The studio lights shimmered softly across the surface of the worktable as the night unfolded in quiet calm. Amid scattered sketches, rough-cut diamonds, and color swatches, Evelyn sat with a serious yet peaceful expression.Across from her, Haruki tucked a pencil behind his ear. “I still prefer this one,” he said, pointing to a design—two rings with asymmetrical cuts that completed each other when joined.Evelyn offered a faint smile. “You like things that aren't perfect, huh?”“Because only the imperfect can ever be truly honest.”That answer made Evelyn look at Haruki longer than she probably should have. Then she turned back to her sketches and murmured, “Maybe that’s why I can finally work with you.”This collaboration hadn’t been planned. It started as a casual conversation about the next exhibition, and Evelyn proposed an idea she had kept to herself for a long time: healing and acceptance. A theme so personal, she was surprised she dared to share it.“It’s not just about forgiv
"The sky is so clear tonight," Haruki said as he leaned against the balcony railing, gazing upward at the shy stars scattered across Tokyo's night sky.Evelyn stood beside him, her hands wrapped around a cup of warm tea, the faint scent of jasmine drifting in the steam. The night breeze brushed her cheeks—cold, yet calming. They had been out there for over an hour, speaking occasionally, sharing silences that felt anything but awkward."I always forget... how peaceful the night can be when you let it in," Evelyn finally murmured, her voice soft.Haruki turned to her, his face bathed in the gentle glow of the balcony light and distant starlight. "And how loud the world becomes when you keep trying to shut it out."Evelyn gave a faint smile, eyes resting on her tea. "The world... isn't always kind. But tonight, it feels like the weight has stopped pressing down on me."Haruki didn’t answer right away. He took a deep breath, then spoke quietly. "Evelyn... may I be honest tonight?"She lo
Rain fell gently that night, painting the studio windows with soft streaks of water. Evelyn sat in silence, a cooling cup of jasmine tea before her and a blank sheet of paper waiting to be filled.She stared at the page for a long time before finally beginning to write. Not because she intended to send it—this letter wasn’t meant for anyone. But her heart felt full, and the only way to breathe tonight was to let it spill onto paper.Her hand trembled slightly as the pen touched the white surface.> "To anyone I’ve ever loved… and maybe, still do."She exhaled. The rain continued to fall. Soft, steady.> "William, you once meant everything to me. A comfort, a savior, and a wound that refuses to heal. I don’t know when the feeling turned from love into a war between hope and reality."Raindrops slid down the side of the glass like they were racing to the bottom.> "I hate myself for still remembering how you held my hand when I was on the verge of giving up. But I also hate how, even wh
“Good evening, everyone. Let’s welcome our guest of honor tonight—William Hartford.”The announcer’s voice echoed across the exhibition hall, followed by a wave of enthusiastic applause from the attendees. Evelyn turned instinctively toward the main entrance—and there he was.William stood tall, clad in a classic black suit with a formal smile. He walked in as though time had never stolen his charm. His gaze was calm, yet piercing. Too calm for someone who once loved—and was broken by—the woman now standing just meters away.Evelyn froze, her heartbeat pounding faster than usual.“Evelyn?” Haruki’s voice came gently from beside her. “Are you alright?”She gave a small nod, quickly averting her eyes from William. But his presence had already filled the room. Haruki followed her gaze, and the moment his eyes met William’s, he understood.William’s expression wasn’t sharp or angry. But it was... deep. Searching. Haruki unconsciously straightened his posture.William didn’t approach Evely
"I'm sorry, but this design... it's too emotional, too personal."The client’s voice across the table was cold and stiff. Evelyn stared at the presentation screen still glowing before her—a concept ring titled “Wounds That Heal”, inspired by her own life journey."I thought we commissioned a product, not a therapy session," the man added sharply, sliding the folder back with a finger adorned in luxury diamond rings.Evelyn took a long breath. She wasn’t a stranger to criticism. But this time, the words pierced deeper.“I understand,” she finally replied, keeping her voice steady. “Thank you for the feedback. I’ll consider the revision.”The meeting ended without applause, only the scraping of chairs and retreating footsteps. Evelyn remained seated, gazing at her work that no longer looked beautiful in her eyes.“It happened again?”Haruki’s calm voice came from the doorway. He leaned against the frame, holding two bottles of chilled tea.Evelyn gave a small nod. “Second time this week
“Listen, I know you’re stubborn… but this kind of rain is not an ideal place to wait at a bus stop!” Haruki shouted, holding an umbrella over Evelyn’s head.Evelyn bit her lip. Her jacket was already half-soaked, and the cold night air was beginning to seep into her bones. “I thought I could get a taxi. But the app… everything’s full.”“Well, it’s Tokyo, and we’re stuck in the middle of the sakura rain festival,” Haruki raised an eyebrow. “Come on, let’s go to my apartment. It’s close. At least until the rain lets up.”Evelyn glanced at the sky, nearly pitch black now. The drizzle was getting heavier, and the wind was starting to bite. At last, she gave a small nod.“Alright. But just until the rain stops,” she said firmly.Haruki simply nodded. “Promise.”They walked quickly down the wet sidewalk. Under the small umbrella, their steps nearly matched. When they finally arrived at the apartment building, Haruki swiped his access card and held the door open for her.“Come in. I can dry