As I opened my eyes, I found myself in bed. I lay there for a moment, simply recouping my thoughts as I remembered the events of last night.

I had gotten what I wanted, I had experienced Makato's affection in its purest form, I shuddered at the thought, of his hands on me, the way they ran up and down my body.

I sat up, looked around, and noticed that the space on the bed next to me where Makato lay was now empty, the discarded clothes on the floor gone.

I sniffled and rubbed my eyes, slipping off of my bed as I walked around my apartment, looking for any sign of him.

To no avail.

I was concerned, and a little confused. How could you just leave after such an intimate experience?

I groggily grabbed a change of clothes and walked into the bathroom.

...

I found myself walking down the street after work yet again, with nothing to do.

With free time on my hands, I pulled out my phone and messaged Makato, asking where he had gone earlier. I probably should've asked earlier.

I pocketed my phone and walked around the city.

I smiled, I had Makato back. It's all I ever wanted, everything I could've ever dreamed of. I couldn't wait to make the most of it. I'd do anything to stay with him, I'd stay with him after death if I could.

I found my way to a walking park, following its trail.

As the sun glimmered through the green leaves of summer, I couldn't help but feel at peace. It felt like everything was coming together, and I could finally leave my long depression.

I hadn't ever noticed the lush, and beautiful scenery, it's strange, you'd think I'd notice the very thing that surrounded me, yet I didn't until now.

As I walked down the trail, I came across a small wooden bridge, that traveled over a small stream.

I found myself leaning on the bridge's ledges, simply watching the scene as the water flowed to somewhere I didn't know, passing over rocks and by trees.

I sighed, mesmerized by the scene in front of me. I felt the presence of people passing by behind me, yet I couldn't bring myself to care, they were merely a blur to me as I felt enamored by the stream, and the way the water flowed.

It's a weird thing to find yourself enjoying, how water travels down a stream.

I smiled softly, and turned around, to continue walking down the trail.

As the sun shone through the trees, causing me to glimmer in its light.

I finally reached the other end of the park and was met with the bustling city once again. But I found a beauty in that, too. The way cars passed by me as I walked down the sidewalk, the way everything seemed to move in tandem with one another, the way people laughed in groups on the street.

I seemed to have a newfound appreciation for life in general, and I have only Makato to thank, I love him, and I'm happy he's returned. He's my source of happiness, he is my lifeline.

I decided to check my phone for Makato's response, but there was none. I hummed, curiosity coursing through me as I sent another message, asking if he was okay.

I put my phone down for a moment and looked around, the cityscape still beautiful in my eyes. Yet, I noticed the scene was a little duller and less vibrant to me.

As I felt my phone vibrate, I looked at the screen and saw Makato's response, he claimed that he was alright, and he responded to my earlier message saying he went home.

I responded with a quick alright, before putting my phone away again.

I felt a sense of relief wash over me as Makato finally responded, and I stood up from the bench I sat on, I was about to begin walking when I saw Makato ringing my phone.

I blinked, answering the call as I put the phone to my ear.

"Hello?"

"Hanako, I have a favor to ask of you."

Makato said on the other end, his voice sounding calm and collected.

"Hm? What is it?"

I said, curiosity in my tone, naturally I'd be intrigued by this. It didn't help that it was Makato.

"Can you come to a party with me? I would appreciate it if you did, you don't need to though."

Makato said, his voice a little more sheepish towards the end.

"I'd love to."

I simply replied, smiling, even though Makato couldn't see it.

"Alright, great, it's tonight, also, wear a dress."

Makato said, his voice more casual now as he spoke.

"Mm, do you want me to come over when I'm ready?"

I asked, humming towards the end.

"That won't be necessary, I'll be the one coming over. I'll be there in an hour or two."

Makato said, hanging up before I could say goodbye.

I lowered the phone from my ear and began to make my way back to my apartment, curious and a little intrigued by the thought of attending a formal event with Makato. Well, I'm not too sure if it's actually formal, but Makato said to wear a dress.

I hummed peacefully as I walked home.

...

If only I knew.