It’s funny how fate works in our lives. How it brings us to different people and make us experience different circumstances. When you thought that your life is going out smoothly, fate will suddenly gonna rock it. Fate takes away people in your life but it also bring new people in. I can still remember the first day we met. I was broken as since my 8 year relationship ended in just 5 words.

 

“I-FELL-OUT-OF-LOVE. 5 in’ words ended our relationship!” I said as I took another sip of my margarita. How many glasses have I had? I lost count. “Gimme another glass!” I said in a very drunk voice

“That’s your 10th glass, ma’am.” Said the tall and skinny bartender who I caught glancing at me

“So what? Why do you care?! I can pay even for another 10 glasses so give me more!” I shouted and I can feel my head spinning

“Aish.” Sighed the nosy bartender who have no choice but to give me my drink. As soon as I took another sip of my drink, memories of me and my 8-years boyfriend flashed back before me. Then I lost it, I cried heavily. I cried the pain out. I just wish that all the pain get washed away by this drink.

“Ma’am, daijoubu?” the nosy bartender checked on me. I kept on crying and crying my heart out. Until all went black

 

I slowly opened my eyes as soon as the ray of sunshine touched my face. I blink to gain the full view of the place and it made me almost jumped out of bed. “Where am I?!” I almost shouted in surprise

“Oh, you’re awake now. Ohayo.” Said a guy that went inside the room

“Matte..who? How?” I looked at him and hold my head as I got a hangover. Thoughts of having a stranger with me in an unknown room downed on me, I immediately checked myself. Am I ?! Phew, thank goodness my clothes from yesterday are still intact.

“Don’t worry, I didn’t do anything on you.” The guy chuckled as he saw my reaction

“So…souka. Gomen…” I said, embarrassed of what I thought “What happened? Where am I?” I finally asked him

“You’re at my house. You passed out last night after you cried hard at the bar.” Explained the guy as his face fully registered to me “You’re the bartender!” I exclaimed upon realizing who he was

“. You said I cried hard last night?! I was so wasted!” I said and buried my face at the pillow in embarrassment “I’m so sorry if I made a scene last night. I’m just…I’m just…”

“Broken?” added the guy

“Geez. You don’t have to be so straightforward. But yeah…you can say that.” I said and looked down

“Gomen. I got used seeing those scenes since I worked at the bar so you don’t need to apologize.” He said “Are you ok now?” he added

“Iie. I..I think I will never be ok.” I said in a crack voice as I was about to cry once again since what happened yesterday comes back to my memory once again

“Ahh! Gomen! I asked the wrong question. Please don’t cry! Gomen, I was so insensitive.” He panicked as he saw me on the verge of crying

“Iie. Daijoubu. No need to apologize. I’m the one who should say sorry for causing you trouble. Gomen.” I said

“Ah. It’s fine. I cannot let you at that state last night and I don’t know your address so I just took you here. I made breakfast, I made some soup for you since I know you’ll get hangover. Let’s eat, shall we?” he smiled at me. It was a warm smile and my heart skipped a beat by it.

“Ah. Hai.” I said and followed him outside

 

“Anooo. I barged your house already, I caused you trouble, and now I even get to eat here but I still don’t know your name. I’m Sugimoto Satomi, hajimemae.” I bowed at him for proper introduction of myself. I should atleast be polite to this guy who went out his way to help the wasted me last night

“No need to be so formal. Yabu Kota desu. Hajimemae.” He once again smiled making his eyes disappear “Let’s eat” he said

 

“How long have you been a bartender?” I asked as we eat our breakfast

“Hmm. 5 years.” He answered “How about you, what do you do?” he asked me back

“I work for Ichiga Co., I’m also assigned as a manager of one of their branches.” I answered while sipping my soup.

“Ichiga Co.?! That’s like the leading company in the food industry! Sugoi ne!” he said and looks surprised. I just chuckled

 

“Thank you for taking care of me and sorry for the trouble I caused. I promise I will repay you.” I said and bowed at him as I was about to leave his house

“Geez, that’s fine. Just make sure you won’t get wasted like that again.” He laughed making his eyes disappear once again

“I cannot promise that ne.” I said cheekily and off I went

 

Days passed by and those days, I can tell you was like hell to me. There are no days that I didn’t think of my ex-boyfriend. There are no days that I didn’t cried myself to sleep. I tire myself to work but it doesn’t help so I always go to the bar to get some drinks. Kota is always there to serve me drinks. We have our small talks but usually he just gives me space to cry silently while I get myself drunk. It’s my way to help me get to sleep once I go home. In fairness to Kota, he won’t let me get THAT wasted like the first time we met. If he saw that I was about to get to my limit, he will stop me from having another drink. I don’t know why, but I tend to listen to him. Usually, I’m at the bar until it closes so he always sends me home. A month passed by just like that, me tiring myself to work and drinking myself at the bar, that is my usual routine. Until one night, as I went to the bar, Kota was not there. I wonder where he is?

 

“Looking for me?” a familiar voice talked behind me

“Geez. As if.” I rolled my eyes at Kota as I turned to see him “Wait, you’re not in your uniform, what’s up?” I added

“It’s my day off. But I know you’ll gonna come here. I’m right. So I thought I’ll join you in drinking.” He said

“Geez. Are you a stalker? You know I usually go here.” I rolled my eyes at him

“Uhm. I’m the bartender who always serves you drink so of course I know.” He laughed

“Aish. Annoying no eyes guy!” I make a face at him

“Mind if I join you for a drink?” he asked and ordered some drinks for us

“Iie. So what’s up?”

“Ne, it’s been a month since you’re like that.” He started

“Like what?” I asked dumbfounded and drink

“How should I say it? Hmmm. Broken? You’ve been drinking every single night and most of the time you just cry. If you don’t mind me asking, may I know what happened?” he continued

“Oh. You’re right. It’s been a month now. It’s been a month that I’m broken.” I flashed a faint smile “Well, you’ve been good to me so I think I should tell you what happened. My boyfriend of 8 years broke up with me.” I told him in a crack voice as memories of us flashed back to me.

“May I know why?” he asked while intently listening to me

“I don’t know. He just said that he fell out of love. And that’s it. 5 words. 5 in’ words ended our 8-years relationship. I thought that we will be together til the end. We had so many plans together for our future. I cannot see my future without him anymore. But 5 words ended our relationship which I valued so much. I don’t know what did I do wrong for him to tell me he fell out of love. I fought so hard for this relationship but in the end, he left me alone.” I told him as tears burst out my eyes after a month of keeping it all to myself, I was finally able to tell someone how I really feel. What my problem is. And he is just there, listening to me intently

“It’s so painful. Every night I cry myself to sleep. I need this alcohol to take away the pain even just for a while.” I cried my heart out. Suddenly, I felt a set of hands cupping my face “You don’t need alcohol to take away the pain, what you need is someone who will make you feel loved and can reciprocate all the love that you can give.” Kota said as he looks me in the eye and wipes my tears away.

“It’s ok to cry when you’re hurt, but please don’t dwell on it. It won’t be easy because 8 years is really long and you have shared so many memories with him together. Just take it slowly, ok? I’ll help you.” He gently said as he smiled at me reassuringly. I don’t know but what he said calmed me down and warmed my heart.

 

“Anooo. Thanks for tonight. Again, you looked after me. Sorry if I cried so much a while ago. Geez such a crybaby.” I said as we are now in front of my house.

“Iie. Daijoubu. I know you need to vent it all out and I am always willing to listen to you.” He smiled at me “Are you feeling ok now?” he asked

“Hai. Arigatou, Kota-kun” I smiled and was surprised when he hugged me. It was so gentle.

“Don’t keep your problems to yourself ne? I am here, you can tell me anything.” He said as he looked me in the eye.

“Ah. Hai.” I was stoned to my place hearing those words

“Ne, are you free tomorrow? Let’s go out.” He suddenly asked me

“Tomorrow? Ha..hai. I’m free.” I said

“Yosh. So it’s a date ne? I’ll pick you up here tomorrow, 10am.” He smiled and his eyes disappeared again. Oh he is soooo cute when his eyes disappears. , what am I saying?!

“Oyasumi. I hope you sleep well. Go in first before I go.” He said

“Ah. O..oyasumi then.” I stuttered and went inside

As I closed the door, I realized what he just said. “DATE?!”

 

The next day, I woke up early and get ready for the “date”. I don’t know what’s wrong with me but I kept on choosing the perfect clothes for this. After a while, I heard my doorbell ring and saw him at the intercom.

 

“Sorry to keep you waiting.” I said as I went outside and greet him

“Wah! You look so pretty, Sato-chan.” He said as he stare at me. I don’t know but I felt a heat at my cheels when he complemented me.

“A…arigatou.” I said shyly “So where are we going?” I asked

“Just follow me.” He winked and off we go

 

I just found myself outside the oceanarium. 

“Oceanarium” I uttered

“Hai. You once told me that you cannot swim and so I thought maybe you haven’t tried scuba diving because of that. So I think I’ll bring you here for you to see the ocean animals.” He explained with a smile at his face

He remembered what I said. I just randomly told him that but he remembered. Geez, this guy.

 

We went inside the oceanarium and it was so beautiful! Lots of sea creatures are there and it felt kinda romantic. I enjoyed the sea lion show and I was able to get picked to interact with the sea lion. I had my picture taken kissing by the sea lion.

“So lucky ne~~” Kota sighed

“Lucky?” I asked confusedly

“The sea lion. He is so lucky getting to kiss you.” He pouted. This guy just freakin’ pouted and it was the cutest reaction ever! It made my cheeks heat again.

“What are you saying? Baka!” I tried to get myself composed as much as possible. You can do this girl! Don’t let him see that you are flailing inside.

 

We spent half the day at the oceanarium. After that we ate at my favorite restaurant then we head to the arcade where we played and played and played. I was so happy that whole day. The thought of my ex didn’t even crossed my mind. I…I am happy with this guy. As it was getting dark, we spent the night at the sea side.

 

“I had fun today. Thank you, Kota-kun.” I said as he puts his jacket around me.

“Me too. I had fun.” He smiled and stares at me “I hope I was able to divert your mind from your problem. I am always willing to do that. I’ll help you forget the pain that you have felt before.” He continued with a serious tone

“Kota-kun…” I uttered

“Satomi, I like you. No, I love you. The more I get to know you, the more I wanted to protect and make you feel loved.” He suddenly confessed which made me surprised. This guy just confessed at me!

“Kota-kun I—”

“I know that you’re still at your moving on process. But I will help you move on. Don’t worry, no pressure. I won’t force you to accept my feelings right away. Just…let me love you.” He said which melted my heart

“Kota-kun. I don’t know what to say. You’re right, I’m still at my moving on stage and I don’t want you to think that I’m just using you as a rebound.” I told him

“Daijoubu. I’m willing to wait.” He said and smiled reassuringly at me

Days turned to weeks, and weeks turned to months. This guy didn’t fail when he said he is willing to help me move on and felt loved. Every single day, he always make me feel that I am loved and that his feelings reaches me. Slowly, I started not thinking about my ex and the hell nights turned into happy nights. I now don’t drink every night, I don’t cry anymore because of my ex, and I can sleep peacefully at night. It’s all because of Kota. He made me whole again when I am slowly falling apart. I don’t know what I did to deserve such a guy. I slowly started to reciprocate the feelings he had for me. Until one day, as I was walking at the park with Kota, our fingers intertwined with one another, I saw the guy whom the least I wanted to see.

 

“Haruma…” I uttered and was frozen to my place when I saw Miura Haruma, my ex-boyfriend walking before us.

“Satomi…” he uttered then he looked at Kota then at our holding hands. I dontnknow why I immediately let go of Kota’s hand when Haruma looked at us. Aish!

“I’m happy to see that you’re ok now with your new boyfriend.” Haruma smiled. The nerve he had to do that! You don’t know what I had to go through because of you, jerk!

“Iie. Anooo…” I stuttered at my place but when I was about to continue what I was about to say, my knees almost wobbled when I saw a lady approached Haruma and linked her arms with his.

“I won’t bother you two with your date ne. It was nice seeing you again, Satomi.” Haruma said and off they went

 

I was frozen at my place for like 10 seconds until I realized I’m with Kota which made me snapped at my thoughts. I immediately looked at him and he was just looking down. ! I know I did something horrible!

 

“Kota, I—”

“You don’t need to explain yourself. I understand. You still have feelings for him, right? You letting go of my hand said so. I don’t even know what our status is. I knew you tried liking me. But I cannot force you to do it fully. I am happy and contented to know that atleast you tried.” He said. His voice is cracked

“Kota, please. Listen to me.” I tried to explain but what should I explain? I already hurt his feelings

“I won’t force you anymore, Sato. I don’t want you to have a hard time battling your feelings. I…I won’t bother you anymore.” He said in a cracked voice and I saw his tears running down his eyes. I tried to talk but he just ran away.

 

Shoot. What did I do?!

 

I tried to contact him, message and call, but he won’t answer me. Every night I go to the bar where he works but they said he resigned. I tried going to his home but he is always not there. Or maybe he is, but not just answering me. Through the weeks, I lost contact to him. Since then, I haven’t seen him again.

 

Months passed by and during those months, I realized what Kota means to me. I love him. I love him so much and I am sure of it. The pain I felt when me and Haruma broke up came back. But this time, it’s because of Kota. I cannot take him out of my mind. I love him. I love Yabu Kota! But what can I do? The person I want to see is hiding from me. I devoted myself to work during those months. I excel at work and got a news which flipped my world 360 degrees.

 

“You are chosen to get the 3 years training at our branch in New York. Your flight will be in two weeks.” Those words of my boss lingered in my ears. 3 years, I won’t be here in Japan for 3 years. I suddenly remembered Kota. Is this really the end of us?

 

The day of my flight came. I was hesitant in going to the airport but I know I have to. But before heading to the airport, I went to the place where I know I should go first. I found myself standing in front of Kota’s door.

 

“Kota! It’s me, Sato. I know I’ve hurt you so much. I am sorry. You made me whole again but I broke you. I am so, so, sorry. During these past months, I realized my feelings for you. I love you. I love you Yabu Kota. I am hundred percent sure of that. I love you so much! I don’t know if you can hear me right now. I’m just trying my luck and say goodbye to you. I don’t know if we will ever see each other again. I am on my way to the airport now. I’ll be leaving for New York for my training. I’ll be there for 3 years. That’s why I wanted to say goodbye to you first. Take care, Kota. I love you and you’ll always be here in my heart.” I said behind the door. I tried to listen if there’s anyone inside but to my dismay, looks like none. I want to wait for him but I’ll be late for my flight so I left for the airport.

 

As soon as my flight number was called, I dragged my feet towards the gate going to my flight. It was so hard for me to leave like this. I don’t want to leave. Until…

 

“SATOMI!!!” a familiar voice echoed inside the airport, I looked behind me and tears well in my eyes as I saw who is it

“KOTA!” I said in happiness as I ran towards him. He gave me a tight hug and kissed my forehead

“I’m sorry for leaving you just like that. I’m sorry for hiding away from you. You’re right, I was so hurt but just like you, those months without you by my side was hell! I cannot imagine myself without you. I love you so much.” He said as he hugged me ever so tightly

“Kota. I love you too. I can decline the training and just stay here.” I said

“No. Grab the opportunity. It’s for your career and future. I am contented to know that you love me and I assure you I love you so much. I am all yours, Satomi.” He said reassuringly

“I yours too, Kota. I’ll be back. Wait for me ok?” I said and give him a tight hug. I felt him cupping my face and I felt a passionate and loving kiss

 

Those three years in New York, Kota is always in my mind. There’s not a day that I’m not thinking about him. But now, finally I can get to see him, hug him, kiss him.

 

I get my luggage at the luggage area and went out the doors. I scanned for the people who are waiting for the arrival of their loved ones until I saw the face who I longed to see for the past three years.

 

“SATOMI!” Kota exclaimed and happily ran towards me and gave me a very tight hug “I missed you sooooooo much!” he said and gave me a passionate kiss which I longed for

“I missed you too!” I said and hugged him back

“Now I won’t let you be apart from me.” He said and I was surprised when he knelt down and brings out a small box with a ring in it

“Satomi, will you marry me?”

“YES!” I said in between my tears. He puts the ring at my finger and we shared a loving and passionate kiss

 

Thank you, fate. For letting our paths crossed with each other.