Monsoon Romance

The days leading up to the university entrance exams grew more intense, and Haruto felt like he was drowning in textbooks, past papers, and practice exams. Every day after school, he locked himself in his room, determined to study until his body couldn't take it anymore. His parents were proud of his dedication, but Aiko saw something they didn't—the exhaustion that settled in his eyes, the way he rubbed his temples more often, and the way he had stopped smiling as much.

She hated seeing him like this.

One afternoon, while Haruto was buried in his notes at the library, Aiko stood outside, holding a small, neatly wrapped box in her hands. She took a deep breath before slipping inside, scanning the rows of bookshelves until she found him.

Haruto was hunched over his desk, scribbling notes furiously. His coffee sat untouched beside him, long gone cold. He was so focused he didn't even notice her approach.

Aiko gently placed the box on the desk beside him. "For you."

Haruto blinked, finally looking up. "Huh?"

She grinned. "Just open it."

Curious, he set his pen down and unwrapped the box. Inside, he found an assortment of small, individually wrapped snacks, a few candies, and a folded note. He picked up the note first.

"Don't forget to eat! Your brain needs fuel, too. Keep going, but don't push yourself too hard. You're already amazing."

Haruto exhaled a soft laugh, shaking his head. "Aiko…"

She crossed her arms. "You always forget to take care of yourself when you're stressed. So I'll do it for you."

Haruto looked at the snacks, then back at her, feeling warmth spread through his chest. He hadn't realized how much he needed something like this—a reminder that he wasn't alone.

"Thank you," he said, his voice softer than usual.

Aiko waved it off. "Just make sure you eat, okay? Or I'll start bringing you full meals."

Haruto chuckled. "That doesn't sound too bad."

Aiko beamed at him, pleased that she'd at least lightened his mood for the moment.

Over the next few weeks, Aiko found little ways to brighten Haruto's days.

One morning, when he opened his textbook, a small yellow sticky note fell out.

"You're going to do great today! Believe in yourself!"

Haruto smiled to himself before placing the note carefully back inside the book.

Another time, as he reached into his locker, he found a neatly folded paper crane resting on top of his books. Unfolding it, he found another message:

"Even when it feels tough, keep going. I'm always cheering for you."

Each day, Aiko found new ways to remind him that he wasn't facing this pressure alone. Some days, it was a handwritten letter hidden inside his bag. Other times, it was a small charm or a stress ball to help him relax.

One particularly exhausting evening, Haruto dragged himself home, feeling completely drained. When he reached his room, he found a small package sitting on his desk. He instantly recognized Aiko's handwriting on the note attached to it.

"For when you feel like giving up."

Inside the package was a framed picture of the two of them, taken years ago during one of their childhood festivals. They were both laughing, Aiko's hand holding onto his as they ran through a street lined with lanterns. Underneath the photo, she had written:

"Remember why you're working so hard—but don't forget to live, too."

Haruto felt something tighten in his throat.

For the first time in weeks, he sat back in his chair and allowed himself to breathe.

He picked up his phone and typed out a message.

Haruto: Can you meet me outside for a bit?

Aiko's reply came almost instantly.

Aiko: Of course! Give me five minutes.

Haruto slipped on his jacket and stepped outside, the cool night air brushing against his skin. Aiko arrived shortly after, her scarf wrapped tightly around her neck.

"What's up?" she asked, tilting her head.

Haruto held up the framed picture. "You really went all out, huh?"

Aiko blushed slightly. "Well… I just wanted to help. You've been so stressed lately, and I—"

Before she could finish, Haruto pulled her into a hug.

Aiko stiffened for a second, surprised, but then slowly melted into the embrace.

"Thank you, Aiko," he murmured. "For everything."

Aiko smiled against his shoulder. "Always."

And for the first time in a long time, Haruto felt like he wasn't carrying the weight of his future alone.