I'm going to say something important.
And I need everyone—especially Ren—to listen.
—
When something is going well…
Don't ruin it.
—
Simple, right?
Yeah.
Watch how fast this goes wrong.
—
We're back at the pier.
Of course.
At this point, I'm convinced we legally live here.
—
Ren is leaning on the railing again, phone in hand.
But this time, he's not stressed.
He's… focused.
Typing.
Pausing.
Typing again.
Not overthinking.
Just thinking.
Progress.
—
"What are you doing?" I ask.
"Talking to her."
"Dangerous."
He ignores me.
Mio leans beside him, calm as always. "What did she say?"
He shows us.
Yuna: It's for a school project group. I almost didn't apply.
I nod slowly.
Okay.
This is normal.
Healthy.
Good.
—
"What did you say?" I ask.
He turns his phone slightly.
Ren: Why didn't you?
I pause.
Look at him.
Then back at the phone.
Then back at him.
—
"That's actually a good question," I admit.
He shrugs. "It is."
Mio smiles softly. "You're encouraging her."
Ren doesn't react, but I can tell he noticed that.
—
His phone buzzes again.
Yuna: I didn't think I was good enough.
…
I frown.
That doesn't sound like her.
—
Ren's expression changes slightly.
Softer.
More serious.
He types immediately this time.
No hesitation.
—
Ren: That's not true.
He pauses.
Adds more.
—
Ren: You just didn't see it yet.
—
Okay.
Wow.
Who is this guy?
—
I cross my arms. "You've improved."
"Stop narrating my life."
"I physically can't."
—
Mio glances at him. "That meant a lot to her."
"How do you know?" he asks.
"She replied fast," Mio says.
—
We all look.
—
Yuna: …thanks
—
Short.
But not empty.
There's weight in it.
—
I lean against the railing.
"Alright," I say. "Moment of truth."
Ren sighs. "What now?"
"Don't ruin it."
"I'm not going to ruin it."
"You say that now."
—
He looks at me. "What does that even mean?"
"It means don't overthink your next message," I say. "Don't panic. Don't get weird."
"I don't get weird."
"You get very weird."
Mio hides a small smile.
—
Ren looks back at his phone.
Thinking.
But not spiraling.
That's the difference.
—
He types again.
—
Ren: You're going to do great.
—
Simple.
Honest.
Clean.
—
He sends it.
No regret.
No second-guessing.
—
I nod.
"Approved."
"Your approval means nothing," he says.
"It means everything."
—
Mio looks out at the ocean. "You're trusting her more."
Ren leans back slightly.
"…Yeah."
—
That's it.
That's the shift.
—
He's not trying to control the distance anymore.
Not trying to hold everything in place.
He's just… there.
Consistent.
—
Summertimes are coming.
And for once—
Things aren't fragile.
They're just…
Uncertain.
But steady.
—
I point at him.
"Seriously though."
He groans. "What now?"
"Don't ruin this."
—
Because if he does—
I'm not fixing it.