Here in Japan, I have no one, away from my family, away from my friends, away from my motherland.
Japan is absolutely beautiful but it absolutely makes me feel lonely or alone at most.
Picturesque spring, scenic winters, vivid fall, striking summers.
That is my life in Japan.
Walking alone, in the empty streets of Shibuya, I never thought that one swift moment would bring me to him.
I was walking out of the train station, to the crowded streets of Shibuya, with my bag of groceries.
Yes, the only thing that I have with me right now.
The only thing that I can hold on to, the only thing I can hug.
I was on my way to my building when a boy ran past me.
My groceries fell and I almost stumbled.
“Ouch. Oh no.” I mumbled as the groceries rolled one by one into the street.
“So stubborn.” I thought to myself.
“That was a simple bump and you almost fell down, like gurl are you even healthy?” I thought again.
The boy turned around as he saw me.
“すみません。” He bowed down and helped me gather my groceries.
I just nodded and looked at him ever so slightly.
Somehow, I felt like I knew him.
I did not look at him long enough for me to recognize him.
I was busy picking up my things.
“ありがとうございます。” I replied to him.
I took a good look at his face as he handed me the bag of chocolate chip cookies.
I know him! I really do know him!
“Edriel?”
Very unsure but I took the chance. It might really be him.
“Uhm. Yes? How did you know me?” he replied.
“You’re Carlos Edriel Yulo! The Filipino gymnast. Omg, how did I even forget that face. I mean, I am a fan!”
“A fan? Thank you.” He replied.
He smiled now.
“I am from the Philippines actually. Filipino din ako.” I chuckled at the thought.
Maybe I should have used "Hoy Pinoy ako." Just kidding. Kakanta pa ba ako?
I told him my name and where I am from in the Philippines.
“Really! Finally, a fellow Filipino!”
“I really did not notice it was you! Ugh. I’m so happy!” I told him.
“Thank you. Anyway I have to go now.” He replied.
I went ahead and I noticed that he was walking to the same direction that I was going.
To my neighborhood.
I caught up to him.
“Hey.” He mumbled as he noticed me walking by his side.
“Where are you going?” I asked.
“To my friend's house. It’s my first time going there actually. Do you have by any chance know where is C3, Meiji-dori?”
“Well. That’s just near where I live!”
“Okay? So can you bring me there?”
“Nope. Sorry.” I looked at him and gave him a puppy look. Pabebe ka gurl?
“Don’t fool with me.” He smirked and then smiled.
