Lost in Japan, a thirbea story

PROLOGUE

January 2024

I didn't know that walking alone in the cold would make me feel so good. I still remember the last time I went here, I was also sent here to surprise the team for their training as they suit up for a Back2Back championship. I still remember how we train here before to get our championship for season 81. I still remember and will never forget those moments worth keeping.

It's the Lady Eagles last training day here in Japan, and I was sent by the admins here to train them mentally for the season. There's a lot of new faces and the only one that I know are my season 81 rookies, now seniors. A lot has changed on them. From being those who always got scolded by coach o, to being one of the most responsible members of the team, I'm so proud of them. And I cant wait to watch them achieved the dream.

After the training, I still have four more days here in Japan, so I decided to travel and give myself some time to think and relax.

"Will I see him here?", I asked myself and just stare in the ceiling for a moment. The last update I got from him was during the corona pandemic, when he announced something about him playing in Japan. Also my last day in the Philippines before flying and migrating in California. No good byes, no proper saying of what I really feel, but the only one that I have is the letter from him that I got from Van, written on year 2014.

Japan is known for its temples and culture, and while browsing for the best places to wish something, I decided to go to the temple where I already went during our training camp for Season 81. Sensoji Temple. It's believed for giving good luck for wealth, business and succeeding in your life.

I simply wore a dark gray trousers, white turtle neck for my top, a checkered gray and black coat, and my Dr. Martens. I also use this YSL Mini chain camera bag from ate Den, because it matches my outfit really well. Just basic.

I am not surprised that the temple would be this crowded. Maybe these are all people enjoying the last days of their Christmas vacations before going back from their own businesses.

I don't know why I feel so nervous and I can't contain myself from remembering what happened here when I talked to Dani last 2018.

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"Ate Bei, are you sure you'll not wish here for the championship?"

"No Danyot, I'd rather pray than wish. But you guys should go, I'll just wait for you here. And also, wish for the championship for me." I calmly said to Dani.

"Okay ate Bei, just take some pictures nalang of the trees, or what. Una na po kami ni Jules." Dani said to Bea.

"Sige ate Bei, basta ako ang wish ko, sana umamin ka na sa crush mo!" Ponggay shouted while Jules and Dani is pulling her away from me.

I don't really want to wish here for the Championship. If ever that I'll wish for something here, maybe I'll wish to turn back the time when you're still courting me, bugging me every night for a late night drive, asking me on the morning if I had my breakfast or asking how was I during the day, taking me to the nearest 7/11 branch to get some ice creams. Just... just the time when you still did not meet the one you call your love of your life now.

——————

That interaction with Dani made me smile while walking to the station where wishes were have to be said.

I took a deep breath. I just cant think of the things that I want to wish for. Or maybe, it's time for me to said that wish six years ago? It took me for a while to think and decide what I want to wish, declining the fact that I really want to wish for him and I.

I closed my eyes and tried think of it. As I finish saying my wish, I was stunned when I hear a familiar voice from my back.

"Did you also wish for me?"

~~~~~~~~
-Elle :)