Holding on to Yushi || Tokuno Yushi

Chapter Four

The soft glow of her bedside lamp illuminated Yoora’s room, casting warm shadows on the walls filled with photos and memories of her and Yushi. It was time for their next call, and anticipation mingled with nerves in her stomach. She clutched her phone tightly, the screen reflecting her anxious expression. Would he like the montage? Would it bring him joy, or would it remind him of the pain of his absence?

Taking a deep breath, she dialed Yushi’s number, her heart racing as she waited for the familiar sound of his voice. When he picked up, she felt an immediate sense of relief wash over her.

“Yoora!” His voice was as warm and vibrant as she remembered, filling her with a sense of comfort. “Hey! How are you doing today?”

“I’m good, I think,” she replied, her voice steadying as she settled into their usual rhythm. “Actually, I finished the montage I was working on.”

“Really? That’s amazing!” Yushi’s enthusiasm was palpable, and Yoora couldn’t help but smile at his excitement. “Tell me everything! What did you include?”

She took a moment to collect her thoughts, her heart swelling with the memories that the montage had unearthed. “I included all our favorite moments—like the amusement park, our picnics, and that one time we got lost in the city. You remember that?”

“Of course! We ended up finding that cute little café. Best chocolate cake ever!” he laughed, and Yoora felt a warmth spread through her. “You captured the best moments, didn’t you?”

“I tried,” she said softly, feeling a mix of pride and vulnerability. “I just wanted to create something special to honor what we had. I hope you like it.”

“I can’t wait to see it,” he replied, his voice laced with eagerness. “You always knew how to bring a smile to my face.”

After a few moments of banter, Yoora prepared to share the montage. “Okay, I’m going to send it to you now.” She hit the send button, and the seconds felt like hours as she waited for his reaction.

“Got it!” Yushi exclaimed, and Yoora could hear the excitement in his voice. “I’m watching it now.”

As she listened to him react to each photo, she could picture his smile, the way his eyes would light up with each memory. “Oh! This one from the amusement park is incredible! Look at us!” His laughter rang through the phone, and she felt a wave of relief wash over her. “You were so scared on that roller coaster!”

“Not scared—just cautious!” Yoora retorted, grinning. “And this was your idea!”

They continued to discuss the montage, and with each moment, the joy of their shared memories filled the space between them. But soon, the conversation turned more introspective.

“I love that you included our picnic,” he said, his tone shifting slightly. “I remember how happy we were that day.”

“Yeah,” Yoora replied, her voice softening. “But it also makes me sad. I miss you so much, Yushi.”

Silence hung in the air for a moment, heavy with unspoken feelings. “I miss you too, Yoora,” he finally said, his voice quieter. “Every single day. But you have to know that it’s okay to feel happy and sad at the same time.”

“Sometimes, I feel guilty about being happy,” she admitted, her voice trembling. “I worry that if I enjoy life without you, it means I’m forgetting you.”

“You’re not forgetting me,” Yushi reassured her. “You carry me with you in everything you do. Our love is a part of you, and it always will be. It’s okay to live your life, to find joy. That’s what I want for you.”