AFTER THIS NIGHT

Memorable

Most of the evening, Akira spent time talking with acquaintances. He crossed the room in two hours, although it realistically should have taken less than ten minutes. Just when he thought he was free from one person, another approached him. For the past six months, he had been inaccessible, working on a large-scale project. Those seeking collaboration with him took advantage of the opportunity to present their projects and proposals.

Finally arriving in the garden, he took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. Placing his hands in his pockets, he walked onto the terrace.

"Finally free?" a familiar voice asked. Turning towards the voice, he saw Sophia, sitting in the shadow on one of the garden benches. He noticed her mask on the bench and deduced that she had taken it off. He could now see her face, he thought. He walked over and stopped a few steps from the bench she occupied.

"May I join you?" he asked politely.

"Yes, of course," she said, shifting slightly to her right.

"Thank you," he said, taking a seat.

"Feel free to call me Akira," he insisted.

"Here is where you sought refuge?" he asked after a moment of silence.

"Yes, it's so peaceful, harmonious, enchanting, even. I feel more at ease here than in the hall; it felt like a cage," she continued, making Akira smile.

"But that didn't stop you from defending yourself," Akira argued.

"What are you talking about?" Sophia asked, puzzled.

"I saw you talking to Carlos Lontes," he explained.

"Oh, that! It was nothing," she said with a light laugh.

"It's not easy, even impossible, to dissuade Carlos. When he sets his mind on something, he goes all the way. I was greatly surprised that he let you go so easily. But even more by his disappointed and furious look. What did you say to make him back off so quickly?" he asked, curious.

"A secret he'd do anything to keep," she replied evasively.

"A secret? A conquest? No one has ever managed to prove anything," Akira said, intrigued.

"Oh really?" she replied.

"Of course! Does that make you a... dangerous person?" he asked.

"No, I'd say lucky," she concluded with a laugh.

"Lucky," he repeated.

"That's right. Because I have something to keep Carlos Lontes away from me, almost forever. He doesn't even know who I am. I have nothing to worry about," she said before taking a sip of the amber liquid she was drinking. "How many glasses have you had?" Akira asked.

"I'd say three? A waiter offers me one every thirty minutes. Why?" she questioned.

"You seem more relaxed," he pointed out.

"Want me to tell you a secret?" she asked.

"Yes, I'm listening," Akira said, curious.

"Alcohol has no effect on me. I could empty a whole bottle of whiskey, and I'd still be clear-headed," she said, looking at the fountain.

"No! You're kidding," Akira said, astonished, making Sophia laugh.

"Yes, don't worry. However, three glasses of champagne won't affect me. I'll prove it to you," she said before standing up. She lifted her dress and raised a foot. Akira thought she might lose balance and fall, ready to catch her. But, to his surprise, she stood firm. She didn't stumble despite her high heels. Akira was amazed.

"Don't tell me you thought I was telling stories," she said, laughing, seeing Akira's stunned expression, before sitting back down.

"Understand that it's hard to believe information like that. You were so shy earlier that it contrasts with your current attitude," he confessed.

"I understand. But as I told you earlier, in the hall, I felt like a caged bird. Here, I feel freer. I don't know if you understand me."

"Yes, perfectly," he said, then continued after a moment of silence. "Do you want to take a walk?"

"Yes! Let's go!" she said, smiling.

Akira got up first. As a perfect gentleman, he extended his hand to help Sophia get up.

"Thank you," Sophia thanked him. Their eyes met, and Sophia felt the same shivers again. Embarrassed, she looked down. Akira felt the same effect. They had never experienced this just from eye contact.

"Shall we?" Akira asked, cutting short the discomfort that began to settle between them.

"Yes, let's go!" Sophia replied, smiling. She wondered if he had felt the same things she did.

Their little walk began in silence, each sorting through their thoughts. It was Sophia who broke the silence.

From that moment on, they started discussing anything that came to their minds. Their conversation was smooth, and words and ideas flowed effortlessly. They unintentionally circled the garden, ending up sitting at the edge of the fountain. Sophia found the sound of the water soothing. She dipped the tips of her fingers in the water, making graceful movements. Akira couldn't help but keep his eyes fixed on her. She was exceptionally beautiful. The fact that she didn't realize it gave her a particular charm. She was natural and not trying to seduce. Her gestures were neither calculated nor provocative, unlike most women Akira had met. On the contrary, they were innocent. Akira had long sought this quality in a woman but in vain. Why hadn't he met her earlier, he wondered.

The moonlight illuminated the garden with a gentle glow. The rhythmic flow of the water accompanied their conversation, adding to the enchantment of the moment.As they spoke, Sophia's fingers continued to dance in the fountain, creating ripples that mirrored the connection growing between them. Akira, captivated by her every movement, found himself drawn into a more profound understanding of the woman beside him.The gentle ambiance of the garden wrapped around them, fostering a sense of intimacy that transcended words. Sophia, now more at ease, shared anecdotes and dreams, and Akira reciprocated with glimpses into his own life. The connection between them deepened with every shared story.Underneath the moonlit sky, Sophia leaned back, her laughter echoing through the quiet garden. Akira couldn't help but smile, realizing that the shy woman he first encountered had blossomed into someone vibrant and captivating.Their discussion naturally meandered, exploring topics that ranged from the mundane to the profound. In the quiet moments, Akira caught himself stealing glances at Sophia, her natural charm growing more apparent with each passing minute.