The city felt different in the afternoon.
The usual rush had eased into a steady rhythm, people moving without urgency, voices blending into a distant hum that didn't demand attention.
Rei walked alone along the sidewalk.
He hadn't planned to come out.
But staying inside hadn't felt right either.
He needed a break from everything.
From school.
From expectations.
From thoughts that refused to settle no matter how much he ignored them.
A small park came into view ahead.
Children's laughter echoed faintly, light and careless, carried by the breeze. It wasn't particularly crowded—just a few people scattered across benches, a couple of parents watching over their kids.
Rei slowed slightly as he passed by.
Then—
He noticed her.
Near one of the benches, crouched down with a small group of stray cats gathered around her, was Yuna.
Her expression was soft, her movements gentle as she extended her hand toward one of the cats, letting it approach at its own pace. There was a quiet patience in the way she interacted with them—no sudden gestures, no forced closeness.
Just calm.
Rei watched for a moment.
Then walked over.
"Didn't know you came here."
Yuna looked up, slightly startled at first.
Then her expression brightened.
"Rei?"
She stood quickly, brushing her skirt lightly.
"I didn't expect to see you here."
"Same," he replied.
One of the cats brushed lightly against her leg, drawing her attention for a moment before she looked back at him.
"You like cats?" Rei asked.
Yuna glanced down at them, then nodded.
"Yeah. I come here sometimes to see them."
Rei tilted his head slightly.
"You never mentioned it."
"It just never came up," she replied.
A small pause followed.
Then Rei added, almost casually—
"Shiori probably likes dogs more."
Yuna blinked once, then smiled faintly.
"I think so too."
The conversation settled into an easy rhythm after that.
Nothing forced.
Nothing complicated.
"I heard you joined the student council," Yuna said after a moment.
Rei nodded lightly.
"Yeah."
"That's amazing," she said, her voice carrying quiet admiration. "Uzuki-senpai choosing you… it means he really trusts you."
Rei looked away slightly.
"I don't know about that."
"I do," she said.
He didn't argue.
"I actually applied too," she added, a little more quietly.
Rei glanced at her.
"You did?"
She nodded.
"I gave my application to Uzuki-senpai. I'm not sure if I'll be accepted, but… I hope I am."
Rei studied her expression and there was no hesitation in it.
"You like that kind of work?" he asked.
Yuna nodded again.
"I do. Helping organize things, supporting others… it feels meaningful."
Rei hummed softly.
"I see."
She looked at him again.
"What about you? What kind of work did you get?"
Rei let out a small breath.
"I don't know yet."
Yuna blinked.
"You don't?"
"No," he said. "I just hope it's not too much work."
For a moment, she looked surprised.
Then she smiled.
"I think you'll do well," she said gently.
Rei raised an eyebrow slightly.
"That confident?"
"I am," she replied. "If you try, you can do great things."
Rei let out a faint, almost amused breath.
"Probably."
Then, after a small pause—
"But Shiori's better at that kind of thing than I am."
Yuna shook her head lightly.
"That doesn't mean you're not capable."
"Maybe" he replies.
Nearby, a group of children played with a football, their laughter rising and falling as they chased it across the grass.
The scene felt distant.
Unrelated.
Until—
"Watch out!"
The ball came flying toward them and Yuna couldn't react at time.
Rei did.
He stepped forward instantly, catching the ball with one hand before it could hit her. At the same time, his other arm moved, pulling her slightly closer toward him to keep her out of its path.
The motion was quick.
Instinctive.
For a brief moment, they were closer than before.
Yuna's eyes widened slightly, caught off guard.
Then the children ran over, stopping a short distance away.
"Sorry!" one of them called out. "We didn't mean to!"
Rei tossed the ball back lightly.
"Be careful."
They nodded quickly before running off again, their attention already shifting back to the game.
The moment passed.
Rei released his hold and stepped back slightly.
"You okay?" he asked.
Yuna nodded, though her expression remained a little flustered.
"Yes… thank you."
A small silence followed.
Then with a smile she looked at him
"You really are reliable," she said.
Rei looked at her for a moment.
Then—
"I guess I am," he replied quietly.
The park returned to its gentle rhythm.
Children playing.
Cats wandering.
The world moving on.
But something about that moment still stayed.