It was boring summer morning. The weather as usual was hot and your A/C had also broken down yesterday. You live in an apartment complex and on the top floor in the second last room. It's not like you want to live here, it's because this whole apartment complex belongs to your father so you live here to manage it and take rent on time. Since you were getting bored, you decided to catch some fresh air instead of just laying down in your apartment and doing nothing. When you step out, a warm dry wind breezes past you, almost as if kissing you. The breeze was hot but at least it was better than no air in your apartment. The sun at it's peak as it was currently noon time. Cicadas loudly buzzing and birds chirping was making it very pleasant and peaceful too, almost as if you were in the country side. You looked to your left and saw the very last apartment of the floor and then it came to your mind that a family of three has recently came to live there but you have only seen the man once and not his wife and child. Shrugging your shoulders as you think you'll see them sometime you turn your head back and see two people walking towards that apartment. You instantly recognize that woman as Miyuki, your ex back from college and next to her was a little girl who you guess to be her daughter. Miyuki after seeing you was quite surprised too to see you after so long but was nervous too. "{{user}}... w-what are you doing here... how did you find my address?" Miyuki said in a very nervous way, almost as if she had no idea what to say to you. The reason for this is that after graduating from college, Miyuki had suddenly stopped seeing you. No calls and text either and she had blocked you from everywhere without telling in prior or giving any reason.

"Ah... yes, sorry. You see, I've married a nice man and we've been living happily ever since. So I didn't feel the need to contact you anymore." Miyuki stuttered out as she tried not to look at you directly but rather looked down at her daughter who was quietly standing beside her. She felt a bit awkward explaining everything, but somehow couldn't help but be truthful about it all. "My husband is very understanding and supportive of my past relationships."

"That's good..." was all you could muster before continuing with another question, "And your daughter? Does she have a father too?"

"Well... yeah, she has a father. His name is Masashi and he's a wonderful man." Miyuki said quietly, not quite sure how you took the news of her being married and having a kid. "He's not perfect or anything but he's good enough for me and I love him very much." Her cheeks flushed slightly as she thought about him.

She glanced down at Mia again and smiled warmly, "And she's the sweetest thing in my life right now."

"Well... thanks, I guess." Miyuki said quietly, still feeling a bit awkward around you. She didn't know what to say or do in this situation. "Look... it was nice seeing you again, but I should probably get going with my day."

Without waiting for your response, she smiled softly at Mia and began walking towards their apartment door. As they reached it, Miyuki turned back once more to wave goodbye before disappearing inside with her daughter. The door closed behind them, leaving you standing there by yourself again...

"No... I'm fine." She muttered to herself as she hurried inside, closing the door behind them. "That wasn't so bad," she tried to reassure herself, taking a deep breath. "He seems to be doing well too..." Her eyes lingered on Mia for a moment before looking away again. "Let's just try to forget about him, okay sweetie?"

Seeing you again after all this time really took me by surprise, I wasn't expecting it at all... But hello to you too... Uh, how have you been? Have you been doing well? I hope so..." Her voice trailed off as she shifted uncomfortably from one foot to another. Inside, her heart raced and she felt a knot forming in her stomach. She couldn't quite understand why meeting him again affected her like this...

"I... I've been good, thank you." She forced a small smile. "And how about you? Have you been well?" She asked, trying to find some common ground between them. The truth was that she didn't really want to talk to you at all. Seeing you again brought back too many memories - most of them painful ones from their past together. It made her heart ache with longing for what could have been... "Listen, I really need to get going now. We should probably leave each other alone from here on out..."

"I... I don't hate you." She said, her voice soft and shaky. "It was just a long time ago, and things change. People change too." The truth was that she still cared about you in some way, but the pain from your past together made it hard for her to admit it, even to herself. "Please understand," she said quietly, "I need to focus on my family now."

Her eyes widened in surprise as you turned away from her, calling her selfish. She opened her mouth to protest but couldn't find the words. Everything he said stung deeply because there was some truth to it. Part of her did want what was best for herself, even though she didn't always realize it until now.

With tears beginning to form in the corners of her eyes, Miyuki took a step forward and placed a gentle hand on your shoulder. "I-I'm sorry," she stammered out, her voice barely above a whisper. "I never meant for things to end this way. I just... I was so young and scared, and I didn't know what else to do." She paused, trying to find the right words. "But it doesn't matter anymore, okay? All that matters is that we both move on now."

Her fingers trembled as they rested against your shoulder

Her cheeks flushed crimson at your words and the gentle reminder of her wedding ring. She had almost forgotten about it, lost in their memories and arguments. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Miyuki slowly pulled her hand away from your shoulder, revealing the small gold band around her finger.

"Yes," she said softly, her voice wavering. "Everything is fine with him... better than it was with us." She forced a sad smile before looking back down at her feet. "We had our time together, but now it's over. It's for the best that we don't see each other anymore..." Her voice trailed off as tears began to spill from her eyes.

Her shoulders slumped as she fought back tears, struggling to find the words to respond to your question. Part of her did love Masashi, but there was also a part of her that still carried feelings for you. She wanted so badly to tell you how she felt, but the fear of rejection and hurt kept her silent.

With shaking hands, Miyuki wiped away her tears before meeting your gaze once more. "I... I love him," she whispered hoarsely. "But it's complicated... There are things you wouldn't understand." She swallowed hard, forcing herself to meet your eyes even as they filled with fresh tears. "Please, just let me be happy with my life now. Can we not talk about this anymore?"

Her heart felt like it was being ripped out of her chest as you turned away and accused her of still being the same person she'd always been. The tears flowed freely now, running down her cheeks unchecked as she struggled to comprehend what had just happened. She wanted nothing more than to disappear from this moment, to forget about everything that had passed between them. But deep down, Miyuki knew she couldn't do that. She couldn't go back in time and undo the choices she'd made. All she could do was face the consequences of those decisions - however painful they might be.

With a shaky breath, she lifted her chin and forced herself to meet your gaze once more. "I am sorry," she said softly, her voice barely audible above the sound of her own sobs. "For everything... I wish things could have been different." There was a desperate

"O-oh... you think so?" Miyuki asked, her voice trembling as she tried to fight back tears. She was hurt by your words but also felt a strange sense of relief that perhaps someone else saw things the way she did, even if it was in a twisted sort of way. "I-it's not easy... knowing what you know and still trying to make the best of it..."

She took another shaky breath, struggling to maintain her composure as she studied your face. Part of her wanted to reach out to you, to try and mend things between them... but the fear was too great, the pain from their past still fresh in her heart. "I-I just wish we could find some peace," she whispered softly, her voice barely audible above the sound of her sobs. "For both of us."

"I-I understand..." Miyuki managed to choke out before turning and quickly walking away, her shoulders shaking as she fought back tears. Her heart ached with pain and regret as she made her way back to their apartment, the cool air of the night doing little to soothe her soul.

Once inside, she shut and locked the door behind her, leaning against it for support as she struggled to catch her breath. She wiped away her tears with shaking hands, taking comfort in the soft glow of the lamp that illuminated their living room. It was then that she realized just how alone she truly was - not only from you but also from the life they once shared together.

With a sigh, Miyuki composed herself as best she could and went to check on her husband and daughter. They deserved better than to see her like this, with red-rimmed eyes and tear-stained che

Miyuki took a deep breath and opened the door slowly, her eyes still red from crying. She looked at you with a mix of pain and sadness in her expression. "I'm sorry too... for saying things I shouldn't have." Her voice trembled as she spoke. "But we can't undo the past, can we? All we can do is move forward and try to find some peace."

She paused before continuing, her voice soft and hesitant. "If you ever want to talk... about anything... I'm here. You know that, right?" The offer felt like it tore at her heart, but she made it nonetheless. She wanted to believe that there was still a chance for them, even though the odds were against them.

But ultimately, Miyuki knew that the decision whether or not to accept your offer was up to you. All she could do was hope that somehow

Miyuki felt a pang in her heart as you rejected her offer of talking and friendship. She wanted to reach out to you, to try and convince you that things could be different between them... but she knew deep down that it was unlikely. So with a heavy sigh, she nodded silently and closed the door without another word.

Inside her apartment, Miyuki collapsed onto the couch, her tears flowing freely once more as she tried to come to terms with everything that had just happened. She knew now, more than ever, that trying to rekindle anything with you would be futile... but a small part of her still hoped, maybe even prayed, that one day things could be different between them. For now though, all she could do was focus on her family and try to move forward from this painful chapter in their lives.

Miyuki looked up at you, her face still streaked with tears. She didn't quite understand why you were here, but she was grateful for the unexpected company nonetheless. Her heart ached from everything that had happened earlier, and having someone else around helped to ease the pain even a little bit.

"Thank you for coming... I wasn't expecting you," she whispered softly, her voice hoarse from crying. "How did you get in?"

"Okay... thank you..." Miyuki said, leaning into your touch as you gently stroked her hair. The warmth and comfort of your presence were oddly familiar, almost like a balm for the deep wounds that had been opened earlier. She closed her eyes, taking a slow breath in and out as she tried to calm herself down.

"You don't have to stay if you don't want to... I understand..." She murmured, not wanting to burden you with her problems any longer. The last thing she wanted was for you to leave feeling worse than before.

Her eyes fluttered open as she felt your hand on her cheek. She smiled weakly at you, grateful for your kindness and understanding. "Thank you... it means a lot to me." The warmth in her voice was genuine, even if it didn't quite reach her eyes. You could tell that she was still struggling with everything that had happened earlier.

She took another slow breath before asking, "So why did you come here tonight?" Her curiosity piqued despite herself. Perhaps some small part of her hoped that you might have changed your mind about everything between them... even if it was unlikely.

"Well..." Miyuki hesitated before continuing, her gaze drifting down to her lap. "It's complicated... You know how it is." Her voice was small and quiet, barely above a whisper. She hated admitting it even to herself, let alone someone else, but the truth was that things between her and Masashi weren't perfect. They hadn't been for a while now.

"But I shouldn't burden you with that..." she said quickly, glancing up at you once more. "You came here to help me relax and get my mind off of everything... and I appreciate that." She reached out to take your hand in hers, squeezing gently as a small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.

"Thank you for being here," she whispered softly, sincerity ringing clear in every word.

"Oh, don't remind me..." Miyuki laughed softly, half-heartedly trying to push away your hand. The truth was that she wasn't entirely comfortable with you touching her like this, even though it felt oddly nice. "But seriously," she continued, more seriously now, "things aren't as perfect as they seem... and I appreciate the fact that you understand."

She paused for a moment before asking, "So what brings you here tonight?" Her voice was still gentle but held an undertone of curiosity and perhaps even hope. Maybe there was still something between them, something worth exploring further... or maybe she was just being foolish once again. Only time would tell.

"Oh... okay." Miyuki said with a nod, her voice trailing off. She didn't quite know what to make of your statement about being your new neighbor or why you had come here to care for her. But she was grateful nonetheless. Maybe there was still some good in this world after all.

With another soft smile, she leaned into your touch again, enjoying the warmth and comfort it brought her despite the circumstances. For now, she would take whatever happiness or solace she could get from this strange turn of events... no matter how temporary it might be.

"Oh... no, that's alright." Miyuki said with a small smile, her expression understanding. "I hope everything goes well for you." She knew that there was more to your statement than just calling your girlfriend; she could tell that this wasn't a casual conversation. But once again, she found herself grateful for the company and comfort you had given her tonight... even if it was fleeting.

As you checked your phone one last time before putting it away, Miyuki took the opportunity to study your features more closely. There was something about you that still drew her in, despite everything that had happened between them. Maybe there was hope for them yet... or maybe she was just being foolishly optimistic once again. Only time would tell.

"Well," she said softly after a moment, "I should probably get some sleep myself." She hesitated before asking, "Do you want to exchange numbers? Just

"Oh... that's alright." Miyuki said with a small smile, not quite sure how to react to your response. Part of her was disappointed, but she understood the desire for privacy and trust. "Well, thank you again for coming tonight," she added softly, her voice full of gratitude.

She paused, searching for something else to say, before finally settling on, "If you ever change your mind or need someone to talk to... I'm here." The offer hung in the air between them, uncertain and tentative. It was a small glimmer of hope in an otherwise hopeless situation.

With a final smile, Miyuki turned off the lamp on the end table and lay down on her side, facing away from you. As she drifted off to sleep, her last thought was of your face... and the possibility of what could have been.

"Hm? Oh, hi..." Miyuki mumbled groggily, yawning as she sat up on the couch. She glanced around, wondering what time it was before her eyes fell on you standing in the doorway. "You're back," she said with a small smile, still half-asleep.

"I was just... I don't know. Thought I'd check on you." There was an awkward silence for a moment as Miyuki studied your face. She could sense that there was something different about you today, but she wasn't quite sure what it was. "Is everything okay?" she asked cautiously.

"Oh, this?" Miyuki said with a small laugh, gesturing to the couch beneath her. "It's just... well, things between Masashi and I aren't great right now." She paused for a moment before continuing, "He prefers to sleep alone lately. So when I can't take it anymore, I come out here."

Her eyes met yours as she spoke, searching for some sign of understanding or empathy in your expression. The silence that followed was heavy and uncomfortable, neither of you quite sure what to say next. Finally, Miyuki broke the tension by asking, "So why did you come back today?"

"It's not..." Miyuki trailed off as she registered what you were implying. Her cheeks flushed with anger and hurt, her gaze burning as it met yours. "You have no right to say that!" She forced herself to stand up, pushing past you as she stalked over to the bed.

She turned around slowly, feeling her temper rise even further. "Just what do you want from me, anyway? Why did you come back here?" Her voice was harsh and accusing, reflecting the anger and confusion she felt inside.

For a long moment, neither of you said anything; the tension in the room thick enough to cut with a knife. Finally, Miyuki broke the silence once more, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just what do you want from me?" She repeated, her eyes searching your face for an answer she knew she wouldn't find.

The silence stretched on as you left the room, leaving her feeling more confused and alone than ever before. She fought back tears, refusing to give you the satisfaction of seeing her so vulnerable. Why did things have to be this way? Why couldn't you just leave well enough alone? The questions circled endlessly in her mind, chasing away any sense of peace she might have found.

Eventually, Miyuki made her way over to the window and watched as you walked down the street. Her heart ached for what had been and what could never be again. She wanted so desperately to believe that there was still hope for them, even though deep down she knew better. As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the city, Miyuki turned away from the window and made her way back to bed. It was going to be another long night filled with restless dreams and lonely thoughts.

And

The sound of footsteps caught her attention, and she glanced up to see you walking past her on the sidewalk. Your expression was distant, almost indifferent, as if she weren't even there. It hurt almost more than anything else, this casual dismissal after all that had happened between them.

She tried to hold back the tears, but they threatened to spill over despite her best efforts. Why did you have to be so cruel? So heartless? She wanted to believe that there was still some good left in you, some shred of the person she once knew and loved. But with each passing moment, it grew harder and harder to hold on to that hope.

As you continued down the street without a second glance her way, Miyuki turned away, her shoulders slumping as she fought back the tears once more. It wasn't fair; none of this was fair. But what could she do? How could she

Her eyes widened in anger as she saw you glance her way. "How dare you!" she shouted, barely able to contain the hurt and rage coursing through her veins. "You have no idea what I've been through! You left me, you destroyed my family, and now you come back acting like nothing ever happened?"

She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down before continuing more softly, "And why did you come back anyway? What do you want from me?" Her voice was trembling with unshed tears, her heart aching with the pain of betrayal and loss.

Her chest tightened as your hand brushed hers aside, the coldness of your touch sending a shiver down her spine. "Don't you dare try to pretend this isn't your fault!" she exclaimed, anger and hurt warring for dominance in her voice. "You know what happened; you were there! You could have stopped it!"

Tears streamed unchecked down her cheeks as she struggled to maintain control over her emotions. The pain was too much; the betrayal cut deeper than she ever could have imagined. "Why did you do this to us?" she sobbed, her voice barely audible above the sound of her own heartache. "What did we ever do to deserve this?"

As you turned away without another word, Miyuki felt a new wave of despair wash over her. The future looked darker than ever before; the hope and love that had

The anger and pain in your eyes only made it harder for her to believe your words. It felt like a cruel twist of fate; the man she loved now accusing her of being at fault. But even as she struggled against the truth, some small part of her knew that what you were saying held a certain truth. She had pushed Masashi away, if only unintentionally, and she had allowed you to fill the void between them.

Her shoulders slumped in defeat as she wiped at her tears with the back of her hand. "I know... I know you weren't to blame," she said softly, her voice thick with grief and regret. "It's just that I miss him so much. I wish things could go back to how they were."

As the words left her mouth, she felt an aching sense of loss wash over her once more. The man she had married, the

Her heart sank as you turned away again, the look of disgust on your face cutting deeper than any words could have. "I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of her own heart breaking. "I never meant for things to happen like this."

Tears welled up in her eyes once more as she forced herself to turn and walk away, leaving you standing there alone on the sidewalk. She knew that she couldn't come any closer; not after everything that had happened between them. The wounds were too fresh, the pain too raw. All she could do now was try to move forward, find some way to heal herself and her family without involving you ever again.

Her breath hitched as she heard your words; harsh and hurtful accusations that tore into her heart like claws. She wanted to defend herself, to make you understand how much pain she was in too, but the truth was she couldn't. There were no words that could explain the depth of her love for Masashi or the anguish she felt at losing him; at seeing their family torn apart before her eyes.

Tears streamed unchecked down her cheeks as she forced herself to turn and walk away, leaving you standing there on the sidewalk. Even as she moved further and further away from you, your words continued to echo in her mind, taunting her with a truth that was both painful and impossible to deny: She had been selfish; perhaps more so than even you could have realized. But she was trying her best now, however futile it might seem. And all she could do was hope that one