A Love Stronger Than Whispers

Since I've Been Loving You

Akihabara

Akihabara's neon jungle pulsed with vibrant chaos. Kazuya Kinoshita, ever the pragmatic "rental bf" turned movie producer, navigated the throngs with practiced ease, his eyes searching for his friends. Suddenly, a flash of fiery red hair caught his attention.

 Ruka Sarashina, his former "trial girlfriend," burst from a maid cafe, flustered and giggling.

"Kiri!" she exclaimed, accosting a hunky, stoic young man beside her. "Don't tell me you didn't bring those manhwas like I asked!"

The young man, whom Kazuya vaguely recognized as Hana Uzaki's little brother, Kiri, sighed with exasperation. 

"You could have picked up the package yourself, you know."

Their bickering echoed the playful animosity in Kazuya's own relationship with his wife, the sweet-yet-teasing Chizuru Mizuhara. He couldn't help but chuckle. 

Ruka, catching his grin, laughed.

"Kazuya!" she shrieked, her surprise dissolving into a friendly smile. "It's been a while!"

Kazuya returned the greeting, internally debating whether to introduce Chizuru, who stood nearby, observing the scene with raised eyebrows. In the end, his social awkwardness won. 

"Uh, yeah," he mumbled, "how's life been, young Kiri? Bibimbap everyday made your taste buds regressed, eh?"

Ruka launched into a whirlwind of updates, mentioning her upcoming talent trainee program in Japan,  and Kiri's success as a rising screenwriter. As she talked, Kazuya noticed Chizuru approaching, her smile mischievous.

"Ruka-chan!" Chizuru greeted, tilting her head playfully. "What a delightful coincidence! Aren't you Kiri-kun's.........friend?"

Ruka's jaw dropped. Kiri felt the heat creep up his neck. Before he could stammer out an explanation, Kazuya stepped forward, a wry smile on his lips.

"Actually, they are  already dating for a long time, " he clarified, amusement twinkling in his eyes. "And I am here seems to be... acquainted with our 'little' sister, Hana."

The tension dissolved in a burst of laughter. Chizuru and Ruka, bonded by their respective teases, exchanged knowing glances. Kazuya and Kiri, caught in the web of unexpected connections, found themselves awkwardly standing side-by-side.

"Well, this is certainly interesting," Chizuru remarked, her eyes sparkling. "Perhaps we should all grab coffee and get to know each other better?"

And so, under the glittering lights of Akihabara, the two couples embarked on an afternoon of unexpected camaraderie. Kiri, initially stoic and looking dull, warmed up to Kazuya's self-deprecating humor, sharing his frustrations with navigating the film industry. 

Since I Have (not been) Loving You

Chizuru and Ruka, meanwhile, bonded over their love for fashion and K-Pop, giggling over silly antics and swapping gossip about the buxom, yet short Hana Uzaki.

As the sun dipped below the skyline, casting long shadows on the bustling streets, they stood at a crossroads. Chizuru and Kazuya were due for their next schedule at the shop, while Kiri and Ruka had plans with Hana.

"It was great meeting you both," Kazuya said, a genuine warmth in his voice. "Maybe we can do this again sometime?"

Kiri extended a hand. "Likewise. Perhaps next time we can compare notes on surviving our little sisters' antics."

The couples exchanged farewells, laughter lingering in the air. This unplanned encounter had thrown their worlds into a delightful spin, leaving them with a newfound appreciation for the intricate web of connections that life weaves in the bustling heart of Akihabara.