Noa didn't believe in fate.
She believed in bad timing, missed buses, and questionable vending machine sushi. But not fate.
That belief shattered the moment she saw *him*—her ex, Hiro, standing by the elevator in her building, holding a bouquet that screamed "I regret dumping you three months ago."
She froze mid-step.
Ren, walking beside her with a grocery bag and two bottles of milk tea, nearly crashed into her. "What's up?"
She didn't answer. Just pointed.
Ren followed her finger. "Who's the... oh."
"Yup," Noa muttered.
Hiro turned. His eyes widened. "Noa?"
Ren leaned in and whispered, "Is that the guy who thought your dream job was being a 'part-time model-slash-wife'?"
"Yes."
"I hate him already."
---
Hiro approached like a man on a redemption arc.
"Noa, hey! Wow, I didn't expect—wait... you live here?"
She tried to smile. It came out strained. "Yup."
"With... him?" Hiro gestured at Ren, who was now casually draping an arm over Noa's shoulder like he was born to be possessive.
"Yes," she said.
Ren smiled like the devil in a cardigan. "I'm the roommate. *And* the boyfriend."
Hiro blinked. "Boyfriend?"
Ren nodded. "We share rent, groceries, and emotionally destabilizing kisses. Very efficient."
Noa nearly choked.
Hiro looked mildly electrocuted. "Oh. Wow. That's... sudden."
"Not really," Noa said, recovering. "Just... natural."
Ren added, "And deeply passionate."
"I thought you said you weren't into roommates," Hiro muttered.
Ren laughed. "She wasn't. Until she met me."
Noa elbowed him lightly. "He's kidding."
"Am I?" Ren asked, smiling way too convincingly.
---
Hiro left five minutes later, bouquet untouched.
The moment the elevator doors closed, Noa exhaled.
Ren grinned. "How was that for damage control?"
"You were ridiculous."
"You were blushing."
"You said 'emotionally destabilizing kisses.'"
"Accurate, no?"
She glared at him.
He grinned wider.
Then she grabbed his wrist.
And laced her fingers into his.
He froze.
"No one's watching now," he said.
"I know," she said.
They didn't let go until they reached the apartment.
---
Later that night, Noa found the flowers on their doorstep. No note. Just petals and apology.
Ren picked them up.
"Want me to throw them out?"
She paused. "Nah. I'll press them into a journal. As a reminder of who I don't want."
Ren tilted his head. "So... who *do* you want?"
She looked up at him. Long enough to make his heart kick once, then stutter.
"I'll let you know when I'm sure," she said, walking past.
But as she passed, she brushed his fingers.
And he knew.
She was already sure.
Just not ready to say it out loud.