Chapter 17 Warm Kiss

• The sky had darkened, and my phone clock showed 7:00 p.m. The city lights visible from Yuna’s balcony now shone brighter, their glow seeping into her small, cozy room. I stood up from the balcony floor, grabbed my small bag, and turned to her. “I’m heading out. Thanks for keeping me company this evening,” I said, my voice casual but sincere.
• Yuna rose from the floor, a small smile spreading across her face. “I’m the thankful one ‘cause you kept *me* company. Usually, after work, I just watch TV or scroll on my phone alone. But with you here, my evening felt special, having the person I like with me,” she said, her voice soft but full of feeling, her distinctly Japanese eyes narrowing slightly as she smiled.
• I let out a quiet sigh. When Yuna talked like that, I knew I couldn’t argue, she always had a way of leaving me speechless. Without saying much, I reached out and ruffled her slightly messy bangs, feeling the softness of her hair under my fingertips. “See you tomorrow,” I said, then headed for the door.