09

88 4 0
                                    

✩。:*•

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.

✩。:*•.───── 🎀 ─────.•*:。✩

AFTER FOUR DAYS in Hyōgo, the Aoba Johsai team was already on their way back home. Toru and I exchanged heartfelt goodbyes with everyone, expressing our gratitude for the teamwork and support during our time together.

Upon reaching home, the comfort of our own space was a welcome relief. I changed into my cozy strawberry pajamas, settling in for a relaxing evening. As I got comfortable, my phone buzzed with a message from Osamu.

Osamu
Hey Akira-chan, hope you made it back safely! How was the journey?

Akira
Hi Osamu-kun! Yeah, we're home. The journey was fine, how are you?

Osamu
Glad to hear that!
I'm good too.

Akira
Haha, same here! I had a great time.
We should plan something again soon.

Osamu
Absolutely! By the way, did you try that new pastry you were interested in?

Akira
Oh, not yet.
But I'll definitely get my hands on it tomorrow morning.

Osamu
Nice! Let me know how it tastes 😆

The conversation flowed effortlessly as we chatted about the trip, shared laughs, and discussed random topics. The virtual connection with Osamu provided a comforting backdrop to the night, bridging the physical distance.

Akira
Thanks for making the evening more enjoyable, Osamu.

Osamu
Anytime, Akira!
We make a good duo, don't we? 😄

Akira
Haha, definitely! Well, I'm going to sleep .
Let's chat tomorrow!

Osamu
Sweet dreams, Akira.
Take care!
Delivered

As I put my phone down, the glow of the screen dimmed, and I couldn't help but appreciate the friendships that extended beyond the confines of time and place. The night unfolded with the gentle hum of conversation, and I drifted into a peaceful sleep, grateful for the bonds forged during our time in Hyōgo.

⋆ ˚。⋆୨୧˚

The following morning, I woke up to the soft sunlight filtering through the curtains, signaling a new day. Still feeling the warmth of the recently formed connections, I decided to try the pastry Osamu had mentioned.

Akira
Good morning, Osamu-kun!
I'm about to try that pastry.
Excited!

Osamu
Morning
Hope it lives up to the hype.
Let me know if you like it or not
Seen 1 minute ago

As I savored the flavors of the pastry, a sense of contentment filled me. It was a simple joy, but it connected me to the shared memories of our time in Hyōgo.

The day unfolded lazily, with Toru and me catching up on rest and recounting our favorite moments from the trip. In the late afternoon, my phone buzzed again, and it was Osamu reaching out.

Osamu
How's the day treating you?

Akira
Relaxing
What about you?

Osamu
Same here
Missing our hangouts though.
By the way, any plans for the evening?

Akira
Not really. Why?

Osamu
Well
what if we continue our chat from last night?
I'm up for some more good conversation.

A smile played on my lips. The prospect of another evening spent in conversation with Osamu sounded delightful.

Akira
Sure!

Our conversation continued to flow effortlessly throughout the evening. We talked into deeper topics, shared anecdotes, and discovered more about each other. The virtual connection felt strangely intimate, like the ease of talking to an old friend.

⋆ ˚。⋆୨୧˚

As the night settled in, I found myself preparing for bed, the soft glow of my bedside lamp casting a warm ambiance. With my pajamas on and a cozy blanket wrapped around me, I decided to call my best friend, Mai. We had a tradition of late-night talks, and tonight seemed like the perfect time.

Dialing her number, I waited as the phone rang, and soon enough, her familiar voice greeted me through the receiver.

"Hey girl! What's up?" Mai's cheerful tone resonated, instantly lifting my spirits.

"Not much, just getting ready for the night," I replied, arranging the pillows on my bed for added comfort.

Mai: "How was your day? Anything exciting?"

Akira: "It was good, actually. I tried this amazing pastry Osamu-kun recommended. We've been talking every night since the trip, in fact I was talking with before calling you"

Mai: "Ooh, spill the details! What have you two been talking about?"

As I recounted the stories, laughter, and deeper conversations shared with Osamu, Mai's reactions were a delightful symphony of gasps, laughter, and playful teasing.

Our friendship had an effortless quality – we could talk about anything and everything, making even the mundane moments feel special.

Mai: "Okay, spill it. Is there something going on between you and this Osamu guy?"

Akira: "No, Mai, we're just friends. It's nice having someone to chat with, plus I've only known him for like a week!"

Mai: "Well, if you say so~. But you know I'm always here for the real tea, right?"

As I settled into bed with the soft hum of Mai's voice in my ear, I couldn't help but appreciate the constancy of our friendship. It was a comforting routine, a nightly tradition that bridged the miles between us, turning ordinary evenings into memorable moments.

Gratitude filled my heart as I drifted into a peaceful sleep.

TO BE CONTINUED

✩ ᵕ̈ ིྀ ! 09 •˙ ⌗ ⊱

IN THE SHADOWS ᝰ.ᐟ MIYA OSAMUWhere stories live. Discover now