Their First Meeting

Mari's day was redundant and unquestionable: Make sweets, serve customers, and reminisce.

Though the first two activities were undeniably significant, adding heartfelt emotions to them was impossible due to the last.

Being coldly turned down numerous times by Henri-sensei was only too difficult to overcome.

 

 

 

_ _ _

 

 

 

Rui's day was listless and surreal: Sign documents, attend meetings and forget.

Despite working in his father's prominent company, personal problems would frequently get the better of him.

His conscience would always be ignored, and so would his work.

However, after a harsh and unexpected breakup, his lack of action would be understandable to anyone.

 

 

 

_ _ _

 

 

 

Finally, Rui could not take the pain and redundancy any longer.

He got into his car and drove madly around town. The cold air entering through the open window pricked his skin, but it rather relaxed him.

His thoughts rushed around his mind faster than his vehicle, and both did not decide a final destination.

Rui only thought of her, the girl whom he treasured above all. He was heartlessly thrown aside just recently without previous notice.

Their relationship was perfect – no matter how busy he was with work, he always made time for her.

When she was sick, he rushed to her side to be her personal doctor, no matter how much he loathed the smell of medicine.

He loved her deeply, but their relationship ended all too soon.

The breakup left an inevitable and painful mark in his life.

 

 

 

_ _ _

 

 

 

Mari was on the brink of breaking down.

A week ago, she confessed to Henri sensei.

A week ago, she held the last bit of hope that he would finally return her feelings.

A week ago, she was turned down for the last time.

Now, she lived in present and recalled the past. The future without him was too vague and uncertain for her to jump in to, for her to prepare for.

As the setting sun disappeared into the horizon, she inverted the "open" sign to "closed". She sighed in defeat.

The suburban view of Tokyo did nothing to ease her emotional pain, but she did not think anything – or anyone – could.

 

 

_ _ _

 

 

 

"We're closed," Mari told the breathless man who had just entered her store.

She took in his appearance. He wore a light blue polo shirt, black slacks and branded shoes.Everything about him screamed professionalism and importance.

However, as Mari looked up as his expression, she noted completely different adjectives.

He looked lost and desperate. His eyes told endless stories of his painful encounter with reality; it hinted the extent of his agonizing wounds.

He looked almost as defenseless as a fresh and immature child.

Mari turned away from him and returned to cleaning the counter. She would not turn the stranger down, not when he was at that state.

It would be an uncommonly heartless act of hers if she did.

Mari looked up from her work. The man was still standing in front of the entrance; he still looked astray.

She motioned her hand to the numerous empty seats in front of her. Take any of them, she seemed to say.

Fortunately, he saw her movements and snapped out of his trance. With long and instinctive strides, he took the chair in the middle of the room.

It was not too far yet not too close to her. It was perfect.

The moonlight's illumination seeped in through the glass window and enhanced the features of both strangers.

In silence, they entertained each other with their assured presence.

In silence, they veiled the harsh atmosphere which both were obligated to camouflage in.

Mari and Rui finally found a trustworthy companion.