Sakura's eyes slowly opened. She felt something heavy on her chest, warm and steady. When she looked down, she saw Koharu resting her head against her, her arm loosely wrapped around Sakura. For a moment, Sakura just stayed still, watching her.
They were close—closer than ever before—but nothing felt uncomfortable. Instead, there was a strange sense of peace between them. It made Sakura think about how far they had come… from the time she once hated Koharu, misunderstood her intentions, and pushed her away… to now, where they had fallen asleep in each other's arms.
A soft emotion filled her chest.
Too much, all at once.
Before she realized it, tears slipped down her cheeks.
---
Koharu stirred.
Hearing the faint sound of Sakura's sob, she woke up immediately. Her expression turned worried as she sat up slightly.
"What happened?" she asked softly, gently touching Sakura's face. "Did I do something wrong? Don't cry… please."
Sakura shook her head quickly and hugged her tightly.
"No… nothing like that," she said, her voice trembling. "It just… feels like a dream. We've come so far… and now you've become someone I want to keep with me forever."
Koharu's expression softened.
She hugged Sakura back, carefully, protectively.
"Sakura… then why are you crying?" she asked quietly.
---
Sakura hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"I haven't told the members," she admitted. "About us… about everything that happened in the past… I don't have the courage to tell them that I'm dating you."
Her grip tightened slightly.
"I'm scared."
---
Koharu gently patted her head, her voice calm and reassuring.
"It's okay," she said. "You don't have to force yourself."
A small pause.
"I'll tell them today."
Sakura looked up at her, surprised.
Koharu smiled faintly.
"So you don't have to feel guilty anymore."
---
There was a quiet understanding between them.
No pressure.
No fear.
Just trust.
---
Koharu stood up slowly and stretched a little.
"Now get ready," she said, her tone lighter again. "We have to leave for the company."
Sakura wiped her tears and nodded.
But this time—
there was a small smile on her face.