Alora’s fingers curled into fists as she glared at Ayumu, her voice sharp with resentment.
"Oh, that guy who ghosted me?" she scoffed, her chest tightening with each word. "That guy who disappeared from my sight without a word? The guy who didn’t even bother to say goodbye?" Her throat burned, the words laced with emotions she wished she could suppress. "I hate waiting for someone, especially when they leave, thinking I’ll just miss them and wait forever. It’s stupid. And he hasn’t even apologized yet."
She exhaled sharply, her pulse racing. "Even if he does, I won’t forgive him."
Ayumu stood still, his eyes searching hers, filled with something unreadable—guilt, regret, longing. Then, in the softest voice, laced with warmth, he murmured—
"You look cute when you’re angry."
Alora froze.
Her breath hitched, her mind reeling from the unexpected shift. How dare he? She wanted to snap at him again, to tell him off—but the heat rising to her cheeks betrayed her.
She looked away, clenching her jaw, but she couldn’t stop the small smile that crept onto her lips.
Ayumu took a step closer, his voice gentle. "Sorry, Alora." His eyes softened, as if peeling away the barriers she had built. "I wanted to meet you before going to New York for work, but I couldn’t because of some urgent matters." He let out a slow breath. "I know I’m stupid, and I’m really sorry for making you wait. Please, forgive me."
The sincerity in his tone made her chest tighten, but she folded her arms, guarding herself.
"Okay, Ayumu," she muttered, eyes narrowing. "If you know you’re stupid, then don’t make the same mistake again. But right now?" Her voice wavered, anger mixed with something more painful. "I can’t forgive you."
For a second, Ayumu’s face fell, his usual confidence dimming. He exhaled deeply, his expression unreadable. Then, after a pause, he nodded.
"Take your time to forgive me," he said softly. "But first… let me do this."
He gestured toward her handbag.
She hesitated before handing it to him wordlessly, her fingers brushing against his. He held it carefully, almost too carefully, as if it were something precious.
Alora turned away, letting out a slow breath, and her gaze lifted to the Eiffel Tower. The golden lights shimmered like stars against the dark sky, and for a moment, her heart softened.
"It’s beautiful," she whispered, the sight momentarily distracting her from the storm inside her.
"Yeah," Ayumu murmured, but he wasn’t looking at the tower.
He was looking at her.
Alora turned her head slightly, her eyes meeting his, and the moment stretched between them—silent, yet charged with something unspoken. The city lights reflected in his gaze, but there was something deeper beneath them—an emotion she couldn’t quite place.
Her chest tightened, a strange warmth flooding through her veins.
"Ayumu," she finally broke the silence, her voice quieter now. "Let’s go somewhere. I’m hungry."
Ayumu grinned, slipping back into his usual playful demeanor. "My lady," he said with a teasing bow, "let’s go then."
The tension broke slightly, and Alora shook her head, a small laugh escaping her lips.
As Ayumu opened the car door for her, she hesitated before stepping in, a part of her still wary, still unsure if she could trust him. But the moment she settled into the seat, he closed the door gently and got in beside her.
The silence between them felt heavier now.
"Where are we going?" he asked, glancing at her, his voice softer than before.
"Anywhere you want," she replied, trying to sound casual. "I’m starving."
Ayumu smirked, but there was something behind it—something hesitant. "Let’s go for some Japanese food, then. Is that okay?"
She nodded. "Just get me something fast before I die of hunger."
As he drove, he kept sneaking glances at her, but she pretended not to notice, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns on her skirt.
The restaurant was warm, cozy, with the scent of fresh miso and grilled fish filling the air.
Alora looked around, her curiosity piqued. "This isn’t your usual spot," she remarked, glancing at him.
"It’s a place with great food," Ayumu replied, giving her a small nod. "I’ll order for you. Go ahead to that vacant chamber."
She nodded and walked toward the booth, feeling the tension in her shoulders ease ever so slightly.
Minutes later, Ayumu returned with an assortment of dishes—ramen, tamagoyaki, futomaki, sushi, and onigiri.
Alora’s eyes widened slightly. "You ordered a lot."
"You said you were starving," Ayumu replied, setting the food down in front of her with a grin.
She picked up a piece of sushi and took a bite, sighing in contentment. "Arigato, Ayumu," she murmured, her voice softer now.
Ayumu’s hand paused in mid-air, his eyes flickering with surprise. Then, his lips curved into a small smile, and he reached out, gently patting her hair.
"You know Japanese?" he asked curiously.
Alora looked down, suddenly shy. "Just a little. I’m learning."
"Why?" His voice was gentle, almost cautious.
She hesitated before answering. "I just… wanted to be able to communicate with you better."
A silence stretched between them.
Ayumu stared at her, something unreadable flashing in his eyes. Then, quietly, he said, "You don’t need to do that."
Alora met his gaze, feeling her heart skip a beat.
She looked away first. "Let’s eat."
ŞİMDİ OKUDUĞUN
My Perfect Boy
RomantizmAlora, a celebrated writer with a life of success, was shattered by betrayal and tragedy, leaving her lost in the shadows of her past. In a fleeting encounter, she met a mysterious, charming man with a kind heart who seemed like a dream come true. W...
