Real You

The next morning, Akari lay on the bed staring at the ceiling while the night from before replayed in her mind. 

The date. The confession. The kiss. Jun.

Each memory made her face grow warmer, her heart pound harder, her mind spin faster. It all felt unreal, like a dream she was afraid to wake up from. I can't believe it... Are we really...?

She lifted a hand to her cheek, fingertips lingering where his lips had touched. The warmth was still there, as if his affection had left a mark only she could feel. 

"Jun..." She whispered his name to herself as if testing her reality to confirm it wasn't just a dream.

A small smile formed despite her slight embarrassment. For once, she didn't feel like she was suffocating in everyday life. For once, she actually felt hopeful for the day and the days to come.

A soft knock came at the door, bringing Akari back to her senses. She scrambled out of bed to open the door.

When Akari opened the door, Jun stood there, tray of coffee and pastries in hand. "I didn't wake you, did I?"

Akari shook her head. "No, I've been up." 

"How about some breakfast and coffee?"

Akari moved aside for him to enter. "Thanks for getting breakfast, you didn't have to."

"I know." He set the tray down on the table and took a seat. "But I wanted to."

Akari's heart pounded louder than it should've as she took a seat beside him. The memories of last night flooded through her mind again. She didn't expect for things to suddenly feel so different. She only hoped Jun couldn't hear her heart as much as she could.

Jun noticed her shy behavior. "You don't have to be nervous. Nothing's changed besides our relationship."

Her fingers fidgeted in her lap. Our relationship... The thought alone pulled at her heart. It felt fragile and precious all at once - something she was afraid to lean into in case it disappeared. "I'm just not used to this..."

"Then we'll take it slow." He replied without hesitation. "Together."

The simple certainty in his voice eased something deep inside her as she nodded her head.

"Would you like to go on a date today?" Jun asked casually.

She looked at him. "A date?"

He nodded as a smile crept to his face. "An official one."

The thought of their relationship going to the next level brought a sense of anxiety to Akari, out of fear that it would be taken from her just like everything else. Yet it also brought her a lighter feeling, one she couldn't ignore - excitement for a new beginning. "I'd like that..."

-

The air was crisp but mild, a December breeze carried a faint scent of tropical flowers as Jun and Akari entered a botanical garden. The palm trees swayed gently above them, their leaves rustling like a whispered welcome.

Akari looked around, taking in the nature around them. "I didn't think it would still be so alive during this time of year."

Jun walked closer to her, close enough for their shoulders to brush. "The winters are mild here. Plus, they say this place is magical all year round."

"Magical?"

"Yeah." A teasing glint in his eye. "It's magical since I'm with someone as special as you."

Akari's eyes shied away. "How can you say such things and not feel embarrassed?"

"Because it's the truth." He said simply.

They wandered along winding paths, pausing to admire the bright hibiscus blooms, the towering palms, and the clusters of orchids.

Jun crouched down to appreciate a group of pink orchids. "Reminds me of you."

Akari tilted her head. "Because it's pink?"

He let out a small laugh. "No... Because pink orchids are a symbol of elegance and are used to express admiration and gratitude." He turned to her. "Feelings that I feel towards you."

She turned away to hide a small smile from his words. "I didn't know you knew so much about flowers."

Jun stepped closer, his hand lifted to gently cradle her chin as he softly turned her to face him. "Don't hide it. I like seeing you smile."

Akari's cheeks flushed deeper as their eyes met, the warmth of Jun's hand on her chin sent shivers down her spine. She wanted to look away, to hide her embarrassment, but he held her gaze so firm yet tender that she couldn't. "I didn't realize you noticed things like that..."

Jun's lips curved into a soft smile as his thumb lightly brushed against her cheek. "Everything about you is worth noticing."

Her heart thumped loudly while she struggled to find any words.

Jun slowly pulled away, not wanting to overwhelm her. "I don't actually know a lot about flowers. I just read the sign next to it."

Akari blinked in disbelief then her tension faded into a giggle, light and carefree. The casual shift delighted her more than she expected.

Jun's eyes softened and his heart warmed at her laughter to the point that he couldn't resist.

Click.

Akari paused in realization that Jun had taken a photo of her. "Hey!" 

Jun smirked mischievously, phone still in hand. "You were too cute to resist."

She pouted slightly. "You could just ask for a photo. I'd gladly pose for you..."

He shook his head slightly. "I don't want a photo of you where you try look beautiful. I want to capture your natural real beauty."

She crossed her arms playfully. "Are you saying I don't look good when I pose for the camera?"

He laughed slightly. "You're beautiful all the time. But those unguarded moments?" He smirked. "I want to cherish them for myself."

She tilted her head. "Just for yourself, huh?" Her tone light. "I like the sound of that."

"Good." His voice lowered softly. "Because I selfishly don't want anyone else to see this side of you. I want you all to myself."

Akari's face heated at the declaration as Jun offered his hand. "May I?"

She slipped her fingers into his. It wasn't the first time they had held hands but this time the simple touch sent sparks up her arm.

-

After the botanical garden, they headed to a traditional Okinawa cafe they found tucked along the beach. They sat at a small table by the window where the waves lapped gently against the shore outside. 

A staff member came to the table to take their order. "Huh? Miss Akari?" A familiar voice called.

Akari looked up, startled, and froze briefly as she recognized the person. It was her makeup artist, Kei.

Taken by surprise, Akari turned to Jun to search for answers, but Jun shook his head. It was a pure coincidence.

Kei's expression softened into a warm smile. "I never expected to see you here! And you brought... Oh! Mr. bodyguard!"

Akari's eyebrows raised. "Mr. bodyguard...?"

Kei tilted her head. "Is he not your bodyguard? I figured he was given what happened at the press conference."

Akari glanced at Jun. His demeanor calm, his eyes reassuring, as if telling her to handle it however she saw fit. "This is Jun... He's not my bodyguard. He's... He's a friend."

Jun gave a polite nod. "Nice to meet you."

Kei's eyes lingered over them for a moment. "A friend, huh?" Curiosity filled her face. "I wasn't aware you had any friends Miss Akari..." 

Akari's eyebrows furrowed slightly. "Never mind that. What are you doing here?"

"Me?" Kei blinked innocently. "I'm from here. This is my family's cafe. With you being in this whole scandal issue and the holidays coming up, Tsukasa gave us all time off early."

"Ah I see..." Akari finally noticed her tone and out of habit she lightened it, lacing her voice with practiced sweetness. "It's nice to run into you in a more casual setting."

Jun glanced at Akari, a faint crease between his brows. 

A small frown tugged at Kei's lips. "Miss Akari... You don't have to keep wearing a mask that doesn't suit you..."

"Huh?"

Kei placed the menus in front of them. "The persona you created for yourself is wonderful, but I hope one day you can actually act like yourself without feeling the need to cover up." She smiled sweetly. "I'm sure the real you is just as wonderful."

"Let me know when you're ready to order." Kei offered a polite bow before disappearing into the cafe.

"She's right, you know." Jun smiled softly. "The real you is wonderful."

"It's not that easy to break the mask..."

"I know." He brushed his hand against hers. "But you won't be alone while you do it."