“MISSING SOMEONE is like having a piece of your heart missing – an ache that settles in, reminding you of their absence. We all have that special someone we hold dear, and when they’re not around, we can’t help but yearn for their presence, eagerly awaiting the moment when we can be together with them once again.”

Senthie Salvador had long forgotten this feeling, and she yearned to rediscover it once more.

***

The sky turned mesmerizing orange as the sun dipped below the horizon, capturing Senthie’s attention through her window. Entranced by swaying branches, she snapped back to reality, slapping her cheeks lightly.

“I should prepare before Kenzo arrives,” she muttered, glancing at her reflection at the dressing table mirror. Applying red lipstick with precision, she attempted a smile, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. Chuckling, she playfully rolled her eyes and said, “Let’s try again,” flashing a broader smile.

“I look pretty,” she murmured, adjusting her golden diamond-shaped tassel earrings. Her long, green-dyed hair flowed loosely, with see-through bangs that she had cut herself a month ago, matching her green contact lenses.

Moments later, a car engine outside signaled Kenzo’s arrival. She descended the stairs with her black purse, perfectly complementing her ruffled off-shoulder dress adorned with golden rose patterns. The knee-length mermaid-style dress elegantly embraced her figure.

The doorbell chimed, and Senthie hurried to the door. There stood Kenzo Yamamoto, a man who was a foot taller than her, with a cute and innocent face. His features were a captivating blend of handsome and pretty, highlighted by a flawless Japanese-style haircut and glossy black hair, almost as if plucked from a shampoo commercial. He casually brushed his hair behind his ear, and Senthie smiled.

Her attention was immediately drawn to his attire, a bluish-green button-up shirt with two undone buttons, revealing a hint of his collarbone. Her eyes traveled downward, taking in his fitted brown jeans, a sleek black belt, and polished black leather shoes.

Kenzo’s appreciative gaze met Senthie’s. “You look gorgeous, babe,” he complimented, a touch of nervousness in his smile.

She returned the smile. “And so do you.”

He embraced her gently, his warm breath sending shivers down her spine as he whispered, “I missed you a lot, Sen.”

“Me too,” she murmured, guilt slightly tainting her voice as she patted his back. In truth, she hadn’t missed him at all, but she wanted to believe otherwise.

After their warm embrace, he politely held the car door open for her.

Kenzo had just returned from Japan earlier that day, summoned by his father to assist with various projects in their gaming company, a recurring pattern since his college graduation. This time, his stay in Japan had extended to six months. Despite his busy schedule, he consistently called and checked up on Senthie daily, emphasizing her as his top priority, making him the ideal boyfriend.

 
~

The hotel was a quick thirty-minute drive away. Senthie clung to Kenzo’s arm as he led her to the elevator, her discomfort evident. The change in air pressure inside the elevator caused her to feel dizzy and nauseous. Kenzo, familiar with her unease, gently held her hand for support. They breathed a sigh of relief when the elevator doors opened, proceeding to Belle’s restaurant where the formal staff awaited them. Men in ivory shirts and brown slacks, women in brown pencil skirts.

Senthie marveled at the restaurant’s elegant decor, a rich blend of brown and ivory that exuded opulence. Chandeliers sparkled, candles and fresh flowers adorned every table with meticulous care. Her eyes widened as she gazed through the glass walls, taking in the stunning cityscape illuminated by countless stars and a radiant moon, filling her with delight. Ken is the best, she thought.

They were quickly shown to their table by the receptionist and placed their orders, both opting for steak.

 Resting her chin on her hand, Senthie asked, “How was your work in Japan?”

Kenzo took a moment to reflect before responding, “Same old, they can’t seem to function without me.” Despite his attempt to sound serious, his humility shone through.

Playing along, she remarked, “You’re pretty awesome. I wish I could be more like you.”

He shook his head, smiled, and took a sip of the waiter’s prepared water. “Come on, Sen. You know you’re even more awesome.”

She chuckled. “You flatter me.”

“Just speaking the truth.”

Senthie warmly smiled at him, her hand briefly squeezing his across the table. “Thank you, Ken.”

Finally, their orders arrived, and she withdrew her hand. After exchanging pleasantries with the waiter, they started eating and continued their conversation, meandering through various topics. When Kenzo noticed the focus was on him, he asked, “Why aren’t you talking about yourself?”

She playfully narrowed her eyes. “Well, there’s not much to say about me. My life is pretty dull without you.”

 Their eyes locked, and she regretted her words.

“If you say so, I’ll stay by your side,” he replied with an apologetic smile.

“No!” Senthie blurted out. Her voice was unintentionally loud, and she quickly checked for any disturbance among other diners. Luckily, her outburst had gone unnoticed. When she turned back to Kenzo, he looked stunned. Why did I say that? Ken is an exceptional boyfriend, and yet . . .

She smiled at him, calming his surprise. “Kenzo, babe, I’m sorry for startling you. You don’t have to do that for me.”

He returned her smile and nodded in understanding.

 “Oh, I almost forgot to tell you something,” Senthie said, her tone filled with intrigue as she savored the last slice of meat.

 “What is it?”

 She signaled for him to wait with a raised hand, taking a sip of her exquisite wine that resembled pure grape juice with a hint of alcohol, just as she’d hoped.

 Kenzo kept his gaze locked on her as he expertly sliced his meat.

 “I sent a lease application to GMC!”

Kenzo’s eyes widened, a smile lighting up his face. “Really? That’s great!”

GMC, short for Grand Mall Corporation, was known as the most prestigious mall in the Philippines, housing the world’s top brands.

 “Right?” She beamed, though she had to muster the smile. “Do you think they’ll approve it?”

 Running her business in GMC had always been Senthie’s dream, even if it seemed nearly impossible. Nevertheless, she decided to dream big, believing that seemingly unattainable dream could become a reality someday. She just had to dare to dream and take action to make it possible. As long as she kept trying, even if it was one small step at a time, there was always a chance.

 Before Kenzo could respond, she quickly shifted from pessimism to optimism. “Of course! They’ll approve it. If they don’t, it’s their loss.” She leaned back in her chair, exuding confidence, and casually flipped her hair.

 He chuckled. “Yeah, right. And you know why?” He raised an eyebrow.

 “Because I’m awesome!”

 “Because you’re awesome!”

 Speaking almost at the same time, they both shared a hearty laugh, in perfect harmony.

 
~

Kenzo parked in front of Senthie’s house and open the car door for her. She gave him a sweet smile and thanked him not only for his kind gesture but also for the delightful date they had just shared.

“You’re welcome, babe. Thank you for your time,” he replied, his gaze lingering on her, signaling that he had something to share.

Senthie sensed the gravity of his words before he even spoke. Don’t say it. Please, don’t say it, Ken. She watched Kenzo’s Adam’s apple rise and fall as he swallowed.

“Sen, I . . .” He hesitated for a moment, but then continued, “I love you, Sen.”

She momentarily froze, but managed to say, “I . . . I . . .”

“I . . . ?”

“I . . . uh . . . I . . .” She struggled to articulate it; beads of sweat forming on her forehead.

The anticipation in Kenzo’s eyes shifted to concern. “Are you okay, babe?”

She couldn’t meet his gaze and remained silent. Suddenly, warm hands enveloped her, and she found herself in Kenzo’s comforting embrace, his chin resting on her shoulder. He held her tighter. “Relax, Sen. It’s okay. I understand.”

Hearing those words from him tugged at Senthie’s heart. She felt undeserving of his kindness.

He pulled away from the hug, smiled that didn’t quite reach his eyes, bid her goodnight, and headed to his car without waiting for her response.

Senthie stood there, frozen.

~

She changed into her pajamas and sat on her bed. The earlier scene replayed in her mind, and Senthie was consumed by her thoughts. “What’s wrong with me?”

They had been together for almost two years. She couldn’t believe she still couldn’t say those three words. Kenzo had been looking forward to it, and she thought he must be deeply disappointed. He never complained, but she knew he was patiently waiting for her to reciprocate. She loved him, but not in the same way he loved her.

Kenzo was the most understanding and kind-hearted person she had ever known, and he didn’t deserve this uncertainty. She had to address this issue once and for all.

Determined, she grabbed her phone and messaged him. “I’m sorry about earlier. I just didn’t feel good, maybe because I didn’t chew the steak well. But I’m fine now. Hahaha. By the way, can we meet tomorrow? I have something important to tell you.” – Sent at 9:52 PM