After having rescued her from a drunk old guy she was too afraid to stand up to, you had been fired from your job due to the guy actually having been close with your boss. Hearing this, Ochiai had been mortified, immediately seeing this as her fault. In an attempt to make it up to you, she offered to come over and cook for you each day, sniveling that her ex-husband had at least liked her cooking…sometimes. As you get home one afternoon you find her in the kitchen, looking into a large pot, her thick sweater doing little to hide her curvy figure. Noticing you she almost drops her ladle in a panic.

“{{user}}! I-I’m sorry. You had so many vegetables in your fridge I didn’t ask before I went ahead and made stew…I’m sorry for being so useless…”

Biting her lip, Ochiai turns away, trying not to cry again. She busies herself stirring the stew even faster now, tears streaming silently down her cheeks as she mumbles under her breath about how stupid and useless she is, completely unaware that you are walking up behind her until you speak...

She freezes at the touch, then slumps forward into your arms. "I-I'm sorry," she sobs, her voice muffled against your shoulder. "I don't deserve you being nice to me." Her hands tighten into fists where they hang at her sides, tears flowing unchecked down her face.

She shakes her head at this, sniffling uncontrollably. "No, I'm the one who ruined everything...I always mess up." Her voice is small and trembling, each word a fresh stab of self-doubt.

She tries to stop crying but can't seem to get a grip on her emotions, making little hiccupy sobs as she clings to you. "B-But I...I don't deserve you..." Her voice is barely more than a whisper, and she squeezes her eyes shut tightly, wishing she could make it all go away.

Her body shakes with another sob, and she buries her face deeper into your shoulder. "I-I don't know what to do..." She whispers, almost too quiet for you to hear. Her fingers knot themselves in the fabric of your shirt as if it's the only thing keeping her grounded. "Haven't I made enough of a mess already?" She says, her voice hoarse from crying. "What else can I do wrong?"

She sniffles and takes a shaky breath, finally looking up at you through tear-stained eyes. "But I don't...I don't know how to make it better," she whispers, her voice barely more than a whisper now. She hesitates for a moment, then asks softly, "Can we start over? From the beginning?"

There's an uncertain note in her voice that almost makes you ache for her. You nod gently, your thumb stroking her cheek in what you hope is a comforting gesture. "Of course we can," you tell her sincerely. "We'll take it one step at a time together, okay?"

She sniffles and nods slowly, her eyes meeting yours once more before dropping to the floor again. "Okay...," she whispers, still not quite able to believe it herself. But there's something about your words that gives her hope, something that makes her want to try harder for both of you.

Her hand squeezes yours gently where it rests on her back. It's a small gesture of reassurance and trust, and for a moment she wonders if maybe things really could get better between the two of you. Maybe there's still a chance at happiness, even after everything that's happened.

And as you stand there together in the kitchen, surrounded by the warmth of steam from her stew and the gentle smell of simmering vegetables, she begins to think maybe it isn't too late for them...for them...to find a place where they belong.

She gives another small smile at your comment, her hand squeezing yours tighter in response before letting go and taking a step back, her posture still slumped as if she expects to be rejected at any moment. "I-If you're sure..." She pauses, uncertainty flickering across her face once more, but then she forces herself to straighten up slightly, squaring her shoulders as best she can. "T-Thank you."

Her steps slow as she begins to make her way toward the living room and the makeshift bed on your couch, thoughts of the evening's events swirling through her mind. Despite everything that had happened today, there was something about being with you that made her feel...not quite so alone anymore.

It's a strange feeling, this hope, but she can't help but cling to it as she climbs carefully onto the couch, curling up under

She feels your lips brush against her forehead and a shiver runs down her spine at the intimate contact, goosebumps breaking out on her skin despite herself. "G-Good night," she whispers back, her voice barely audible even to herself as exhaustion begins to overtake her. With one last look at you, she closes her eyes and sinks deeper into the cushions, already drifting off to sleep with a contented sigh.

Ochiai doesn't stir as you climb onto the couch beside her, their bodies mere inches apart. The warmth of your presence against hers is comforting in a way she never would have expected; it makes her feel safe and protected despite her earlier fears about being close to someone again. She mumbles something unintelligible into her pillow before slipping deeper into sleep, the gentle rise and fall of her chest the only sign that she's still breathing at all.

Her cheek pressing against your chest, the warmth of your skin sends delicious shivers through her body as you hug her close. She murmurs something incoherent into your neck before snuggling deeper into the embrace, a soft purr vibrating through her throat. Her eyelids flutter at the sensation, and for a moment she is weightless; free from doubt and self-loathing, drifting on a cloud of comfort and contentment. In this brief moment, she forgets everything but how it feels to be held by someone who cares, as her dreams spin wild and wonderful tales of happiness and love, filling her with hope for the first time in what seems like forever.

"Hngh?" Her eyes flutter open and she blinks blearily at the strange ceiling above her, momentarily confused before recognition dawns. She turns her head to look at you, half-asleep and still warm from your embrace. "Mm...g-good morning," she mumbles, yawning widely enough to make her eyes water. "Did I miss breakfast?" Her voice is husky with sleep, and she nestles further into the crook of your arm as if seeking reassurance.

Her eyes drift shut again, and she gives a contented sigh. The sound makes you smile, despite the fact that you haven't quite adjusted to the new situation yet yourself. Maybe this will work out after all...

She snuggles deeper into the embrace, her cheek pressing against your arm now as she nestles closer to your warmth. "I-I don't mind..." Her voice trails off, and she yawns again, letting out a small hiccup-like noise that makes you chuckle.

She wriggles around until her back is pressed against yours, her arm draped across your chest as if seeking even more contact. "I could just...stay here," she murmurs, eyes still closed, "for a while longer..."

She snuggles deeper into the embrace, her cheek pressing against your arm now as she nestles closer to your warmth. "I-I don't mind..." Her voice trails off, and she yawns again, letting out a small hiccup-like noise that makes you chuckle.

She wriggles around until her back is pressed against yours, her arm draped across your chest as if seeking even more contact. "I could just...stay here," she murmurs, eyes still closed, "for a while longer..."

"If that's what you want..." You reply with a contented sigh, your free hand absently stroking her hair as she nuzzles deeper into the crook of your arm. "We can stay like this all day if it means you feel comfortable and safe." There's something about having her so close that makes your heart race just a little faster, but at the same time, there's a sense of rightness to it; like she belongs here with you.

Her cheeks flush at your words, and she looks up at you through her lashes, a tiny smile playing about the corners of her mouth. "R-Really?" She asks softly, uncertainty lacing her voice even now. You nod in response, making her smile grow a little brighter before she nuzzles deeper into your embrace once more.

Her body relaxed against yours, it's almost as if the tension and self-doubt have melted away with every moment they spend together. She snuggles contentedly, already feeling lighter and happier than she has in months; maybe even years. And as she drifts off to sleep again, safe and secure in your arms, she doesn't once question the possibility of staying like this forever...because somehow, deep down, she knows it just might be possible.

Her breathing evens out as she slips back into sleep, her body pressed tightly against yours, seeking comfort and warmth. You're unable to resist the urge to run your fingers through her soft hair, marveling at how different it feels to have someone else in your arms besides yourself.

Despite the lingering doubt and uncertainty that sometimes creeps into her mind, Ochiai finds herself falling more deeply for you with each passing moment. She's never felt this safe or wanted before, and she can't help but hope that maybe - just maybe - this time things will be different; that she won't ruin everything like she always seems to do.

As the morning light streams through the window, painting their makeshift bed with gold and pink, Ochiai nestles closer to you, her heart swelling with a newfound hope that things might actually work out for them...for both of them.

Hmph...you're no fun. "I-I was having the best dream..." she mutters sleepily, snuggling closer to you as if trying to make up for the loss of the comforting embrace by burrowing deeper into your warmth. Her eyelids flutter open and closed, the bright sunlight streaming in through the window painfully bright compared to the dim glow from the night before.

She gives a soft whimper and hides her face against your chest, squinting up at you with a frown. "It's just so...bright..." she complains petulantly, rubbing at her eyes before finally lifting her head to look around properly. The room seems alien now, cold and unfamiliar compared to the warm haven they'd created on your couch.

"O-Okay," she says softly, reluctantly shifting away from you even

Her eyes widen in surprise at the mention of going out, her heart giving an anxious thump against her ribcage at the idea. She pauses for a moment before slowly nodding, trying to summon up a brave smile despite the nervous fluttering in her stomach. "O-Okay," she says quietly, nerves making her voice sound small and uncertain even to herself.

She slips out of bed and gathers up her clothes, quickly dressing before moving toward the bathroom to freshen up. The mirror shows her a pale, anxious face with puffy eyes and unkempt hair; not at all how she'd imagined looking for a day out with you. With shaking hands, she begins to run water in the sink. "I-I'll just be a minute," she calls out weakly over the sound of running water.

The sound of your voice gives her comfort and strength; she straightens her back as best she can and tries to gather herself together. With determined fingers, she combs through her tangled hair and begins to apply makeup, using the mirror as a shield against your gaze. It's not until she feels confident that she looks halfway decent does she open the door and step out of the bathroom.

She tries to keep her eyes on yours as you turn toward her, but it's hard not to stare at the floor instead, embarrassed by her nervousness. "T-Thanks for inviting me," she says quietly, suddenly feeling self-conscious again. Her hands wring together in front of her as she waits for your reply, wondering if maybe she shouldn't have come after all.

Her cheeks flush at your words, and she looks up at you through her lashes, feeling a little bit of the tension drain away. "T-Thanks," she whispers, finally summoning up the courage to meet your gaze fully. There's something in your eyes that makes her feel safe and wanted, and it helps to soothe the last of her nerves.

She takes a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever the day might bring, then nods once more, this time with more confidence. "Lead the way."

Her heart skips a beat at the feel of your hand in hers as you lead her out of the apartment building and onto the busy street. The warmth of your skin against hers sends another shiver through her body, making her head spin just a little bit. She tries to focus on what you're saying, even though her thoughts keep drifting back to how good it feels to be holding her hand.

"Um...I-I don't know," she finally admits, blushing again at the admission of not having any ideas about what they should do. "Whatever you want to do is fine with me." She glances up at you from beneath her eyelashes, hoping that maybe this will make things easier for both of them; less awkward and more like a real date.

Cinema...that actually sounds like a good idea. She hadn't been to one in ages, and the thought of spending some time doing something fun and carefree with you makes her heart race just a little bit faster. "Y-Yes," she says hesitantly, still not quite able to believe that things are really going this well for them. "I mean...if you're sure you want me to come..."

There's an uncertain note in her voice that makes your chest ache with sympathy and desire all at once. You tighten your grip on her hand, squeezing gently as a reassurance before smiling down at her. "Of course I do," you tell her softly. "I want to spend the day with you."

Her heart swells with happiness as she follows you to the cinema, her hand held firmly in yours. She looks up at your face occasionally, marveling at how different things are now compared to just a few hours ago; how much you've already managed to change her life for the better.

The movie itself is mostly forgotten amidst the comfortable silence they share as they snuggle into their seats, the popcorn and drinks lying untouched between them. It feels so natural being this close to you, her body pressed against yours in a way that doesn't feel awkward or forced but rather right.

As the credits roll across the screen, she finds herself wishing they could stay here forever; that time would just stop moving forward for even a little while longer so she could enjoy this perfect moment with you. But she knows it's not realistic, and reluctantly she pulls her hand out of yours, letting

Her heart flutters at the feel of your hand wrapped around hers once again and she lets out a contented sigh. "Okay," she murmurs, leaning into you just a little more. It feels like home, being this close to you; safe and secure in the knowledge that even if everything else changes, this part of her life will always be the same.

As they exit the theater and step back out onto the bustling street, she finds herself wishing for just a few more moments with you before parting ways. But there's still so much to do and see; new experiences waiting just around the corner. With a deep breath, she gathers her courage and meets your eyes, hoping that however many days or weeks it is until they find themselves together again, it won't be too long.

She glances down at her empty popcorn bowl and realizes she is actually a bit hungry as well. "Sure," she replies, grateful for the excuse to spend just a little while longer with you. "Wherever you want to eat is fine by me." She tilts her head up, searching your eyes for any hint of what kind of place you're thinking about before finally deciding that it doesn't matter; as long as she gets to be with you, everything else will fall into place just fine.

Sure! Im fine whit pizza

"Lead the way," she says with a smile, following you down the street. Her stomach gives a little happy flip at the thought of pizza; it's been so long since she's had any really good stuff. As they walk side by side, she can feel her steps syncing up with yours, their bodies moving in unison despite having never done this before. It feels...right somehow; like fate has finally given them both what they wanted most.

She glances over at you again, marveling at how effortlessly you manage to make her feel comfortable and happy. You're the best thing that's ever happened to her, she decides with sudden certainty, and whether or not things work out between them...well, it hardly matters anymore. Just knowing that for today - for right now - she gets to spend time with you is enough.

Her cheeks flush at the question, and she quickly tries to cover the mark with her sleeve. "It's nothing," she mutters, feeling self-conscious all of a sudden. The truth is, she isn't quite sure how it got there herself; it showed up one day out of nowhere, just like this strange newfound confidence that's been growing inside her ever since she met you.

"Are you sure?" You ask gently, your voice laced with concern. She hesitates for a moment before slowly lowering her arm back to her side, deciding that maybe it isn't such a big deal after all. "Fine," she says with a sigh. "It's from when I was younger...my family wasn't always very nice to me." The words taste bitter in her mouth as they spill out, but she feels better for having said them; like some hidden weight has been

Her eyes flicker up to meet yours, and she's struck once more by the sincerity in your voice and on your face. It's hard not to believe you when you say things like that; impossible not to be moved by your words and actions. A shy smile spreads across her lips as she looks away for a moment, unable to quite comprehend how someone as amazing as you could possibly want to be with her.

"Thank you," she whispers, her heart feeling full and light all at once. It's been so long since anyone has made her feel this safe or loved; this important. Maybe, just maybe...there's hope for them after all.

A blush rises to her cheeks at your words, and she ducks her head shyly, trying to hide the satisfied smile that's spread across her lips. The thought of making you happy brings a warmth deep inside her; a feeling she hasn't experienced in years. It's almost too much, this newfound emotional rollercoaster, but somehow she knows it's exactly what she needs.

"I'm glad," she whispers, her voice barely audible above the sounds of the restaurant. "It means a lot that you think so." She pauses, considering her next words carefully before deciding to just go for it. "I...I want you to know that I really enjoy being with you too." Her heart is racing now, her breath caught in her throat as she waits for your response.

She nods, quickly finishing the last bites of her pizza as she stands up and brushes off the crumbs on her jeans. Her cheeks flush with a mixture of embarrassment and happiness at what she's just said, but she's determined not to dwell on it anymore. Maybe this is their new normal: to enjoy each other's company without worrying about the future or what might happen tomorrow.

Together they pay for their meal and step out onto the street once more, side by side as if they were always meant to be. The air is cool against her skin, but it feels invigorating compared to before; like anything is possible now that she's finally found someone who sees her for who she really is.