Reo and Me

Fifteen {Ju Go}

Ayesha's POV

It provided a good distraction until my phone rang. The screen flashed 'unknown number'. I picked it up. "Hello?" I said cautiously.

"Hey Ayesha. Long time no talk." Sameer's voice greeted me on the other side.

"Sameer? I had your number saved!" I said, much more casually.

"Yeah I changed my number. Are you in Japan right now?' He asked.

"Yes, but I return tomorrow." I smiled. I missed London, although Japan was my second love.

"Can we meet for drinks maybe? To commemorate the New Year?" he asked and I could sense the nervousness.

"What about Lindsey?" I asked.

"We broke up- she moved to New York." He replied.

"Oh. Well, when do we meet?" I asked. "You say." He said.

"I'll reach London by 8:30 ish tomorrow evening. So we can meet after that." I said.

"Okay cool. I'll see you at The Plaza." He decided.

"Sure. See you there." I said and hung up. Wow, I was just asked on a date by my ex.

I put the phone into charge and started watching TV again.

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I don't know when I feel asleep. It was 4:39 PM when I woke up. I had a flight tomorrow morning- I should get packing. I packed all my stuff back in and with defeat I also put my notepad and pen away.

I went for a short walk after dinner. The weather was great and it was New Year's! I looked around at all the couples on the street, chatting happily with warm cups of coffee in their hands. I sighed- when was I going to get a boyfriend?

The square was lit up and couples had flocked around to celebrate New Year. I too joined the crowd, standing a little away from the. I didn't want to get smushed in the crowd.

It was already 20 seconds to 12. Someone tapped my shoulder. I turned around to see Reo. "9! 8! 7!" The crowd chanted.

"What are you doing here?" I asked surprised.

"3! 2! 1! Happy New Year!" The crowd shouted. Reo just smiled at me and kissed me slowly, cautiously. I stood still with shock- not knowing whether to slap him or to respond to his kiss. He was my New Year's kiss. I decided to go with judgement and pushed him away before slapping him once. The crowd was so busy with kissing that no one noticed.

I grabbed him and we went away to the farthest corner, away from the people.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" I asked- half in anger and half in relief.

"I live in Ginza. Why- did you slap me?" He asked.

I paid careful attention to his words. So he did live in Ginza.

"You kissed a girl without her permission." I said.

"I did that a few nights ago too, seemed to me you didn't mind then." He smirked.

This jerk.

"Well, now that I know who you are, I do mind it." My eyes shifted from his face to the passing crowd. I folded my arms.

"What do you mean?" He asked grimly.

"Aren't you a thief Reo?" I asked, turning round to him. No reply.

"Answer me! You're a robber Reo!" I yelled.

"Yes I am! So what?" He replied back.

"So what? Is thieving a good thing to do?" I yelled.

"Stop yelling- if you knew what I thieved for, you wouldn't be as mad." He said before walking away.

"Just so you know, thieving really cannot be justified by anything!" I screamed at his back. I don't know why I was so angry. He stopped for a moment but didn't turn around. He continued to walk away, his silhouette covered by his classic black hoodie.

I took deep breaths. I had decided this was where my research came to an end. If I wanted, I could have reported him to the police but I didn't. Instead I tried to find out more about him. But if he doesn't appreciate it, then I don't need to waste my time.

I stormed back to my hotel, wanting to leave Tokyo as soon as possible. I called the airline. "Hi- is it possible that I can get an earlier ticket back to London?" I told the attendant my original flight and time.

"Sure-- we have a craft that leaves in 4 hours. Please be here as soon as possible." She said.

I thanked her and ran up to my room. I checked out and went straight to the airport. I had ruined the last day of my trip worrying over someone who didn't care. I'm glad I was leaving.

I reached the airport and security had already begun. I quickly got done with all the formalities and boarding began in the wink of an eye. I went into the plane, sitting down in my luxurious first class airplane seat.

It took some time for the plane to take off, but I was soon flying back home.

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After grueling 13 hours, I was back at my place in London, sipping a cup of English tea. June's face stared at me through the laptop. "You're back early- what's up? Do you want me to come over?" She asked me worried. Even June knew that I would spend the last few minutes in Japan.

"It's just a long story." So over two cups of tea, I narrated the entire story to her.

"Well, I guess he deserved it. But at least Sameer asked you out on a date!" She smiled brightly.

"Oh damn! I had completely forgotten about that." It was 7 pm right now- I had planned to meet him at 8:30 at The Plaza. I quickly said goodbye to June to get ready.

I had yet to take a shower, and actually get ready. I wanted to be presentable.

I jumped into the shower and came out in my fluffy pink bathrobe, my hair tied in towel. I stood in front of my gigantic closet, feeling for the first time I had nothing to wear. I had to beat London's cold- but the interior would be warm.

Even though it was just meeting for drinks, I wore a black sleeved lace dress which reached my knees and my classic black 4 inch heels. I blow dried my hair, making it as fluffy as it could be and left it open. I went with simple makeup- just liner, mascara and peach lip gloss- red was too bold for tonight.

I put my belongings in my black little purse. I hung the purse on my shoulder and then set off for The Plaza.

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Hey all! I'm having a little bit of a hard time as I've now started typing on my laptop, which is a lot different compared to my phone. Sorry for any random spelling errors, I've tried my best to reduce them.

Love,

Shambhavi 💋