Reimagining Love

Chapter 12

"I won't mention her again, that slipped out of my mouth. I'll trust you, and your gut feeling, okay? But you still have to introduce me to her okay?" Kenzo nodded,he finally stopped crying silently.

The call was still ongoing and silence was in the call for about 3 minutes. Teo, as Kenzo could see in the video call, was walking around somewhere and he was outdoors?

He was under a tree, and it was a calming atmosphere, wherever he was. "HEY TEO!" It was Diego. But Kenzo only heard his voice, he couldn't see who it was. Curious, Kenzo spoke, "Who is that?" Teo's face turned red with embarrassment. "Umm....s-someone."

Diego was still pretty far from Teo, so, like anyone with a crush in denial and has not told his best friend would do, got up and started walking away with the video call still going on. At that moment, as Kenzo was watching it all, Teo was hoping that Diego didn't catch up and Kenzo to see that Diego was with him (even though he was somewhat far away.)

"Hey, Teo! I'm glad you came!!" Diego was smiling like always,and had apparently ran to Teo while Teo was walking. Teo turned around seeing that Diego was all sweaty, and the fact that Diego had a compression shirt on didn't really help Teo.

And that's when Kenzo chimed in, "Okay, who is that, Teo??" Diego didn't know who was talking on the other side of the video call so he put a hand on Teo's shoulder, and because he was taller than Teo, the top part of Diego's head had been exposed to Kenzo. But all a panicked Teo could do was "Okay bye Kenzo!" And hang up.

'Weird,'Kenzo thought.

Kenzo chose 2 of everything and soon after Ren came back and found Kenzo. They ended having their little fashion montage with changing into their clothes in one store then the other. At last they finally went to all but the last one. Where once they were once again both looking at clothes though this time they stuck together. "Oh that's a nice suit jacket." Ren was complimented as Kenzo was trying it on. "really? Thanks" Kenzo said as he turned around to face Ren but a person that he recognized....Fear washed over him. It was Cristina. Ren noticed this since kenzo was slightly hyperventilating.

"Kenzo, are you okay?"

Kenzo's heart raced as he struggled to compose himself, seeing Cristina from afar, a person from his past that he had hoped to never encounter again. Memories flooded his mind, reminding him of the pain and betrayal he had experienced at her hands. He had thought he had left that chapter of his life behind, but now, standing face to face with her, it felt as if the wounds had been freshly reopened.

Trying to regain his composure, Kenzo forced a smile and replied, "I'm fine, just a little surprised to see her here." His voice trembled slightly, betraying the fear that still lingered within him. Ren, sensing the tension, stepped closer to Kenzo, offering silent support.

Cristina, seemingly oblivious to the turmoil she had caused from afar, continued to browse through the racks of clothes, unaware of the impact her presence had on Kenzo. As Kenzo watched her, memories of their shared history flashed before his eyes. He remembered the nights spent arguing, the broken promises, and the shattered trust. It was a painful reminder of a time he had worked so hard to move on from.

Ren, sensing the weight of the situation, gently placed a hand on Kenzo's shoulder, offering a comforting presence. "Kenzo, if you need to leave, we can go," Ren whispered, concern etched in their voice. Kenzo appreciated the offer, but he knew he couldn't let Cristina have power over him anymore.

Taking a deep breath, Kenzo mustered up the courage to face his past head-on. He turned to Cristina, his voice steady despite the turmoil within him. "It's been a long time, Cristina," he said, his words laced with a mix of vulnerability and strength. "I hope you're doing well."

 Cristina looked up, surprise flickering across her face as she recognized Kenzo. Her eyes softened, and for a moment, Kenzo saw a glimmer of remorse. "Kenzo, I... I didn't expect to see you here either," she stammered, her voice filled with regret. "I'm sorry for everything that happened between us. I've been so lonely without you. It's been months...I missed you." Once again she was trying to manipulate Kenzo. But Kenzo was different, he had his limits. He had changed.

Kenzo nodded, acknowledging her apology, but the pain of the past still lingered. "Thank you for saying that," he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "But I've moved on, and I'm in a better place now."

Ren, standing by Kenzo's side, offered a reassuring smile, silently reminding him of the strength he had.

Prompt: Rewrite the given text in a different way.

Cristina's innocent demeanor was shattered as she exclaimed, "Who is she?!" Her jealousy and anger were palpable.

"Remember the name, Ren Yoshida," said Kenzo, emphasizing each syllable.

"So you left me for that frizzy-haired #$%^&??!?!? What happened to the Kenzo I loved??" Cristina's emotions were spiraling out of control.

"That Kenzo was under your control, guilt-tripped by you. He's gone forever," Kenzo defended himself with a firm tone. Kenzo grabbed Ren by the arm and walked away, leaving Cristina dumbfounded.