Reo and Me

Nineteen {Ju Kyū}

Aisha's POV

Reo. That was the word which had been buzzing around in my mind for the past 8 months. He and I had started talking regularly, trying to take care of the time zones.

Even though we were miles apart, we still were getting closer. Cheesy, I know but it was true. I had already told June about it and she was really excited. I was still flying to Japan in December and I couldn't wait. Reo had been scheduling a date for us- how I wished he lived in London as well!

I shut my laptop after sending a few mails and checked the time. I had an off today, being a Sunday. I didn't wanna go back to work tomorrow, but I had no reason to stay home. Sometimes I missed Reo overwhelmingly. I decided to call him.

Ring ring. Ring ring.

He picked up on the third ring. "Hello?" His voice came.

"Reo!" I could almost yell. It was scary how happy just his voice made me.

"Aisha." He replied in his deep voice.

"What were you doing?" I asked.

"About to have dinner. Are you okay?"

"Yes I'm fine. What are you plans for our date?" I smiled.

"That's a secret- I cannot tell you. Anyways, I'll call you later Aisha. Have to run." He abruptly said.

"Oh bye-" He didn't let me finish before hanging up. It was weird- but maybe he was actually busy.

I resumed working and worked for the next few hours after which I started getting hungry. "I guess I'll order in." I said, grabbing my phone and opening a food delivery app.

I had just placed my order when the doorbell rang. Who was it? I opened the door to reveal Reo, holding a bunch of orchids.

I couldn't say anything- I was too shocked. I held the doorframe to brace myself. Maybe I had fainted because of hunger. Maybe this was a dream.

"Aisha? Are you okay?" Reo looked at me worriedly. My eyes looked down at his black suitcase. "You're not a hallucination, right?" I asked.

"Obviously not Aisha. I'm very very real." He smiled. I could feel my senses coming back. I pulled him into a tight hug.

"Woah easy there." He said, mentioning the orchids.

"I don't care." I hugged him even tightly. I think he put the orchids onto the small table I had in my doorway as his hands held my waist tightly- I could feel my waist tingle.

We stayed like that before he pulled away. "So can I come in?" He asked sheepishly.

"Woops. Sure." I smiled. I was giddy with happiness- he had surprised me all the way from Japan. Goals.

"So what brings you here?" I asked, once he was sitting on the couch. I was in the kitchen, putting the kettle on the stove.

"I just really wanted to meet you." He yelled back.

I grinned. He was really nice. I put the kettle on and moved out of the kitchen, picking the orchids up.

"You have a nice house." He commented.

"Thank you, I try to keep it clean. Somehow I have this paranoia that if I don't my mom will know and she'll lecture me." I laughed.

Reo laughed back. "Where are you staying?" I asked, bringing the vase of the orchids into the living room. I placed them on the centre table just as the kettle gave a whistle.

"I actually came directly here from the airport. I haven't made arrangements." He said. I know he was embarrassed.

"I mean," I drawled as I poured the warm water over the tea leaves. "You could stay here if you want." I said, bringing out the tray with the tea.

I placed it gently on the table as I took a seat beside him. I handed him the cup. "Thank you." He nodded.

I stayed silent as I sipped on my tea. "It's Okay- I don't wanna trouble you." He said.

"No it's really fine. The guest bedroom is ready. How long are you in London?" I said, suddenly blushing.

"I missed that dark blush. I'm here for a week at the most. I have to return to Tokyo." He said.

"I understand. You can stay here- although you would be alone because I have to go to work." I said, playing with my fingers.

"It's okay. Only if you want me to stay I will." He smiled.

"I don't have a problem with it." I replied. He nodded as we continued sipping.

————

Dinner was good- I was so used to eating alone that Reo being here still wasn't believable.

It was 10 when we decided to retire for the night. "Thanks for the place Aisha." Reo said as we stood in front of his room.

"No problem. I leave for work at around 8:30 so you'll have to stay alone. I'm so sorry but I can't take a leave." I said. I felt bad for leaving my guest alone.

"It's okay- I have loads to do. I'll be fine." He replied.

I nodded. "Night then." I smiled.

"You too." Reo said before going inside. I walked to my room which was a few feet away from his.

———

6:15 AM

I woke up the next day, refreshed. I went to the bathroom, brushed and put my hair into a tidy top bun. I went into the kitchen, deciding to fix breakfast.

I had to make something good because Reo was here too. As I reached the table, I saw Reo at the stove, his back to me as he made omelettes. I could see bowls of soup on the table with rice.

He turned around to find me staring. "Good morning!" He said chirpily.

"Hi." I looked at him, amazed. "I thought that you're doing so much for me so I decided to make breakfast. Hope you don't mind me using your kitchen?" He said. I realised how radiant his smile was.

Okay, he actually looked really hot. He was wearing a white t-shirt and black track pants. Simple yet so hot on him.

I swallowed. "Not at all. Thanks for making breakfast." I finally replied. Reo looked at me before nodding.

"Come on then." He placed the omelettes on the table and sat down. I joined him.

"You're too sweet." I said after we had started eating.

"You're being the perfect hostess so this was the least I could do." He repeated. We ate in silence after that.

"I need to get ready, I'll see you in the evening. Again, I wish I could stay." I said.

"Work comes first. It's my fault I came unannounced." He replied. I shook my head. "Well then. You'll be late." He said. I went back to my room.

I took a shower, shampooed and stepped out in a towel. "What should I wear?" I wondered. I decided on a maroon, almost brown pantsuit with a white shirt underneath. I wore my black stilletoes to finish the look.

I pulled my hair into a ponytail and put on my relgukar makeup- eyeliner, mascara and the classic pink lipstick.

I was done. I walked outside and put my laptop into my bag. Looking around, I saw Reo's door was closed. Not disturbing him, I grabbed the keys and went outside.