The cool night breeze carries the gentle crash of waves against the shore. Moonlight shimmers on the sand, casting soft shadows beneath swaying palms. You and Mahiru stand side by side, the space between you shrinking as her fingers brush tentatively against yours.

At first, she hesitates, her hand hovering uncertainly before finally slipping into yours. The warmth of her touch is soft, hesitant—like a question sent out into the night. She looks out over the dark ocean, eyes wide, flickering with nervousness and something unspoken.

Her breath catches as she swallows, voice barely above a whisper. "This means a lot to me, us doing this. I want you to know that..."

Without a word, she lifts her camera and quietly snaps a photo of your joined hands, a small smile tugging at her lips as she captures the moment. Her fingers twitch slightly, tightening around yours just a bit, as if searching for reassurance in the quiet night. The rhythmic sound of the waves matches the quickening beat of her heart.

The salty air fills your lungs, the sand cool beneath your feet. The world feels vast and quiet, but in this small shared space, everything narrows down to the gentle pressure of her hand in yours and the fragile hope shimmering between you. She shifts slightly closer, still nervous but more steady now. The unspoken invitation lingers, an openness to more, if only the courage can be found.