Hinata’s hand was still resting lightly on Antonio’s shoulder. The stars above seemed to shine a bit brighter now, their reflection dancing in her eyes. She tilted her head slightly, a playful smile curling at the corners of her lips. “You know, Diego-San,” Hinata began, her voice taking on a softer, more teasing tone, “it’s not every day a woman finds herself sitting under the stars with such a handsome gentleman. Maybe this is one of those rare moments I should treasure.” Antonio chuckled, missing the flirtatious glint in her eyes. “I don't know about handsomeness, but it's indeed a beautiful night.” Hinata’s smile widened, and she leaned in just a little closer. “It is,” she agreed, her voice almost a whisper. “Especially when you’re with someone special. Don't you agree?” Antonio turned to her, his expression still sincere and innocent. “Yeah, it’s nice to have a good friend by my side.” Hinata blinked, momentarily thrown off by his obliviousness and innocence. She quickly recovered, deciding to push a bit further. “Diego-San, do you ever think about… you know, more than just friendship?” Antonio looked puzzled. “More than friendship? Like… family?” Hinata stifled a laugh, finding his cluelessness endearing yet a little frustrating. “Well, yes, but I was thinking more like… romance.” The word hung in the air between them, but Antonio’s mind was still clouded with his worries. He rubbed the back of his neck, clearly struggling to connect the dots. “I guess that’s something I haven’t really thought about. With everything going on, I’ve just been focused on trying to figure out who I am.” Hinata sighed inwardly, realizing that subtlety wasn’t going to get her anywhere tonight. She forced a smile. “I guess you are right, there are more important things you have to worry about,” she said sadly. She stole a glance at Antonio who was gazing up at the starry sky. His side profile was unreal, he has always been very attractive, of course. However, the moon casting a soft glow on his face and the increased beating of her heart made the moment feel almost magical. She had been holding on to her feelings for so long, uncertain of how to express them, but tonight she could no longer keep them inside. The fisherman and his wife, Gabi, seem to have accepted her already as his girlfriend. So it's a chance to push this friendship to the next level. “Diego-San,” Hinata began, her voice soft and trembling. She bit her lip, unsure of how to proceed. “There’s something I’ve wanted to tell you for a while now…” Antonio turned to her, his dark eyes reflecting the starlight. “What is it, Hinata?” he asked, his voice warm, polite, and patient. Hinata hesitated, her fingers twisting together nervously in her lap. “I… I…. I’ve fallen for you, Diego-San,” she confessed, her cheeks flushing with both shyness and fear. Antonio was shocked at the confession, his eyes widened, and his eyebrows raised almost near his hairline. “You are joking, right? Is this about what my parents said?” he asked sincerely curious. Hinata continued avoiding his eye contact. “I know it’s sudden and maybe even awkward, but I can’t help how I feel. You mean so much to me, not just as a friend but… as someone I care deeply about. I have loved you from the first day. I was afraid of how you would react to it, that was why… I never expressed my feelings.” Antonio was stunned. He hadn’t expected this—had never even considered the possibility of Hinata being in love with him. He thought she was just a hyperactive, beautiful, extroverted young lady who loves making friends with anyone. He blinked, trying to process her words again. A swirl of emotions churned within him: surprise, confusion, and an uncomfortable pang of guilt. He cared for Hinata, truly, but not in the way she wanted. She was a friend, a coworker, someone who had stood by him when he was lost, but love? He wasn’t sure he was capable of that, especially when he didn’t even know who he really was. “Hinata…” Antonio began, struggling to find the right words. He did not want to hurt her, but he couldn’t lie either. He would make things worse if he lies to her. “I…. Hinata.. I.. Appreciate everything you’ve done for me, and I care about you too, but…” Before he could finish, Hinata leaned in and kissed him. His eyes snapped wide at the surprise kiss. He tried to remember what a kiss felt like if he had one in the past but nothing came to his mind. It felt like it was his first time. The kiss was tender yet desperate, her hands trembling as they held onto him. Antonio froze, his mind racing. The kiss wasn’t unpleasant, and felt nice. When Hinata pulled back, tears were streaming down her cheeks. “Please,” she whispered, her voice cracking. “Please don’t say no. I don’t want to lose you. I don’t want to be just friends. I love you, Diego-San… Please, don’t reject me.” Antonio’s heart ached at her words, but not with the affection she hoped for. It was the pain of knowing he was about to break her heart. He was silent for a long moment, his gaze dropping to the ground. Since losing his memory, he had often wondered if he had someone special in his past.....a lover, maybe a wife, someone who was waiting for him to return. Now, at this moment, he wished he knew. It would have made this easier… or maybe harder. But he couldn’t live in the past, not when he didn’t remember it. “I… I don’t know if I had a lover before,” Antonio said quietly, his voice heavy with uncertainty. “But right now, Hinata, I’m still trying to figure out who I am. I'm not sure if I can give you what you want… what you deserve.” Hinata’s face crumpled, her tears falling faster. She tried to speak, but the words caught in her throat, choked by her sobs. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice thick with regret. “I’m so sorry.” Hinata hugged him and continued pleading. “Please Diego-San please! I love you, don't do this please”. Antonio’s heart ached at her cries. He wanted to comfort her, to make her feel better, but he didn’t know how. The truth was, he didn’t know if he had someone waiting for him, someone from his past that he had forgotten. However, seeing Hinata’s vulnerability, the way she looked at him with such sadness and fear of rejection, he couldn’t bring himself to hurt her. She has done more than enough for him, she stood by him and no one has been a support to him if not her except for his parents. Maybe… maybe this can be a start of something new. Perhaps he could learn to love her the way she loved him. Possibly there was no one waiting for him after all. Antonio reached out, gently brushing the hot tears on her cheeks with his thumb. “Hinata,” he said softly, "Please stop crying Hina…I…really like you too, let's give us a chance.” Hinata’s eyes widened in disbelief, her tears flowing freely now, but this time they were tears of joy. “Really?” she sobbed, her voice filled with a mix of joy and disbelief. Antonio nodded and gave her a small smile. Hinata chuckled, and she threw her arms around him, holding him tightly as if afraid he might disappear. “Thank you, thank you I love you so much Diego-San”. Antonio kissed her forehead and held her close to his heart. His heart was still restless as he couldn’t help but wonder if he was making the right choice. But for now, he decided to focus on the present, on the here and now, and on the woman who cared for him so deeply.