100. Present
537 Words
Noriko was having mixed feelings, as she sat in front of the mirror, preparing for her date with Taiki. She was happy that he was taking her out tonight, she did love him, and he was the one person she wanted to spend this important day with. However, the photograph of Taiki and that unidentified woman still haunted her at times, the doubt she tried to fight back surfacing every once in a while.
Noriko sighed softly, and then determinedly banished the gloominess away. She would not let her insecurities to ruin tonight for the both of them. Besides, Izumi had assured that she had nothing to worry about. Noriko knew that her friend had cornered Taiki about the photograph. If Taiki could not clear it up with her, there had to be a really good reason for him to keep a secret.
Today was her birthday, and she did not want to spend it worrying about inconsequential matters. Not when the day had already gone so great until now, and she knew it could only get better from here. At work, everyone had wished her happy birthday, her fellow actors and actresses, the make-up and costume staff, the camera, sound and lighting crew. Even the director had congratulated her. Izumi had even brought a cake for her, one that everyone had tasted during breaks. It had really warmed Noriko, that everyone had been so nice and considerate. And now, the evening of this marvellous day would belong to Taiki. He was taking her out, though not even Noriko knew where.
It turned out that Taiki had reserved them a table at a famous restaurant, located at the top of a high rise building. The view was spectacular, and Noriko smiled as she gazed at the city glittering down below. The dinner progressed nicely. The setting was very romantic, and not only because of the view. Their table was apart from others, so it created a really intimate atmosphere. The evening had been much better than Noriko had expected. This time, Taiki had really outdone himself. As they were both actors and lived their lives according to a work schedule, it was a rare luxury to be able to spend a whole evening together.
When they were both enjoying the dessert, Taiki abruptly approached the topic Noriko had pushed out of her mind. The photograph on the gossip magazine. At first Noriko was a little alarmed, the wonderful atmosphere of their date had made her forget about the whole ordeal, but now Taiki had brought it up and her doubts and insecurities surfaced once again.
But soon they all disappeared, when Taiki explained the circumstances, how the woman had been a work acquaintance whose advice Taiki had needed, and how they had been only shopping together. How he had wanted to explain it all to her the moment she had found out, but he couldn't because he had needed to keep it a secret from her.
Noriko smiled at her boyfriend. It all made sense again, she knew her Taiki would be faithful.
"Let me guess," she spoke gently, "you were getting me a present?"
And a present she got, one that far exceeded her wildest dreams.