Hello, Kenzo

And Again

The clock had just reached three in the morning. I sat beside the table where my phone lay and watched as it vibrated against the glass of my coffee mug.

For weeks, I had longed for Kenzo to contact me, but now that I could finally see his name popping up on the screen of my phone, I felt unusually disappointed.

I slid the blinking green 'answer call' button down and put the device to my ear. "Hello, Kenzo."

My voice was scratchy and aching. The disappointment in me was so overwhelming; I could barely say anything. In fact, if I could just reset the time, I would rather not accept his call.

After a minute, we put down the call. I returned the phone to the table beside me, and I again looked at the clock.

He was asking to see me tonight at our usual meeting place.

I exhaled deeply and breathed out heavily. At that moment, I certainly knew something in me had changed. I stood up and went back to cutting the decorations for Vri's birthday. I kept cutting, pasting, drawing, and doing it over and over until my alarm for eight in the morning rang.

I made it.

I stood up, looking proud of the things I had finished on my own. I could have paid and bought things for Vri's birthday, but I felt so much more fulfillment with all my handwork alone.

I exhaled and smiled beautifully for the first time in a long time. Maybe it's not just that I finished everything for Vri's party, but a great part of me being proud is that I am happy to remember how strong I am even when I am alone.

The light is already coming in through the window and reflecting across my white walls, giving me an aura of elegance. I turned to look at my reflection in the mirror, and a rush of ease flowed through my entire body. If there was someone who could make me complete and feel valued enough, it was me.

I pulled open the blinds and took another deep breath. I opened the windows wide, letting the cool morning breeze in, which reminded me of how much I loved other things than falling in love. It also reminded me that I did indeed miss being by myself, and I didn’t want this feeling to end.

Rushing to fix myself, I stuck all the decorations in bags and piled them on the back of my car before driving back to my hometown. I am very excited to see Vri and give her the best party a mother could give for her daughter. I have taken a leave of absence just to spend time with Vri because I was lost for quite some time. I have to make it up to her.

Mommy! Vri screamed from inside her room and rushed at me as soon as I stepped out of my car. "You came! " She squealed as soon as she reached the doorstep, and she threw herself towards me, hugging my legs.

"Of course I will come, baby!" I picked her up and gave her a tight squeeze. "Happy Birthday, my dearest!" I laughed and kissed her cheek lightly.

I put her down and proceeded to lay out the decorations in the venue I had reserved at a resort. And before we knew it, Vri was having the time of her life as some of our family relatives, family friends, and good friends joined us to celebrate my daughter's birthday.

"Hey, why don't you go have some fun? We can go tomorrow. I'll take care of Vri," my mom said as I put Vri to bed after falling asleep because of a tiring day.

"I guess I'll take a stroll by the beach and come back here. Thanks, Mom," I said, smiling at her gratefully before leaving the room.

"Hey! You might want to change into this?" my mom called to me while showing me a red bikini.

"MA!"

"You should always look your best, no matter what the circumstances are!" My mom winked at me and threw the bikini at me.

I smiled and changed into a red bikini before wrapping myself up with a see-through robe, then I went to the beach to wind up.

The night was clear, and the moon hung bright like a silver dollar in the black sky. The stars shined brightly, making me feel safe, and the cold wind brushed gently against my skin.

I couldn't be bothered to put shoes on. I wanted to feel the warmth of the sand beneath my feet, the salty water around my toes, and the air flowing through my hair. My heart was full, but now that I am having some alone time, I can't just deny that the only thing missing is Kenzo.

I was happy with everything I've done today; I could live for the rest of eternity like this. I closed my eyes and inhaled slowly, allowing the fresh air to fill my lungs and calm my mind. Even if he isn't here by my side, the sound of the waves and the sound of nature are all I need to be content with. I was going to let this experience bring my mood to new heights and let myself forget about my pain.

"I know, I am not in any position to disturb you with your little party here, but I cannot just let this time slip away; would you like to spare some time with me? There is an open concert just a few walks from here." A very good-looking man approached me, with an exceptionally breathtaking physique.

I looked at him for a while, and when I was about to give my response, my phone vibrated in my pocket. I took it out, and my heart seemed to stop for a moment. My hands shook uncontrollably when I saw Kenzo calling. I felt my throat drying up and my chest tightening tightly.

I could hear my heart thumping loudly against my ears, and I couldn't get a hold of anything but my own shaky breaths as I answered his call. "Hello, Kenzo!"

It was a moment of silence before I could hear his heavy breath: "Do not take any more steps toward him; I don't think I can bear the thought of you with someone else."

His voice was so clear, like it was just coming from the distance, and my eyes widened as I could clearly hear the sound of waves coming from his line.

"Wait, why do I hear waves from there? And who are you talking about?" I stuttered as tears began filling my eyes.

I heard him exhaling sharply: "You look the most beautiful in that red bikini! Sorry, I was a coward; I was afraid; I didn't know what to do. I don't think I am enough or suitable for someone like you; it was killing me to think that others would just judge us!"

"What?" I gasped in shock and looked around immediately in anticipation and yearning to see him.

And there he was, standing right by the shore, holding a bouquet of roses in his hand. His brown hair blew softly to the winds along his face, and the faint outline of a smile appeared on his lips.

"Kenzo?"

My heart ached, my whole body started trembling, and I couldn't control myself anymore. I began running to where he was standing. Tears fell uncontrollably down my face without me noticing. While approaching, I could not help but admire him. He was wearing a loose blue and brown checkered shirt with shorts, and he had a dark brown pair of sneakers on his feet. He has this small bag on his back. His eyes were shining with affection for me, and I almost fainted from his beauty. I had never been so happy, and I could literally feel the tears running down my cheeks.

"Stupid!" I breathed as I ran up to him and hugged him hard. "Who even gave you the right to put yourself down and hurt me that much?" I sobbed. "Please don't go; I don't know what to do anymore!"

I hugged him more tightly and buried my face in his chest. He wrapped his arms firmly around my waist, returning my gesture in equal measure as his hands caressed my back.

I could hear him laugh lightly in response: "I'm here now. I won't go anywhere. I'm sorry about being such a coward; I hope you don't hate me."

"Well, I cannot hate you, but you deserve to be punished. Tell me everything!"

We held each other tightly for more seconds, and we cried silently in each other's arms. We both needed comfort after such hard times. After a long time, I felt the urge to pull away and wipe my tears, but we continued holding on to one another, neither willing to move.

After several seconds, I broke the hug to catch my breath and wipe off the few remaining tears.

"Come on!" I said, grabbing his hand and walking him to the hotel.

"Ah, what about the guy you are talking with?" Kenzo asked in confusion.

"AH, I forgot!" I said and grinned before stopping at the reception area. "One cottage at station 5, please," I demanded of the clerk.

"Will this be added to your reservations, ma'am?"

"Yes!"

"Ok. Here's your key card, Mam; the room will be deducted by the time you check out tomorrow!"

"Thank you!" I smiled at the receptionist, grabbed Kenzo, and took him to the cottage.

Upon entering, I pushed him inside and locked the door behind me.

"Now, you have two choices: we could talk and have s*x afterward, or we could have s*x and talk afterward!" I asked him in heavy breaths.

Kenzo smiled and rushed to me, lifting me up with my legs wrapped around his waist.

"Let's make love! I missed you!"