As the sun dipped below the horizon, Sakuno stood in her room, surrounded by open suitcases and crumpled clothes. It had been a week since she and her family had arrived in the US, but now it was time to return to Japan. Her heart was a whirlwind of emotions—excitement to see her grandmother again, sadness at the thought of leaving Ryoma behind, and a tinge of anxiety about what lay ahead.
"Are you sure you'll be fine going back alone?" her mother, Sayaka, asked with a hint of concern etched across her face. It was a question that weighed heavily on both their hearts.
Sakuno smiled softly, brushing her long hair behind her ear. "Yes, Mom. I'm worried about Grandma." She felt a rush of guilt as she glanced at her mother, wishing they could all go back together, but her father's job kept him rooted in the States.
Sayaka sighed, a mixture of resignation and acceptance in her voice. "Too bad your father still has work here; otherwise, we could have gone back together."
"It's okay, Mom," Sakuno reassured her, the warmth of determination billowing in her chest.
"Let me pack something for your grandma," Sayaka said, stepping out of the room.
Just then, Sakuno's phone buzzed, breaking the quiet. She looked down to see Ryoma's name flash across the screen, and a smile broke through her thoughts.
"Hello, Ryoma-kun," she said, her voice light yet tinged with a sweetness that made her heart flutter.
"Sakuno, what time is your departure?" he asked, his tone casual, yet there was a sudden pulse in the air between them.
"Tomorrow at noon". The words hung heavy in her throat, accompanied by a wave of sadness. "It's at twelve."
"I see," Ryoma replied, his voice dipping slightly. He was in the US for summer training, and although they had spent so many cherished moments together, the thought of impending separation gnawed at her heart.
"Want to go out today?" he suggested, his enthusiasm lighting a spark in her chest.
"But don't you have training?" she countered, not wanting to impose.
"I do, but after. I'll be free," he said, his voice earnest. "Plus, tomorrow you're heading back to Japan."
"Oh, okay. But you must be tired." she protested lightly, a teasing undertone in her voice.
"Not at all." he insisted, and she could hear the faintest hint of excitement lacing his words.
"Alright then. Where should we go?" she asked, her heart racing a little faster.
"How about a movie?" Ryoma suggested, catching her off guard.
Sakuno giggled, delighting in the unexpectedness of his choice. "You want to watch movies?"
"What? I used Google to search for date ideas," he replied, a hint of playfulness in his tone that made her laugh even harder.
"Is it funny?" he quipped, feigning indignation.
"No, I'm sorry. Just… I never thought you'd suggest that." She cleared her throat, settling into the moment. "But yes, I'd love to watch a movie. Let's do it."
"Okay, I'll pick you up tonight," he said before hanging up, leaving her grinning from ear to ear as she scrambled to find the perfect outfit.
That evening, she donned a cozy baggy long-sleeve shirt paired with a mini skirt and her favorite knee-high boots, feeling confident yet comfortable. When the doorbell rang, the flurry of her excitement was matched by the fluttering in her stomach.
Her father, Shinji, answered the door, revealing Ryoma in a simple long-sleeve hoodie and jeans. There was an evident ease between them, familiarity borne from the months she had spent dating Ryoma.
"Hey, Ryoma, come in," Shinji welcomed him, though the slight furrow of his brow hinted at his protective instincts.
"Yeah," Ryoma replied, stepping inside just as Sakuno peeked from her room.
"Is that Ryoma-kun?" she called out, trying to sound nonchalant.
"Yeah," her dad replied.
She rushed to the doorway, feeling like she was running toward a dream. "Sorry I took so long! Let's go!"
"Don't come back too late," her father warned, though the edge of seriousness was dulled by Sayaka's playful giggle.
Once outside, they strolled to the taxi stand, fingers intertwined, the warm summer air wrapping around them like a soft blanket. After months of dating, holding hands felt so natural, yet her heart raced just the same.
At the cinema, Ryoma bought popcorn and drinks, a tiny grin lighting his face when Sakuno chose an action comedy. They settled into their seats, eyes glued to the screen, and laughter spilled over as the characters stumbled into one comedic mishap after another.
During the film, Sakuno's laughter echoed, filling not just the theater but the spaces between them. Ryoma, stealing glances at her, couldn't help but smile in delight. Watching her enjoy herself made his heart swell.
After the credits rolled and the lights came back on, Ryoma turned to her, eyes sparkling. "Did you have fun? You laughed a lot."
Sakuno blushed, looking down for a moment before meeting his gaze. "It was fun because I watched it with you."
A warmth spread in the pit of his stomach, and he chuckled softly. "I had fun too. We should head back now; your dad might be waiting."
As they walked back, hand in hand, the reality of her departure loomed large. They reached her hotel room, the atmosphere thick with unspoken feelings. Standing at her door, they shared a lingering look, their breaths mingling in the night air.
"Goodbye, Ryoma-kun," she whispered, wanting to etch this moment in her memory forever.
"Goodbye," he replied, his voice low, a hint of longing woven through his words.
She stepped inside, heart heavy yet hopeful, feeling the warmth of their shared moments wrapping around her. Tomorrow would bring distance, but in this night, under the stars, their hearts crossed bridges built from laughter and understanding.
The next day, the bustling atmosphere of LaGuardia Airport buzzed with the excitement of travelers. Among the sea of faces were Sakuno and her parents. Shinji helping Sakuno with her luggage. The impending journey to Japan weighed heavily on Shinji's heart.
As they settled down in the waiting area, Sayaka, Sakuno's mother, glanced at her daughter, an expression of concern passing fleetingly over her features. "Will Ryoma come to see you off?" she asked softly, breaking the silence.
Sakuno smiled, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "I think not. He has training right now." Her tone was light, but a subtle sadness shone through.
Her father shifted uncomfortably in his seat before speaking. "Are you okay with this? It will be like this always, you know." His voice was cautious yet firm, as if he were trying to prepare his daughter for the realities of life. "He's busy, and you have other things to do too. You two won't be able to meet much, especially in the future."
Sayaka shot Shinji a worried look, shaking her head gently. "Dear, you don't need to say it like that."
"I just want to give her a heads up," Shinji insisted, though his brows knitted together in concern. "I don't want my daughter in pain later."
Sakuno held her father's hand tightly, her resolve shining through the uncertainty. "Dad…" she whispered, brushing away the worry on his face with her smile. "You don't need to worry. I'm aware of our paths. But no matter where I am, I'll always support Ryoma-kun. I'm stronger than you think."
Shinji exchanged a stunned glance with Sayaka, whose quiet strength conveyed the same pride he felt. Just then, the overhead announcement echoed throughout the terminal, calling for passengers to board the flight to Japan. They stood up, ready to say their goodbyes, when suddenly, a hand clasped around Sakuno's wrist.
Startled, she turned to find Ryoma standing there, breathless but alive with urgency. "Thank goodness I made it." he exclaimed, panting slightly.
"Did you run all the way here?" Sakuno asked, eyes wide with disbelief.
"Kind of," he replied sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, I wanted to hug you, but now I'm just sweating."
Sakuno giggled, warmth radiating from within her. "It's okay." She threw her arms around him despite the dampness, and Shinji couldn't help but flinch at their unabashed display of affection. Sayaka simply smiled, enjoying the moment.
As the line to board began to dwindle, Sakuno pulled back reluctantly. "I've got to go now," she said, her voice tinged with both excitement and sadness.
"Okay, take care," Ryoma replied, his gaze locked on her.
Sakuno smiled brightly, her heart full as she waved goodbye, feeling the weight of separation tugging at her heartstrings. She disappeared into the crowd, leaving behind a lingering warmth that enveloped Ryoma and her parents.
Shinji eyed Ryoma, a glimmer of camaraderie lighting up his expression. "Want to grab a drink?" he asked, lighthearted yet serious, hoping to connect with the boy who cared for his daughter.
"I can't drink, Uncle," Ryoma replied. "I'm still in high school."
"Then where do you hang out?" Shinji pressed, his curiosity leading the charge of their conversation.
As they chatted, Sayaka watched them with a gentle smile, appreciating the bond forming between her husband and Ryoma.
Fifteen hours later, Sakuno arrived home in Japan, overwhelmed with emotion. "I'm back, Grandma!" she called out, her voice echoing in the living room.
Sumire looked up, joy illuminating her face. "Oh, Sakuno! You came back alone?"
"Yes, Dad still has work to do in the US. I missed you!" She rushed into her grandmother's embrace, feeling the familiar comfort of home wrap around her.
"Me too," Sumire said with a smile. "Did you meet Ryoma while you were there?"
"Yeah," Sakuno nodded, feeling warmth spread through her at the mention of his name.
"Good! Now go get some rest. Oh, a postcard came for you from the US!" Sumire winked before returning to her chores.
Curiosity piqued, Sakuno climbed the stairs, her heart racing as she entered her room. There on her desk lay the postcard. Her hands trembled slightly as she picked it up and read the words Ryoma had penned with care. Blushing fiercely, she hugged it close to her chest, feeling a swirl of emotions.
There was so much about Ryoma that made her heart flutter—the way he always found time for her. She opened her shelf to take the box to keep the postcard. A quick glance at the box revealed something shocking: all the postcards she had written to him, filled with her thoughts and encouragements, were now neatly adorned with little sticker notes, each one a reply from him.
Her heart swelled. "Ryoma-kun is so sweet," she murmured, a soft smile gracing her lips as she daydreamed.
Driven by a sudden impulse, Sakuno went to his room, she lay down on his bed, inhaling the scent that still remained—a comforting reminder of him. Then she sent a message to Ryoma and her parents about her arrival.
As the days passed, the anticipation grew inside her; she missed Ryoma more than she cared to admit. When she heard he was finally on his way back to Japan, excitement bubbled anew.
One late evening, she waited in his room, unable to contain her excitement. The exhaustion from her anticipatory vigil finally got the best of her, and she dozed off, nestled comfortably on Ryoma's bed.
Suddenly, she felt a gentle poking on her cheek. Groggy, Sakuno opened her eyes to see Ryoma standing over her, disbelief and joy washing over her.
"Ryoma-kun," she breathed, instantly awake.
"I'm back." he said, breaking into a smile that lit up the entire room.
Sakuno leaped from the bed, wrapping her arms around him tightly. "Welcome back, Ryoma-kun." she exclaimed, feeling whole again in his presence. Sakuno released her arm and they smiled together.