While walking on an unknown path her eyes traveled to their tangled hands. It felt strange, like energy from his body was slowly slipping into hers. His hand was warm and seemed to fit hers perfectly.

"So strange," She whispered, trying not to get his attention. He stopped when they reached their destination. There were more clowns and definitely more children.

"This is the place I like to come to.” He raised his head and let the wind go through his short messy hair.

Her eyes trailed from him to the scenery. There were a few small shops that gave street food and drinks; there were a few children around two clowns who were trying to be funny and creative; the wind blew and took one of the many balloons with it. It looked beautiful. She got entranced by the view and forgot about him.

"Oi!"

He exclaimed when he saw her walking towards one of the street shops. She didn't turn nor react in any way. Instead of trying to get her back, he let her lead the way.

Her smile was contagious. Her eyes sparkled at the sight of sushi. It was funny to see her her lips and get so excited over food. The photographer chuckled bemusedly and took a picture of both the working women and the excited customer.

"So you like it?" He asked after he bought two plates. She nodded and took a bite of her newly bought sushi. He laughed softly and both walked in silence.

Out of nowhere, one of the clowns came and grabbed the photographer with him. He was perplexed by the action but she only started to laugh loudly.

"Are you scared?" She asked walking beside him.

He couldn't respond because the clown pulled him closer and started to make signs towards the children. They started to laugh when he made a funny face but the photographer wasn't amused.

 "Come on-"

She stopped. She completely forgot to ask his name. Her lips formed a thin line and she started to think how she got somewhat kidnapped by that mysterious guy.

The clown told him to take hold of a box since he was tired and it was too heavy. He did so. At one point, the box started to shake. When it finally stopped, he backed off. It was too strange. At that time, the box opened and he got a pie thrown into his face. He didn't look too happy. When he saw how hard she was laughing and how much fun she was having, he felt his lips curve into a smile.

"That was so funny!" She exclaimed when he got off the handmade stage.

He still had a few pieces of vanilla on his cheeks and nose, even though he did clean up. Seeing how she was too amused, he took a piece from his cheek and placed it on hers. She stopped and playfully glared at him. She hit his arm and cleaned herself up.

"Where should we go now?" It was more of a question for himself but she responded.

"I have an idea," He glanced at her. "Why don't you tell me your name first?" Her expression was funny. She had one eyebrow raised and she was biting her lower lip in a weird way.

"Osamu" He said while leaning closer to her. "My name is Osamu" He repeated and started to walk away.

"Doesn't he want to know my name too?" She whispered to herself, a little confused by his behavior. Well, at least she knew how to call him. She caught up to him quickly.

"Where to next, captain?" She asked in English and made an army sign. He smiled and shrugged.

"Wherever," She puffed her cheeks and nodded.

[I]Wherever they were going to end up, it was definitely going to be fun. She was sure of that. [/i]

 

 

They did end up somewhere close to the center of Tokyo. The shopping center was packed. He felt a shiver go down his spine when he saw her eyes lighting up. Her eyes weren’t on the shopping center, though. She smiled softly and walked through the agglomeration. He got curious where she was heading to.

The place she wanted to go to was a few streets down, in an emptier and more silent neighborhood. His eyes trailed over every block on the street. The people didn’t give him a second glance; they were completely uninterested of what was around them.

“This place is creepy.”

The girl laughed and shook her head. She chose to wait up for him since the shop wasn’t far.

“This is actually one of the nicest places I’ve ever been to. Some of my friends live around here.” She explained.

“It’s too silent. It feels like we’re not in Tokyo anymore.” She chuckled and placed her hands into the pockets of her thin sweater. 

“It’s here.”

They stopped in front of a small coffee shop. It looked a bit suspicious. The building looked very old. His eyes widened after he entered the building. It was amazingly done inside. It smelled of freshly made coffee and wood. There was a small portion where the bar was. On the other side were a few tables. There were pictures of old Japanese and Western indie bands and different pieces of art.

She walked further into the building and opened another door. Osamu was amazed. The second room looked like a traditional English living room. It had posters with different English personalities and characters. One wall was occupied by a library. Its shelves were full of diverse literature; the rest of the walls were covered with different art objects brought by customers. There were a few cushions and three small coffee tables on each side.

“It’s nice, huh?”

She sat on one of the cushions and sighed happily. He walked towards the library and scanned the titles and authors.

“This is the first place I came across when I first came to Tokyo. I was intrigued why they used Europe as a muse.” Her eyes traveled to the pictures on the walls. “They said it was because of music and the impact of European literature and art had on the world.”

Her eyes moved on the new acquaintance. He was dressed in a pair of black pants, had a white shirt and a colorful cardigan over it. He looked entranced. She smiled contently.

“This place. How did I miss it?” She laughed and walked closer to him. She touched one book and grabbed it out.

“Sometimes we choose to ignore the things that look different. This building looks awful outside bu it leaves you speechless once you enter.” He looked deep in thought.

When he heard the door open and close, he realized she walked out. He sighed and took another look at his surroundings. The room was beige. Everything was very simple but classy and tasteful.

“Are you still admiring the room?” He got completely stunned when she walked back in with two recipients in her hands. She placed the cups down on the table and took her seat. He sat on the other cushion and relaxed.

“How come I feel like is winter instead of summer?” He asked bemusedly. She chuckled and took a sip from her beverage.

“Because it gives off a comforting feeling; homey even.” She sighed and glanced at him. He was staring questionably at his cup. “It’s not hot coffee.”

His smile disappeared completely and he stared intently at her.

“Who are you?” She bit her lip and clicked her tongue.

“You can call me Nana.” He nodded, though he wasn’t sure why she didn’t tell him her real name. “I’m in my last year of University. I study Business and Management.” He was taken aback by her behavior. She became very talkative once they entered the coffee shop.

“I’m a freelancer.” They looked into each others’ eyes yet none spoke another word. It didn’t feel awkward. It felt normal, intense even. However, they both felt it

I knew that was the first and last time we would ever meet. I could feel it in my heart and I was sure he did too. Back then, looking into his eyes made me want to learn more about him and his life.

I didn’t ask much and didn’t tell much either. We started to talk about usual subjects like books and music. But it was obvious he was trying hard not to ask me about different things; to ask me about what we have talked about when we just met.

About life, happiness and dreams.

But he didn’t because he knew there was no continuation to our story.

One day. It was just a one day meeting.