Reo and Me

Eighteen {Ju Hachi}

Aisha's POV

I took a deep breath as I looked at the piece of paper in my hand. The man hasn't told me the name of his nephew.

I played with the piece of paper- it had to be done, now or tomorrow. I stared at it, hoping Reo would mentally get my message.

However, since I'm not a heroine in a romantic comedy nothing of the sort happened. It was 8. It must be around 5 ish there. I contemplated whether to call or no. What if turns out to be someone else?

I decided to take the dive- it I didn't do it now I wouldn't be able to do it ever.

I was just about to hit the call button after dialling in the number when the doorbell rang, scaring me for a second.

I got up and looked out through the peephole. No one. Hmm weird. Sure I heard the doorbell ring.

Since it wasn't too late, I took the plunge and opened the door. I never once cared for my safety in my entire life. The door opened to reveal a box on my doormat. I picked it up carefully and shook it around.

What if it had an explosive?

Why would someone place an explosive in my house though?

I shut the door behind me and saw a note attached to the bow on the box.

Dear Aisha
Your late Christmas present.
Reo
Ps- Apologies for NYE.

There was no return address on the box. I cautiously opened it and it revealed a dress. I unfolded the dress and realised it was the one I had liked in Japan however not bought it, saving my money from unnecessary spending.

It was black silk halter neck gown, with a pink floral pattern on it. It was western but had this Japanese touch to it, which was what attracted me to it in the first place.

Apart from the dress there was also a single red rose and a smaller box. I opened the smaller box, which revealed to be a bracelet. It didn't look very expensive but it was unique. It matched the dress.

I looked up to ceiling as I wondered how he found out my address. This gave me renewed courage to call him.

I put the dress back and ran to my phone. I dialled the number and hit call.

Ring ring.
Ring ring.
Ring ring.
Ring rin-

"Hello?" A sleepy voice spoke on the other side. I gulped.

"Is this Reo?" I stared at the paper as I waited for the reply. The few seconds felt like eternity as he finally spoke.

"Aisha?"

I don't why, but a breath of relief escaped me.

"Reo."

We stayed silent for sometime, although he didn't hang up.

"Are you okay?" He asked, after I didn't say anything for sometime.

"I'm okay. Where are you?" I asked nervously.

"Ginza. Did you get the delivery?"

"I did. The dress and the bracelet are beautiful. Thank you so much." I smiled in the phone.

"Glad to know you liked it. If you don't mind me asking, where did you get my number from?"

"It's a long story."

"I have all day."

"No seriously, I'll tell you when we meet in person. Just tell me- did you actually steal or not?" The million dollar question.

"I, I did not."

Somehow, I knew he wasn't lying. "I- I'm sorry for being angry the other day Reo." I spoke out, the words almost constricting my throat.

There was silence for a minute before he replied. "It's okay Aisha. Anyone would be." I could almost see him smile.

"So. What next?" I asked. This entire call I was so nervous I don't know why. It was as if someone was announcing the final exam results.

"I don't know. When are you coming to Japan next?" He asked.

"I'll be there this year as well, same time in December ish." I said confidently.

"I guess I'll see you here then." He replied.

"I guess you will." I laughed. The conversation had lightened somehow and I was very glad. The atmosphere was still awkward though.

"Aisha. I'm also sorry for kissing you the other night-"

"It's fine Reo. I- I didn't mind." I could feel the heat rise up to my cheeks.

"Wow. That's one confession. Since this is a heart to heart, I'll also say. I've been attracted to you since the moment I saw you in that street in Ginza Aisha. I don't know what happens further but I wanna know you better." He sighed.

I bit my lip to stop smiling. There was a weird happiness in my stomach which wasn't there when I landed my dream job here in London.

However, I couldn't let him know. "I hope we meet again soon." I said finally.

"I hope so too. Good night then Aisha."

"Night, Reo."

He hung up immediately. I sat on the sofa, my phone close to my chest. This talk had been heart clearing. I knew that he didn't steal and I also knew how he felt towards me.

I put my phone on the counter and moved around lightly, feeling as if the weight of the world had been lifted from my shoulders. I couldn't wait to go to Japan again.

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