteria. All of her friends had already eaten together, while she preferred to enjoy her solitude. Yet, her gaze was always drawn to Kaito and Hina, who sat together at another table, chatting casually and laughing. Hina looked so spoiled, while Kaito, though calm, clearly showed special attention to his younger sister.
There was no place for Misaki in that world—a world full of luxury and unbreakable family bonds. Yet, she couldn't tear her eyes away from Kaito. There was something in him that left her confused. A feeling that she couldn't explain.
Suddenly, her phone vibrated. A message arrived—one from Kaito.
"Misaki, I want to talk to you after school. There's something I need to explain."
Misaki sighed, her heart beating faster. Was this an opportunity to get to know Kaito better? Or was it just a coincidence?
---
After school, Misaki walked to the school's side garden, a place where students often gathered. There, she saw Kaito already waiting beneath a blooming cherry blossom tree. A gentle breeze carried the fresh scent of sakura flowers, adding to the somewhat awkward atmosphere between them.
Kaito stood with his hands in his pockets, waiting for Misaki to arrive. When they finally locked eyes, Misaki felt the same restlessness. However, she tried to stay calm.
"Kaito..." Misaki began, her voice slightly hesitant. "What is it that you want to talk about?"
Kaito looked at Misaki seriously, as if searching for the right words. "Misaki, I want to apologize for the misunderstanding yesterday. The message I sent was meant for Hina, not for you." His voice was calm, but there was regret in it.
Misaki was surprised by his explanation. "So, that message wasn't for me?" she asked, though she already knew the answer. Still, her heart felt a little disappointed.
Kaito nodded and lowered his head for a moment. "It was a mistake. I just wanted to explain things to Hina about what's been going on lately. But I also realize I've made things awkward between us."
Misaki felt warmth in Kaito's words, even though there was a misunderstanding between them. "I... I understand. It's okay, Kaito," Misaki replied, trying to smile even though her heart was a little hurt.
However, there was something in Kaito that he couldn't hide. "Misaki, I want to talk more with you. About what happened a few days ago. About our relationship as friends," he said softly, as if trying to avoid Hina, who was always by his side.
Misaki looked at Kaito in silence. They stood beneath that cherry blossom tree, two different worlds, yet with equally complicated feelings.
And at that moment, the feelings they couldn't avoid reappeared—feelings that were becoming harder and harder to ignore.
---
That night, when Kaito returned home, he found Hina sitting in the family room, seemingly waiting for him. Hina looked at Kaito with a worried expression.
"Kaito, what happened today? Why were you gone so long? What did you talk about with Misaki?" Hina asked, her voice slightly anxious. She felt that something was wrong between her brother and Misaki.
Kaito looked at his sister gently. "Hina, there's nothing to worry about. I was just explaining something to her. Everything's fine."
But deep inside, Kaito knew that things would never be the same again. The inner conflict was growing larger, feelings were becoming harder to explain, and misunderstandings were starting to shape the path of their lives.
Fate had bound them together, and now, they had to choose their path.