𝙅𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙣 .:, 𝙉.𝙔

Arrival

Words: 869

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I grabbed my bags and got off of the bus, standing at the bus stop for a minute, observing Osaka and how much it had developed since I had last visited. I sighed before tightly grabbing my suitcases, beginning the five minute walk to my apartment. My car was already in the apartment parking lot, so I didn't have to worry about that.
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When I arrived to my apartment number, I slowly pulled the key from my purse and unlocked the door as I mumbled to myself: "This is your new start Emiko.... you're officially alone now.." As I entered the apartment, my eyes widened as I saw how beautiful it was:

I hadn't known what I was getting since my mom payed for it, but she knew my style and I instantly fell in love with the place. I smiled as I put my bags in my room, plopping on the couch. I opened my phone and texted my best friend (and ex), Mark, that I had finally arrived in Japan.

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I was born in Japan but my family moved to the states because of my father's job. My mom didn't like that I was "away from my culture," so she forced me to move back. She's also the one who bought me the apartment, as I said, and my car. She gave me $10,000 as well before I left: which is around 1,000,000¥.

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Mark said he would be over in a couple minutes and that he was bringing his friend, Johnny: who was Korean-American and has been friends with Mark for about four years now. I sent him my building's address and my apartment number before going to the kitchen to make something to eat. I hadn't eaten since I left home because I have a fear of flying and it's better for everyone if I don't eat beforehand.
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I finished cooking when I heard someone knock on the door, "One minute!" I said as I turned off the stove. I walked towards the door and opened it to reveal Mark and his friend, the one that I was assuming was Johnny. I quickly brought Mark into a tight hug before telling them they could come in.

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I studied Korean because of Mark and his friends. I'm not bad, but it could definitely use some work.

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Since they didn't know much Japanese and my Korean more or less sucked, I decided to talk to them in English: "The food's almost done if you guys want any." "Yes! I'd love some!" Mark said which caused me to roll my eyes. I looked back before speaking, "I'd be worried if you weren't hungry when I cooked." "Yah!" Mark tried yelling as his voice broke. Johnny laughed as I set the food on the island before I walked up to him, "Hi, I'm Miyazawa Emiko. I'm assuming Mark hasn't mentioned me? He hates talking about girls — or ex flings." Mark quickly stood up, "Do not! It's just.... the conversation that you could've been mentioned in... never came up.." He said before heading to the island. "Ooookay, sure." I teased, rolling my eyes as I smirked and mumbled "stupid" in Japanese.

Mark grabbed my wrist when I walked past him, pushing me against the wall, "I'm not stupid, Emiko." He came down to my ear before whispering, "I'll show you stupid, though..." Before he lightly bit my ear causing me to squeeze his biceps: they had definitely gotten bigger. "Mark, no. I said we can't do that anymore." I whispered in his ear before pushing him off. I hurriedly tried rushing to my room, but didn't make it far before I heard Johnny; "What was that?" I just knew Mark was smirking, "Oh, we used to be fu-" "Nothing!" I quickly interrupted, "It's irrelevant and it doesn't need to be talked about, right Mark?" I smiled sarcastically. Mark slapped my ass before finishing, "We were fuck-buddies in high school." He smirked before looking at me. Of course I blushed, but at the same time, I was hurt. While my cheeks told one story, my eyes told another.  He moved his hands to my wrists before he softly spoke, "What's wrong Emiko?" I looked up at him before quietly speaking, "I didn't want anyone to know. I don't wanna just fuck you if I'm not gonna be with you Mark. I'm maturing and I need something serious.." I looked up at him, grabbing his hands, "I'm sorry Emiko. You know I can't help myself.. I never could. I will try being better, we both deserve something serious. Not just... running around with each other." He whispered as he hugged me.
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"We gotta go Emiko. It was nice meeting you though. I won't tell anyone alright? This is our secret.." Johnny said as he smiled at me. I gave him a weak smile and a small wave in return. Mark kissed me and I absentmindedly kissed him back, looking at him before he left.
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I knew he loved me and I still loved him, but I knew we couldn't be friends with benefits anymore. We had to be together or we had to mature past our high school years.