Monsoon Romance

Haruto let out a deep sigh as he adjusted the black apron around his waist. The small café where he had started working was warm and cozy, filled with the soft hum of conversation and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. It wasn't a difficult job—taking orders, serving drinks, wiping down tables—but after a full day of school and cram sessions, it was exhausting.

Still, he had made up his mind. University in Tokyo wasn't cheap, and he didn't want to burden his parents with all the expenses. If he wanted to chase his dream of studying astronomy, he had to do his part.

The bell above the entrance jingled, pulling him from his thoughts. He quickly straightened up and plastered on a polite smile.

"Welcome!" he greeted, grabbing his notepad.

A group of high school students walked in, laughing amongst themselves. Haruto's heart skipped a beat when he recognized a familiar face—Aiko. She was with their friends, completely unaware of his presence until she turned and locked eyes with him.

For a brief moment, she just stared at him, confusion flickering in her brown eyes. Then, realization dawned, and her lips parted in surprise.

"Haruto?" she asked, stepping closer. "You… work here?"

Haruto scratched the back of his head. "Uh… yeah. I just started a few days ago."

Aiko frowned. "Why didn't you tell me?"

He shrugged, trying to sound casual. "I didn't want to worry you."

Before Aiko could respond, his manager called from behind the counter, "Haruto, table five needs their drinks!"

"Coming!" Haruto quickly turned back to Aiko, giving her an apologetic smile. "I'll talk to you later, okay?"

Aiko hesitated, then nodded. "Okay."

As Haruto rushed back to work, he couldn't shake the feeling that Aiko wasn't happy about him keeping this from her.

Later that evening, after the café had closed, Haruto stepped outside into the cool night air. He had barely taken a few steps when he saw Aiko waiting for him near the entrance, her arms crossed.

He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I guess you're upset."

Aiko sighed. "Not upset. Just… surprised. Haruto, why didn't you tell me? We're supposed to support each other."

Haruto leaned against the wall. "I didn't want to make you feel like you had to worry about me. You have your own dreams to focus on, Aiko."

Aiko shook her head. "That's not how it works. We're in this together, remember? If something is important to you, I want to know."

Haruto looked down, feeling a mix of guilt and warmth. She always knew how to make him feel understood.

"I just…" He hesitated before finally admitting, "I want to be able to take care of myself when I go to Tokyo. My parents have done so much for me already, and I don't want to rely on them for everything."

Aiko softened, stepping closer. "I understand that, Haruto. But you don't have to do it alone."

Haruto looked at her, and in that moment, he felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

Aiko reached out, taking his hand. "Just promise me one thing."

"What is it?"

"Don't overwork yourself," she said firmly. "I don't want you to push yourself so hard that you forget to take care of yourself."

Haruto smiled, squeezing her hand. "I promise."

Aiko smiled back, and for the first time that day, Haruto felt a little lighter.

Even with all the challenges ahead, he knew one thing for sure—he wasn't alone.