Paradox

The Gift of Guilt

Taiki wrestled with himself. Five times already, he had left the spot in front of the clinic, only to turn back again. Each time, he swore it would be the last time, but a few minutes later, he would find himself returning once more. By now, he was starting to worry that someone might report him as a suspicious person, given how often he was pacing back and forth in front of the security cameras.

Ami would be finishing her shift soon, and in a moment of impulsiveness, he had thought it might be nice to pick her up. Romantic even. But now, after lingering in front of the entrance for so long, the idea suddenly seemed utterly ridiculous.

Just as he was about to turn around and leave again, he froze. There she was—Ami stepped through the glass doors, walking straight in his direction. Or rather, she was walking toward him without even noticing him.

Beside her—much to his growing annoyance—was Takeru, with whom she had linked arms. They seemed engrossed in an amusing conversation, as Ami's smile lit up, warm and carefree, while she responded to something Takeru had said.

Taiki suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to make himself invisible, and the large bush at the corner seemed perfect for the task. With some difficulty, he managed to get his body to move again, turning to slip out of their sight. But before he could take another step, her familiar voice reached him: "Oh, Taiki. What a nice surprise. What are you doing here?" Her smile widened, and her eyes sparkled with joy.

He felt caught, and the words momentarily stuck in his throat as he hesitantly turned back to face her. Taiki noticed how Takeru's hand casually rested on Ami's hip, a gesture that seemed almost incidental, yet sent an uncomfortable twinge of jealousy through his chest. He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly, trying to ignore the strange sensation in the pit of his stomach.

"Uh... I... Well, I just... uh, wanted to go over a few things with you. Something came to mind, and... I'd like to get your thoughts on it..." His eyes flickered briefly to Takeru, then quickly back to Ami. "But it was probably a stupid idea. You're probably tired from your shift, and..."

Takeru's gaze practically bored into the young man, as if trying to gauge how much of a threat he posed. It was only then that Ami seemed to notice the hand on her hip and gently moved it aside.

Taiki saw Takeru's expression shift for a brief moment—confusion, maybe even annoyance? But Ami seemed entirely unconcerned.

"No, it's fine," she said softly, stepping closer to him and offering that warm smile that made her so special. "I'm really curious to hear what you've discovered. How about we go grab breakfast together?" she suggested.

Taiki felt some of his tension ease, and he returned her smile, though a little shyly. "That sounds nice."

Ami turned briefly to her colleague, as if suddenly remembering that he was still there. "Takeru, it was another exciting shift with you. See you the day after tomorrow. Take care."

Takeru blinked, surprised by the sudden farewell. "Wait, Ami. I thought we were going to—"

"Oh, we can talk about that later!" Ami interrupted him cheerfully. "Sorry, Takeru, but this takes priority right now. I'll explain it to you sometime." With that, she turned away for good, walked past Taiki, and gave him a silent signal to follow her.

As they walked away, Taiki could still feel Takeru's gaze burning into his back. The brunette was glad Ami was now walking with him, but what bothered him was the casual tone she had used with Takeru. The little touches, as if everything between them was so simple and natural.

"You and Takeru..." Taiki began hesitantly, keeping his eyes fixed on the sidewalk as they walked down the street.

"What about Takeru?" Ami blinked in confusion and shook her head. "Oh, you mean because he had his hand on my hip earlier?"