𝐆𝐈𝐎𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐄 | Yuki Ishikawa

Chapter 14

We had our dinner at this Japanese Food Plaza. In Italy, it's not just about lasagna, baguettes or pasta, you know. They also offer a best foods. But, my Dad wants to be little extra for Uncle.
  
 
 
   
  
"..Enjoy your dinner, after this we're going to a japanese market to go grab something for you," Dad said to Uncle.
 
  
 

 
"Wow, it seems like I didn't leave Japan. Aha, but yes..Sure," We fell into laughter. "Hey, consider this as a welcome dinner for you, after this you're gonna have a real italian meal three times a day, my beautiful wife, Linda cooks really good and Mayu approved."
  
 
  
 
  

"Is that true Mayu?" Uncle cross his hand over his chest. "Well, that's one thing I should look forward to."
  
   
 
    
 
 
Staring at my family. Mom, Dad, my brother and Uncle. This, this is home. I have always thought home is where I came from but I was wrong. Yet, I'm happy now that I'm with everyone. I couldn't ask for more.
  
  
 
 
 
Guiseppe suddenly asked me. "Mayu, can you get me a bottle of water from that vendo machine? It's all written in Japanese, I can't read it."
   
   
  
 
  

"Sure thing," I excused myself to go to that vendo machine few meters away from our table. I pressed the ones that said mizu (water) and take it.
  
 
 

But before I can leave. A soft and gentle sound caught my attention. I listen closely and followed the sound. It turns out, there is a cat hiding beside the vendo machine.
  
  
 
 

  
I immediately crouch down to pet it. "Awwe, you are so cute. Oh look, you almost look like Tom, my sweet little cat."
  
  
  
 
   
  
The cat jumped to my arms, I continue to pet it, she is purring. It was too cute, I wish I could take the cat home but I can't since my Mom is allergic to it.
  
 
  

  

"..Haru!"
  
 
 

A man's voice woke the cat and runs as fast as it could to the person who shouted. *So, you're not a stray, good for you.* I thought before I got up along with a bottle of water.
 
   
  
    

Mayu dusted off her pants and land her gaze towards the guy in front of her. As if he has been staring at us for a while.

  
 
"Ishikawa Yuki?"
  
  
  
 

Butterflies in the stomach is a cliche, but it's also a really, really accurate description of my reaction right now.
 
 
 

 
"Nishikawa Mayu..."
  
 
 

  
He recognized me. I thought he won't, after all these years.
  
 
  
  

Eudias was right. It was our complete fate in the other person — despite our misunderstanding couple years ago — that ended our relationship. We still showed up for each other.
 
  
 
  
But I don't think this time it'll work. This just proves a small world for both of us. You know, we grow and mature as a person. That one time I was into him, I think I was plainly just a teenager who thinks everything has to be romantic.
   
 
  

 

Plus, he does age like a fine wine. I'm pretty sure, he's married with kids now.

 
  
 
 
Our conversation lasted shortly. Eventually, I have to go back to our table. I bid goodbye to him, he did too.
  
  
   
 

When I turn to walk away. Yuki called me again. I look at him again, "..By any chances, are you single or taken?"
 

 
 
 
 

I was taken aback. "Wait, you're not married?" I cupped my mouth. I'm not supposed to say that. Yuki shakes his head, "No,"
 
 
 
 

I nodded. He exhaled, "It's  because I have been waiting for the same girl who asked me that same question five years ago...Nishikawa Mayu."
  
 
  

It wasn't immediately "happily ever after" for us. I had to extricate myself from deciding things so easily and becoming more understanding.
  
  
 

Celeste (2020) 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 is defined by many things. First, it is the ability to base a decision about a love relationship on the big picture.

  
 
 
Second, it means the ability to enjoy the instant gratification that comes with the romance of the moment while knowing the best is yet to be and being patient while you watch your 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄.

  

Yuki and I still have to figure out where this is going, our relationship. After all, I'm now 23 years old and he is 30 years old.
  
 
 

𝗚𝗶𝗼𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗲 for some people but I think it's all part of 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗮.

 
 

  → 𝙀𝙉𝘿.
 

; It's cool how this ends the same as Yuki's jersey number. I didn't plan this :)))