samuelpalmeira Samuel A. Palmeira

Lia, a young Brazilian translator, always dreamed of a calm and stable life. But her world is turned upside down when she becomes involved in an intense and complicated relationship with Akira, an enigmatic Japanese businessman. As Lia grapples with her own fears and insecurities, she finds herself caught in a whirlwind of jealousy and revenge that puts her love to the test. Amidst cultural and emotional conflicts, Lia and Akira must learn to trust each other and overcome their personal challenges in order to finally find the peace and love they both long for.


Romantizm Genç Yetişkin Romantizmi Tüm halka açık.

#theromancestar2024
13
3.0bin GÖRÜNTÜLEME
Tamamlandı
okuma zamanı
AA Paylaş

The Unexpected Encounter


Lia hurried through the bustling streets of Tokyo, trying to escape the rain that had begun falling without warning. Having lived in Japan for six months, she still felt like a foreigner in a place completely different from what she was used to. Her job as a translator at a large international company was challenging, but it offered the much-dreamed-of stability.

The neon lights shone brightly, punctuating the narrow streets like artificial stars. The crowds moved like currents in a human river, flowing along the wet sidewalks in perfect harmony. Lia could smell the inviting scent of ramen from the small stalls, mixed with the freshness of the recent rain. Tokyo had its own rhythm, and she was still trying to sync with it.


“So many people… and yet, I feel so alone,” she murmured, adjusting the strap of her bag on her shoulder. Her eyes scanned the hurried faces passing by, each wrapped up in their own worlds. There was a silent order in the way everyone moved, almost as if they were part of an invisible choreography. But her? She wasn’t part of this dance.

The rain seeped through her thin coat, and each drop seemed like a quiet reminder that, despite being there, she was still an outsider.


“Why is it so hard to connect with someone here?” she thought, quickening her pace to escape the cold that was starting to bother her.

Even after six months, she still felt out of place. Lia spoke Japanese, but the cultural nuances often tripped her up in almost every interaction. The exaggerated politeness often left her feeling insecure, and she was never sure if she was truly understood. The smile she had learned to put on her face was just a mask, hiding her doubts.


“Sumimasen…” she muttered in Japanese, stepping aside to avoid a man in a suit who passed by without even noticing her presence.

Each day in Tokyo was a battle to keep up with the pace of the city, and as fascinating as it was, the lights had begun to symbolize her disconnection.


“If only I had someone to really talk to…” she thought, feeling the loneliness weigh even heavier on her shoulders.

When she finally arrived at her small apartment, she kicked off her wet shoes and collapsed onto the futon, letting her bag drop to the floor. The fluorescent light flickered above the dining table, casting shadows that danced on the walls, reflecting the silent chaos inside her.


“Just one more day, Lia… just one more,” she whispered to herself, as if the words were enough to fend off the emptiness she felt.

The apartment still smelled of the green tea she had made before leaving. Looking out the window, she watched the raindrops trickle down the glass, mingling with the city lights. It was ironic: in such a vibrant metropolis, she had never felt so alone.


“Maybe I should try harder…” she murmured, though she knew the problem wasn’t just about adapting. She missed human connection, conversations that went beyond the formalities of work.

Closing her eyes, she tried to listen to the sound of the city. Tokyo buzzed outside, but inside that tiny apartment, everything was silent. And in that silence, her fears whispered.


“What if I never feel at home here?” The doubt made her sit up in bed. The wind blew against the window, creating a soft, constant sound. Soothing, in a way, but also a reminder that the world moved on, indifferent to her anxieties.

Lia got up and went to the small kitchen. She grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl and took a bite, the sweet and slightly tart taste bringing back memories of home, of a time when things seemed simpler. A shy smile appeared on her face, but it was soon replaced by a sense of longing.


“I need to adapt… or what am I doing here?” she questioned herself, knowing the answer wouldn’t come easily.

Her phone vibrated on the table. Another work message, one more translation request. Lia sighed and set the apple aside. Work kept her mind busy, but at the same time, it distanced her from what she truly desired: a genuine connection. Sitting down to respond, she felt the cold touch of the keys under her fingers. The sound of the keys broke the silence, but didn’t fill the void she felt. Tokyo, with all its energy and movement, was still a city of strangers to Lia.


“Tomorrow will be different,” she said, without much conviction, as she finished the work message. She closed the laptop and returned to the window. The sky was starting to clear, but the rain continued to fall, as if it too were stuck in an endless routine.


With one last glance at the flickering lights outside, Lia closed her eyes and allowed herself to just listen to the city. She felt the warmth of the futon beneath her body and the cool breeze entering through the slightly open window. It was a strange feeling, being warm yet still feeling the cold, but perhaps that’s how she felt inside too: torn between the warmth of new beginnings and the chill of the unknown.


"Maybe tomorrow I'll find something... something that makes me feel at home."


The café Lia stepped into was small and cozy, with light wooden tables and soft lights glowing overhead like stars. Outside, the rain fell fine and steady, washing the streets and creating a gentle melody as it tapped against the windows. She shook her umbrella, closed the door, and was immediately enveloped by the rich aroma of freshly ground coffee, mingled with the sweet scent of vanilla.


She chose a table near the window, where she could watch the calm movements of people trying to shield themselves from the rain. She ordered a cappuccino, and as she held the cup between her hands, the pleasant warmth spread through her fingers. The bitter taste of the coffee mixed with the soft foam brought back memories of her childhood in Brazil.


"How did I end up so far from home?" she wondered, gazing at the rain outside. A feeling of being small and a bit lost washed over her. The familiar taste of the coffee transported her to rainy days at her grandmother's house, where she would listen to stories from days gone by.


"It was always like this," she remembered, as the warm steam rose from the cup, warming her face. "Grandma would tell stories of love, adventures, lives lived with courage... and now here I am, living my own adventure."


The sound of clinking dishes and soft conversations around her was comforting, yet at the same time, it heightened her restlessness. The loneliness she felt in Japan was growing heavier by the day. She loved the experience of living in another country, but the homesickness was like a persistent echo, always present.


She pulled out her phone and started scrolling through old messages in the family group chat. A recent photo caught her attention: a clear blue sky, without a single cloud, contrasting sharply with Tokyo’s gray day. The sun setting over the Brazilian sea seemed so distant, almost from another world.


"Should I go back?" she wondered, her eyes fixed on the image. But deep down, something held her back from making that decision. There was a feeling that there was still more to discover, something she hadn’t yet found.


"Just a little longer," she murmured to herself, like a vague promise, not knowing exactly what she was waiting for.


The cappuccino was starting to cool, and a new notification on her phone snapped her back to reality. Work messages, nothing urgent, but enough to remind her of her responsibilities. Lia sighed, put on her coat, and got ready to leave. As she tucked her phone into her bag, she felt a slight anticipation, a subtle sense that something was about to change.


In a hurry, she left the café and ran toward the subway station. The wind pushed the rain against her face, and she gripped the umbrella tightly, but with little success in keeping herself dry. The streets were slippery, and she dodged puddles and other people with difficulty. As she turned the corner, without warning, she collided hard with someone. Papers flew into the air, landing in the puddles gathered on the sidewalk.


"Oh my God, I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed, quickly kneeling to pick up the papers. Her hands trembled slightly as she tried to save them from the water.


The man in front of her, dressed in a perfectly tailored gray suit, smiled calmly. His deep brown eyes met hers for a moment before he knelt down as well, starting to gather the wet papers. The sound of the rain filled the silence between them.


"Don’t worry," he said, in surprisingly fluent English. His voice was soft, almost reassuring.


Lia blinked, a little confused. She hadn’t expected to hear English, and for a moment, she was at a loss for words. His smile was friendly, but there was something in his eyes—something she couldn’t quite decipher right away.


"You speak English?" she asked, still flustered, as they both tried to save the soaked papers.


"Yes, I lived in the United States for a while. I work for a multinational," he replied, chuckling lightly as he looked at the ruined papers. "But I think these reports are lost."


She let out a nervous laugh, trying to compose herself. His presence was unsettling, but in a... magnetic way.


"I really am sorry. I was distracted... the rain, you know? I lost track of time," she said, running a hand through her damp hair, a gesture that revealed her nervousness.


He stood up, handed her the salvaged papers, and then extended his hand.


"Akira."


"Lia," she responded, shaking his hand. His grip was firm but gentle, as if this interaction meant more than it seemed.


For a few moments, they stood there, under the rain, unsure of what to say. The sound of the raindrops around them seemed to isolate the rest of the world, leaving just the two of them in that moment. Sensing the slight tension in the air, Lia tried to break the silence.


"Do you have somewhere to be right now? I think I might have disrupted your plans."


Akira smiled again, adjusting his tie, which had become slightly askew after their accidental meeting.


"Actually, I was heading to the subway too. But with this rain... maybe grabbing a coffee is a better idea." — He gestured toward the café she had just left.


Lia hesitated for a second. Her heart raced, but her mind reminded her that she barely knew this man. Still, there was something about the calm, confident way he spoke that made her reconsider.


"Coffee... sounds like a great idea." — she said, surprising even herself with the response.


And in that simple and unexpected moment, something began to change. As they walked back to the café in silence, Lia felt a strange sensation, as if fate was guiding her to where she was meant to be.


Once inside again, the aroma of fresh coffee enveloped them, but this time the atmosphere felt different. There was a lightness in the air, as if that small place, which had been just a refuge from a rainy day, now held the promise of something more.


Later, as they walked together to the subway station, both still processing the moment, the fluorescent lights illuminated the wet sidewalk, creating small reflections in the puddles that danced under the hurried footsteps of passersby. The constant sound of rain blended with the distant hum of the city, creating an almost poetic soundtrack for their improbable encounter.


"Today’s rain is stronger than usual for Tokyo," Akira remarked, glancing up at the gray, heavy sky.


Lia riu levemente, seus olhos brilhando com uma mistura de diversão e nostalgia.


"In Brazil, tropical storms are wild. The raindrops are so huge, it feels like they’re trying to wash the entire sky at once."


Akira smiled, appreciating the comparison.


"That must be impressive. I’ve always admired the energy and passion of Brazilian culture. Recently, I started working with a client from Brazil on a project. It was a really enriching experience."


Hearing this, Lia felt a surge of pride but also a slight insecurity. Did she understand Akira's culture as much as he seemed to understand hers?


"It must be challenging to integrate such different cultures in a business," she replied, trying to mask her own doubts.


"It can be. But I find it fascinating how differences can complement and even strengthen a project," Akira reflected, his eyes meeting hers for a moment longer than usual.


The silence that followed was comfortable, broken only by the sound of the rain and the glow of the station lights that approached. Lia felt a sense of calm, though a subtle anxiety began to stir about what the future might hold.


"You know, sometimes I wonder if we're on the right path," Akira said suddenly, his voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty.


Lia felt the weight of those words and hesitated for a moment as well.


"I have my moments of doubt too. But I think if we keep trying, we can overcome anything."


Akira nodded slightly, releasing a nearly imperceptible sigh.


"I hope you're right. I want to believe we can."


They reached the station, where the welcoming smell of fresh bread and brewed coffee wafted from the small nearby shops. The lights of the subway gleamed on their faces as they waited for the train. That moment, in some way, felt suspended in time, as if something was about to happen — or perhaps, had already begun between them.


Before parting on the platform, Akira gathered the courage to take a step forward.


"Lia, would you like to have dinner with me tonight?" — he asked, his voice a bit shaky but filled with determination.


Lia was caught off guard by the unexpected invitation. Her eyes met his, trying to grasp what had motivated such a sudden gesture. Her heart raced.


"Sure, Akira. Where would you like to go?" — she replied, struggling to hide the curiosity and subtle excitement beginning to take hold.


"There’s a Brazilian restaurant in Shibuya. I thought it might be interesting to try it with someone who truly understands the cuisine." — Akira smiled, a shy yet genuine smile.


Lia's heart raced even faster at hearing the plan. It was an unexpected connection to her homeland, and the idea of sharing that with Akira touched her in a special way.


"That sounds amazing. I’d love to go." — she said, feeling a warmth spread through her chest.


Akira exhaled deeply, visibly relieved by her positive response.


"Great. We can go together then. It’ll be a good chance for us to talk more."


As the train approached, the noise of the doors opening and closing filled the air, mixing with the laughter and chatter of passengers. They boarded, finding seats by the window. The soft evening light illuminated their faces, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere.


"So, how’s the project with the Brazilian client going?" — Lia asked, breaking the comfortable silence between them.


Akira began describing the challenges and rewards of working in a multicultural environment, his passion for cross-cultural collaboration evident in every word. He spoke with an enthusiasm Lia hadn’t noticed before, something that captivated her.


"It’s amazing how different perspectives can create such innovative solutions. And you, how have you been adapting to the fast pace of Tokyo?" — he asked, genuinely curious.


Lia shared her own experiences — from the initial struggles to the moments of joy she found while trying to integrate into life in the city.


"I feel like I’m growing a lot here. It’s as if I’m learning to balance my roots with the new experiences I’m living." — she said, gazing out the window as the city lights flashed by quickly.


Akira watched her in silence, admiring the strength and determination that shone through in every word. Lia was a fascinating blend of gentleness and courage, something he had never encountered before.


"You’re incredible, Lia. Your resilience, your way of seeing the world… it always surprises me."


She blushed slightly, feeling touched and seen in a way she hadn’t felt in a long time.


"Thank you, Akira. That means a lot to me."


The conversation flowed naturally, as if they were rediscovering a lost connection, something that transcended cultural differences. Lia felt that, despite the obstacles they faced, there was a solid foundation between them — something built on mutual respect and admiration.


When the train finally reached their destination, they stepped off with a new sense of closeness and anticipation. The dinner invitation felt like more than just a meal; it was a significant step toward something greater.


"I’m looking forward to tonight," Akira said as they walked toward the station’s exit.


"Me too. I have a feeling it’s going to be special," Lia replied, certain that the evening would mark the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.


The city lights sparkled around them, reflecting the endless possibilities awaiting Lia and Akira. And in the air, the aroma of Brazilian food seemed to promise not just an evening of flavors, but also of discoveries and new connections.


The restaurant Lia chose was small and cozy, with exposed brick walls and soft lighting that created an intimate, welcoming ambiance. The aroma of traditional Brazilian dishes filled the air, evoking memories Lia hadn’t realized she missed so much. Akira arrived on time, as always, wearing a simple but impeccable shirt. His eyes scanned the place with curiosity and quiet expectation.


"Feijoada?" — Akira asked, looking at the dish in front of him with a curious expression.


Lia smiled as she noticed his hesitation.


"Yes, that's it. One of the most traditional dishes from Brazil. Black beans, pork… I know it seems a bit heavy, but it’s incredible."


Akira picked up the fork, looked at the plate for a second, and then took a bite, chewing slowly. His eyes lit up with the first taste.


"Wow, this is… amazing," he said, his voice filled with genuine surprise.


Lia couldn’t help but laugh softly, pleased by his reaction.


"I’m glad you like it. It’s a little taste of home for me."


As they continued to eat and talk, the atmosphere grew warmer, more relaxed. The restaurant, with its cozy charm and familiar flavors, seemed to envelop them in a moment that felt both ordinary and extraordinary.


"This is... surprisingly good," Akira said, taking a sip of water right after. "It’s a deep flavor, layered. I didn’t expect something like this."


"I knew you’d like it," Lia responded, pleased with his reaction. That small victory made her feel closer to Akira, as if, through the food, she was sharing an important part of who she was. "There’s so much more I want to show you about Brazil. It’s not just the food—there are the music, the festivals, the beaches..."


Akira tilted his head, intrigued. "Tell me more. What were your days like there? What do you miss the most?"


Lia smiled, her eyes drifting for a second as she traveled back to memories of her homeland.


"I miss the conversations on the porch, the warm nights, the colors of the sky at sunset... Everything was simpler. And of course, I miss my family, the laughter over nothing. But at the same time, I feel like here, in Japan, I’m building something new. Something that has its own value too."


Akira listened intently, realizing how she was torn between the past and the present, between her roots and her new experiences. He admired that duality, that ability to love two vastly different worlds.


"It seems like you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. Between what was and what’s yet to come."


Lia looked at him, surprised by the depth of his words.


"Maybe you’re right."


The dinner continued with more conversations, laughter, and shared stories. What had started as a timid invitation was turning into something more—a true exchange of worlds, of experiences, and most importantly, of feelings.


Lia paused for a moment, her fingers playing absentmindedly with the napkin as her mind wandered through distant memories.


"I miss the warm mornings. Waking up to the sound of street vendors, the smell of fresh coffee coming from the kitchen... And Sundays at my grandparents’ house, the chaos, the loud conversations… Sometimes it feels like all of that happened in another life."


Akira smiled, watching her every movement with quiet attention, his dark eyes reflecting genuine interest.


"You speak of it with so much affection. It’s easy to see why you miss it. It seems so different from how things are here."


Lia nodded, a pang of longing hitting her chest as she remembered how much her life had changed since moving to Japan.


"It is. Here, everything is quieter, more contained. There, everything is lived with a different kind of intensity."


"Sometimes I envy that," Akira admitted, surprising her. "I grew up in a family where silence and discipline were virtues. But every now and then, I feel like I’m missing something… something more chaotic, more vibrant."


Lia couldn’t help but smile.


"I think you’d fit right in in Brazil, then."


The dinner continued to flow, with Lia sharing stories of her childhood and Akira opening up about his responsibilities as a businessman. As the night wore on, he seemed to relax, as if the weight of his usual rigid posture was slowly melting away.


After they finished their meal, Lia suggested a walk. The streets of Tokyo were illuminated by neon lights flashing brightly, reflecting in their eyes as they strolled side by side. The night air was crisp, and the distant sounds of cars and conversations echoed in the comfortable silence that enveloped them.


"You never told me why you decided to come to Japan," Akira remarked, glancing at her with curiosity.


Lia sighed, her thoughts gathering before she responded.


"I think I was searching for something... maybe a new version of myself. Brazil will always be home, but I wanted to prove that I could adapt, that I could be more than what people expected. Here, no one had any expectations of who I was. I could start from scratch."


Akira looked at her thoughtfully, considering her words.


"And have you? Have you found this new version of yourself?" — he asked, his voice soft but direct.


She paused for a moment, looking up at the sky. The stars barely shone, overshadowed by the city lights. She felt the cold touch of her hands crossed in front of her body, grounding her in reality.


"I think I’m still in the process," she replied after a pause. "Some days, I feel like I have. But on others... I feel just as lost as I did at the beginning."


Akira remained silent for a moment, absorbing what she said.


"You don’t seem like the type of person who gives up easily," he said, sincerely attempting to comfort her.


Lia let out a light laugh, the sound blending with the distant city noises.


"No, I’m not. But sometimes I wonder if I made the right choice. If I’m strong enough to stay."


Akira stopped walking and looked directly into her eyes, a glimmer of sincerity lighting up his gaze.


"You’re strong. I can see that. Adapting to a place so different, with such a distinct culture, isn’t easy… but you’re here. You’re making it happen."


Those words touched something deep within Lia. It was a recognition that few people around her had noticed. She smiled, a small but genuine smile.


"Thank you, Akira. That means a lot to me."


When they reached the entrance of the subway, Akira hesitated for a moment before saying goodbye. The cold night air surrounded them, and the city sounds seemed muffled around them. They stopped, exchanging glances for a few seconds, as if something was about to be said but remained suspended in the air.


"It was a good night," Akira said, his voice low, almost hesitant, as if holding something back. "I hope we can do this again."


"Me too," Lia replied, feeling a mix of nervousness and expectation rise. She wasn’t sure exactly what that moment meant, but one thing was clear: there was something between them, something important.


They said their goodbyes with a simple nod, no unnecessary touches or words. But the silence between them was charged with something unspoken, something that lingered in the air. As Lia began to descend the stairs toward the subway, she felt Akira’s presence lingering around her, even with the growing distance.


On the train ride home, she found herself thinking about him repeatedly, replaying every word, every gesture, as if trying to better understand what was happening.


As the rapid lights of Tokyo flashed by the train windows, Lia knew, deep down, that something inside her had changed that night. The loneliness that had accompanied her for so long seemed, for the first time, to be fading. There was hope. And she couldn’t wait to discover where this new connection might lead them.

09 Eylül 2024 19:00 0 Rapor Yerleştir Hikayeyi takip edin
6
Sonraki bölümü okuyun The First Challenges

Yorum yap

İleti!
Henüz yorum yok. Bir şeyler söyleyen ilk kişi ol!
~

Okumaktan zevk alıyor musun?

Hey! Hala var 7 bu hikayede kalan bölümler.
Okumaya devam etmek için lütfen kaydolun veya giriş yapın. Bedava!


veya normal giriş formunu kullanın