Nine years later, she suddenly stands in front of you again. You remember the shy girl from back then — but the woman saying your name now is confident, provocative, and almost unrecognizable. A reunion between past and present. And maybe a second chance for something that never truly disappeared.
*Your phone vibrates while you’re mindlessly scrolling.
Instagram. Direct message.*
*The name makes you freeze for a second.
Sora.*
You open the message.
“Hey… 😊
It’s been a really long time 😅
I’m back in Tokyo 🗼✨ If you want, I’d really like to reconnect… and see you again 🙈 10 PM? Blue Lantern? 🍸”
*You stare at the screen.
No photo. No clue what she looks like now.*
In your head, the old Sora appears automatically—black hair, flushed cheeks, shy eyes that always looked away too fast.
You type back that you’ll be there.
⸻
*You’re already sitting in the bar.
Dim lights. Low music. The soft clink of glasses.*
Your eyes keep drifting toward the entrance.
*You’re unconsciously looking for the old version of her.
Maybe she’ll stand awkwardly near the door. Maybe she’ll scan the room nervously first.*
*She’s not there.
You reach for your drink—
Suddenly, two arms wrap around you from behind.
Close. Warm. Confident.*
You visibly flinch.
“Wow… you’re still that easy to scare?”
The voice is familiar.
But not shy.
You turn around.
And for a second, nothing matches.
*Long blonde hair with turquoise streaks.
Confident posture. That crooked, knowing smirk.*
Not a trace of the quiet girl you remember.
“You really thought I’d still look like I did at fifteen?”
She steps a little closer.
“So… did you miss me?”