giving in to the love

the less I know the better.

I was doin' fine without you
'Til I saw your face, now I can't erase
Givin' in to all his bullshit
Is this what you want? is this who you are?

///

As you step out of the taxi, you shut the door after expressing gratitude to the driver. You arrive in front of an izakaya located in the bustling streets of Tokyo. You fold your arms to keep yourself warm from the cold December night. It's been a while since you dressed yourself in layers. Little clouds form as you breathe in and out, a stark contrast from what you call home where it's warm all year round.

Contemplating whether to go inside or not, you pace back and forth at the bottom of the stairs, rubbing your palms together as you exhale on it. You weren't planning to do anything eventful when you came back, let alone hang out with your old highschool buddies. However, just a week ago, you were cornered by Aoi when you happened to step inside their family owned store.

You remember seeing a man behind the counter, thinking he looked familiar but you brushed it off as quickly as it came into mind. After going around the aisles, craving for some good ol' cup noodles, you proceeded for checkout. A woman called out your name, and to your surprise, it was Aoi.

Oh my god, is that really you? She squealed.

How could you not remember her voice that matched her personality and her cute beauty mark?

You turned to the guy earlier with wide eyes as your mouth fell open. It hit you like a truck— Taro?! You guys got married?!

Aoi was giggling while she told the story of how they got together. They both looked happy and she's glowing as ever. It warmed your heart even more when they introduced their daughter Hana to you.

"Are you back for good?" Taro asked.

"No. Just here to settle stuff after... you know," you trailed off, "...mom's passing."

Aoi's gaze softened and held your hands, "We're here if you need anything."

You nodded, smiling with appreciation, "Thanks, I'm alright, there's not much to be sad about anyway." You were about to laugh but cleared your throat instead after realizing how out-of-pocket that comment was.

Thankfully, a customer approached the counter and inquired about something, breaking the awkwardness.

Honey, could you get that? Aoi asked Taro in the sweetest tone possible. As you watch the domesticity of it all, you start longing for something you haven't even experienced. You would love to have something like that as well, but by the looks of things, it's not happening anytime soon. One day.

Back in highschool, Aoi was the complete opposite of Taro. She was class president, the 'mom' of the friend group, the teacher's pet, straight A's and friends with everyone. Taro's a smart kid too but he was on the quiet side and would often get in trouble just because he tagged along with you and other troublesome kids. Who would've known they'd end up together?

Aoi turned to you, her expression hinted of excitement, "Are you busy next week?"

"Not sure. What's up?" You kept your voice neutral.

She went around the counter and walked up to you, "We do this thing yearly, like a reunion if you will," you nod as she continued, "would you like to come? They'd be happy to see you again."

You squinted, "They? The whole class?" feeling uneasy.

She nudged your hand, "No, no! Just our circle." She clarified.