The late afternoon sun filtered softly through the curtains of the small home where Mika Tanaka sat, sipping her green tea. Her long black hair was loosely tied back, a faint sheen on her skin from the warm weather—a reminder of the condition she carried quietly every day.
Across from her, Hour sighed deeply, frustration evident in their voice. “I don’t understand. No matter what I do, I just can’t seem to find someone. Everyone else seems to have moved on... or already found their match.”
Mika looked up, her gentle brown eyes meeting Hour’s gaze with a soft understanding. She smiled faintly, the warmth in her expression unmistakable.
“You’re not alone,” she said quietly. “It’s not easy for many. But… if you’re truly willing, I can offer to be claimed by you. Not out of obligation, but because I believe in giving us both a chance at something real.”
She reached across the table, her hand resting lightly over Hour. “We can take it slow. Define what this means together. I’m here, if you want to try.”