The Red String Between Us Part II: Frayed Threads

第8章 Dressing Rooms and Quiet Connections

Eden was surprised when her phone buzzed mid-morning. Harum's name flashed on the screen.

"Hey, Do you want to hang out today?" his text read.

She hesitated— Sure, I could use a distraction. "Yes! I can use the distraction. "I replied.

He replied almost immediately, enthusiasm evident even through the simple text.

By the afternoon, they were walking through the quiet streets of Hokkaido, popping into small boutiques and department stores. Harum was easy company—attentive, lighthearted, and naturally warm. Eden tried on several dresses for the Gala, each one eliciting small, genuine reactions from him.

"You'd look incredible in that one," he said, gesturing to a soft navy gown. "Elegant, but not over the top. Just like you."

I hadn't found a single dress I liked for the gala in any of the main street boutiques. Harum, on the other hand, had already picked up a few things and was busy trying on suits.

"So, what's this special dress for, if I may ask?" he said from inside the fitting room.

"My company's hosting an Employee Excellence Gala," I explained. "I'm being honored for my time and accomplishments. My parents are even flying in to attend, so I just want to look really nice—you know, make them proud. I'm thinking maybe something embellished, maybe Japanese silk but still modern. Something bold... sexy," I added playfully, still scanning the racks in the shop.

Harum stepped out of the fitting room, adjusting the lapel of a dark suit that fit him almost too perfectly. His eyes found mine in the mirror, a slow smile tugging at his lips. "Sounds like a big night. Will there be a red carpet? Champagne towers? Or is it one of those stiff corporate dinners?"

I laughed, shaking my head. "Probably a little of both. The board and execs will all be there, so it's formal... but it's also supposed to be a celebration."

He studied me for a beat, tilting his head. "And tell me—are you taking anyone? A date to share all this glamour with?"

The question landed heavier than it should have, and I felt the unspoken part of it—his quiet offer—echoing between us. For half a second, I let myself imagine what it would feel like walking into that ballroom on his arm, his confidence beside me, his hand at the small of my back while cameras flashed. The thought sent a flicker of warmth through me, but I smothered it quickly.

With a careful smile, I shrugged. "I'll probably just go alone. It's easier that way—less... complicated."

His gaze didn't falter, but the subtle glint in his eyes betrayed him. And maybe, just maybe, betrayed me too.

They left the store they were in and she found herself drawn to a small, understated dress shop tucked into a quiet corner of town. The owner, a talented woman who specialized in custom gowns, welcomed Eden warmly. She explained her vision carefully, and soon Eden was being measured and fitted for a gown designed specifically for her. The process was meticulous, slow, and strangely grounding—each motion deliberate, each measurement a tiny claim of something personal, intimate, and hers alone.

Harum waited patiently, offering observations here and there, but mostly allowing Eden the space to focus.

Later, at his apartment, Harum prepared dinner while Eden watched, leaning against the counter with a glass of wine in hand. He moved with ease, chopping vegetables, stirring sauces, humming softly under his breath. Eden noted how effortlessly attentive he was—checking if she wanted a refill, asking about her day, teasing gently when she commented on the spice of the sauce.

Internally, Eden allowed herself a small indulgence of thought: she could get used to someone like this—attentive, considerate, present without being overbearing. And yet, her mind inevitably drifted to Kenji.

Her phone buzzed on the kitchen counter—a call from him. She ignored it. Another text followed:

Kenji: I saw your message. Thinking of you, I hope we can talk when I return.

Eden's fingers hovered over the screen, her heart tightening just slightly. She had made the choice to pause dating, yet here he was, reaching for her across the miles, unwavering. She slipped the phone back into her pocket and turned her attention to Harum, to the warm aroma of the meal, to the laugh they shared over a minor kitchen mishap.

Even as she appreciated Harum's presence, her mind could not help but trace the distance between her and Kenji—the conversations paused, the yearning that had not dulled, and the moments she had yet to reclaim with him.

"I don't know why you needed a distraction today," Harum said, glancing at her with a warm smile, "but regardless, I'm glad I could do that for you. I think you're an awesome person with a killer personality. Cheers to friendship." he said holding up his wine glass to me.

Dinner ended, soft music playing in the background, and Eden sipped her wine, noting the gentle balance Harum offered. It was pleasant, grounding, easy—but it was also a reminder of what she truly wanted, what she had temporarily set aside, and the man who lingered in her thoughts more than anyone else. This was one of those times she wished she still lived at home with her parents for comfort or could call her brother.

By the time we finished the bottle of wine, both of us were tipsy enough to know driving was a bad idea. Harum quickly ordered a rideshare for me. Before I left, he pulled me into a warm hug, his voice soft but genuine. "Thank you for spending the day with me," he said. "I really enjoyed it." I gave him a warm hug, hanging on longer than usual, and I left his house and headed home for the evening.

On my ride home, I sent Harum a quick text, thanking him for the company and for getting me out of the house. He replied almost instantly: "Any time. Let me take you out soon, show you some real fun."

I couldn't help but smile at the message before typing back, "I'll check my schedule and let you know."