A Day Before the Hug
"Aria, he's coming back today!" Sora exclaimed.
"I know," I said, a small smile tugging at my lips.
"Are you excited?" She shook me lightly.
"I am… but I don't know if he'll even remember me," I admitted, a knot of doubt tightening in my chest. "It's been ten years… and I've changed so much since then." I wanted him to recognize me, more than anything.
"He will," Sora said softly, though there was a hint of bitterness in her voice. "If he truly liked you, he'll recognize you."
"You should go see him in his house," she suggested eagerly.
"No… his parents might not even remember me. What if he doesn't recognize me? It would be so awkward," I protested, shaking my head.
"Then… what if we just watch him from afar?" she offered with a sly grin.
"Umm… maybe later. I have to go to work now. See you tonight, bye!" I ran off, unable to argue any longer.
Even just thinking about him made my heart race. I needed to focus… at least until work was over.
I spent the day lost in my thoughts, and the next day I was at the shop, carefully watering the flowers. The soft chime of the doorbell caught my attention, and there he was, after ten years. A grown man now, with brown hair that made my heart skip a beat. At that moment, all I wanted was to run to him and hug him tightly, but it seemed he didn't remember me at all. I stepped back, telling myself it was meant to be this way. I am two years younger than him, and so much about me has changed since the last time he saw me. Taking a deep breath, I composed myself and acted naturally.
He asked for a bouquet of roses and peonies, both symbols of love. My heart sank; he probably had a girlfriend. I knew I had to stop thinking about him like this.
"Aria, you'll be late for work!" Sora's voice pulled me back to reality, and I hurried with my bag, and while getting out, I told Sora not to say anything about me if he asks. But seeing him now, taking over his father's company and introducing himself as the new CEO of The Edge, made my pulse race even faster. I would have to work with him, see him, and report to him almost three days a week. At this rate, forgetting him would be impossible. But I couldn't abandon my dream either. I just had to push through; only a few months left.
I acted normal, though inside I was desperate to know about his love life. When his manager excused us, it seemed like the perfect moment to ask. Relief washed over me when I realized the bouquet he ordered was for his mother, not a girlfriend. I didn't expect to feel so happy over something so simple.
The moment shifted, though, as I had to tell him about the accident. My mother had always looked after his studies, and he had always been number one in her eyes. He would surely be sadder than I hearing the news. Since he asked, "Are you a teacher too?" I decided it was better he hear it from me.
But I didn't expect it to unfold like this. I could feel his heartbeat close to mine, and then his arms were around me, warm, steady, and reassuring. The hug I had longed for, the one I wanted when no one else was there, was finally here after ten years. For a moment, I wondered… had I finally won it? And in that instant, I realized I was now desperate to make him my man *Ren*.
I felt safe in his warm hug and didn't want him to let go. But then… "Mr. Ren…" His manager, Leo's voice, came from a little distance. Reality hit me, and I quickly excused myself, gently pulling away before Leo could see. It was a bit awkward when he arrived, but at least he didn't notice anything.
"W-well, if everything is okay so far, let me know what you need, and just report to me the progress," Ren said, his voice calm as he walked away.
I watched him go, my heart still fluttering. Did he hug me just to be polite… or does he actually remember me? The thought made me both nervous and a little giddy. I couldn't help but smile at the funny, sweet mix of hope and confusion swirling inside me. However, I can feel something has changed between us, which might take a while to be fixed.
The ten-year separation, and the uncertainty of whether he even remembered me, was pulling us in different directions.
Ring… Ring…
It was Sora calling. "Didn't we plan to meet at 4:00 PM? Where are you?"
Glancing at the clock, I realized it was already 3:45. "I'll be there on time," I replied, hurrying toward the station.
We had planned to meet because Sora wanted to introduce me to her new boyfriend. Honestly, I didn't think it was necessary, but since she insisted, I couldn't say no.
I arrived at 4:05. They were already seated at the table. Sora waved, and I smiled as I sat down. They looked good together. Just then, a group of people arrived and sat at the next table. My eyes widened, I saw Ren. It was his welcome party. I smiled, and he returned the gesture.
After that, I didn't look at him again. We spent the rest of the evening chatting, having drinks, and sharing laughter. By 7:00 PM, it was time to leave.
"I'm leaving first!" I said, gathering my things.
"Should I book a cab for you?" Sora asked.
"No, it's fine. The station is nearby," I replied. I didn't want to trouble them, so I started walking.
When I reached the station, the bus hadn't arrived yet. I checked the schedule and realized it would be delayed for some reason. I sighed and waited. Then, a car horn honked. A car pulled up infront me, and the window slid down.
It was Ren.
He stepped out, walking toward me. "Why are you still here?" he asked, concern in his voice.
"The bus is delayed… it might be on the way now," I replied.
"Got it. I'll drop you," he said, opening the door for me. I didn't want to say no, so I slipped into the car, my heart quietly skipping a beat.
"Where do you live?" he asked as he drove.
I glanced at him. His hand rested on the steering wheel, sleeves of his white shirt neatly folded, the top buttons casually undone, a perfect man.
"Miss Aria," he said, calling my name for the first time in ten years.
I blinked, suddenly aware of the moment. "Y-yes! Oh… it's on Street No. 27," I replied, quickly looking back at the road.
Trying to ease the silence, I asked, "What did you do before taking over the company?"
"I was in Germany… studying," he said.
"Oh! That's great," I said, then added, "Here, can you take a right turn?"
He turned, and soon we arrived in front of my apartment.
"You can drop me here. It's close enough; I can walk," I said, pointing to the small building. I grabbed my bag.
"Than—" I started, but before I could finish, he asked, "Do you live there?"
"Y-yes… it might look old and shabby, but it's fine for me. I live alone," I replied. I opened the door and stepped out. I thanked him and started walking.
But he fell into step behind me, matching my pace. Somehow, it felt… comforting, and safe.
When we reached the apartment entrance, he paused. "Have a good sleep," he said softly.
"Thanks," I whispered, my heart beating a little faster than usual.
For a moment, we just stood there, neither of us in a hurry to leave. Then he did something small but unexpected, he came closer to me, and gently brushed a stray strand of hair from my face. I froze, caught off guard by the simple, careful gesture.
I felt a warmth that had nothing to do with love yet, but everything to do with being seen, remembered, and cared for. He gave me a small nod and a quiet, "Goodnight," before turning back toward his car.
I walked up to my floor, my heart a little lighter, thinking how strange and wonderful it was that a simple act, just walking together, sharing a moment, could feel so… sweet.
But why did he do that? does he remember me?