That day Tita, Andini, and Sakura enjoyed the food served on the table in Hasigawa's wedding party. There were lot of delicious food. While enjoying their meal, Hasigawa and Shiori approached them. Andini and Tita congratulated them both.
While they were chatting, then seen Mr. Ichimiya Hiroshi approached Tita. He invited Tita to have a little chat in the garden outside the building. Andini smiled at them and waved her hand indicating they both could go. Then Tita followed Mr. Ichimiya Hiroshi.
"Tita. Do you also live in Bali?" he asked.
Tita nodded, "Yes. I also live in Bali, Ichimiya san."
"Actually I don't live in Tokyo. I live in Yokohama. But sometimes Hasigawa san asks me to help him. When I saw your photo, I was involved in a same project with Hasigawa san in Tokyo. Bla.. bla.. bla... " said the man.
Tita just nodded lazily. She didn't hear it. She didn't pay attention to the man. Tita didn't want to ask about Hiroshi because she didn't feel the need to do so. She was still filled with grief. Tita's heart still hurt because she has to witness the intimacy of Hasigawa and his wife, Shiori. Tita wasn't jealous because she knew she didn't have to. The fault was in herself. She never showed her feelings for Hasigawa. She always thought later and later. At that time she believed that in time she would be able to show her feelings to Hasigawa. Tita kept looking for the right time until finally the time passed and the opportunity was lost. Tita felt she was so stupid. If only she had been a little faster it might have been a different story. But never mind the rice has become porridge. Nothing to regret. Hasigawa wasn't for her. She had to move on.
And now there was another man standing in front of her. The man was lighting the fire on his cigarette. Inevitably Tita watched him. His eyes were slanted and the corners of his eyes were slightly raised. His black brows weren't too thick, but nice like ants on a roll. The nose was not too sharp but the shape was good and proportional. His cheeks were not thin but not chubby either. His lips were a little black, like most men. Maybe because he smoked a lot, thought Tita. But the shape of the lips was nice and full. Not too thin nor too thick. Maybe those lips would taste good if she kissed them.
"Aaarrrggghhhh... What the hell!" she cursed.
Then she looked at the man again. He had a dimple chin . Tita liked a dimple chin. His chin and cheeks had a bit of clean shaved fine hair but Tita could see a slightly darker color in the area of his cheeks and chin. Tita liked men with thin beard, especially when they have shaved. It sexy, Tita thought. His hair was black straight and short. Neatly combed. He looked so mature and sexy.
After Tita noticed, this man turned out to be quite handsome and most importantly he looked so manly. His stature was quite tall and stocky. Only today Tita could see clearly his face. Yesterday she did not pay much attention to the man. What for? Because her mind was filled with Hasigawa. But now...
The way Hiroshi lit his cigarette caught Tita's attention somewhat. The man tilted his head and cupped his hands as he lit his cigarette. Maybe to withstand the gusts of wind. The way he smoked his cigarette was also interesting. He held the cigarette between his fingers. With his right hand. His left hand was tucked into his trouser pocket. He lifted his head and exhaled the smoke.
" Tita ... Is there something on my face ? " he asked .
" Oh no. No. I'm sorry Ichimiya san. I was a little daydreaming earlier." Tita said and blushed.
" Damn it! I was caught off guard! " she thought.
" Oh. I thought you were watching my face. But frankly I would feel happy if you did that. Hahaha.." he laughed.
Tita could see there were dimples when the man laughed. Tita loved it!!
Ichimiya Hiroshi looked at her. Their gazes met. Tita became embarrassed and her face felt hot.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" asked Tita.
"I like your cute face." Hiroshi said frankly.
Tita felt her face turn red.
" Damn it! Are all Japanese people always like this? Not long-winded and straight to the point? " Tita cursed.
"Are you embarrassed when I say you're cute, Tita?" Hiroshi asked again.
"Please Ichimiya san. Don't say that again. I'm embarrassed!" Tita covered her face with her hands.
Actually Tita was not a shy girl. She was very confident. But somehow that day she was very awkward and embarrassed in front of Ichimiya Hiroshi. And Tita was annoyed with him.
" Oh, God! She's so cute. I'm gonna fall for her. " Hiroshi thought.
Hiroshi laughed and grabbed both of her hands. He looked into Tita's eyes and penetrated deep. Tita felt her body shaking and her heart pounding.
"I'm telling the truth. I'm not lying. I like seeing you. Before we met I already liked seeing you from your photos. I want us to be closer. Can I get to know you better Tita?"
Tita nodded. She couldn't say a word. Ichimiya Hiroshi was too direct. The man held each of her hands. And Tita felt comfortable. There was a flow of warmth that the hand channeled into her heart. And her memory of Hasigawa instantly vanished!!
"Tita.. I want you to call me Hiroshi from now on. Hmm?"
"Yes Hiroshi san." he said softly.
"Don't use the word of san. It's too formal. And I don't think our age difference is that big. I'm twenty-eight. How old are you?"
" I.. I'm thirty-two years old. Oh, my God! I'm older than you! " panic hit Tita.
"Shh... No need to be panic. Maybe you're two years older than me. But I don't think that's an obstacle for me to get to know you better. I really want to be close to you." he explained.
Hiroshi grabbed her hands. tightly.
"Okay, Hiroshi. But how? You live here and I'm in Bali." Tita asked confused.
" Tita.... I won't mind if I have to make international calls and get roamed. I'll do it for you. We can talk to each other on the phone and video call if we want to meet. Everything won't be difficult. If I'm on leave I will fly to come to Bali to see you. Whatever it is, I'll do it for you." Hiroshi looked in her eyes.
Tita felt her heart blossoms. Her heart fluttered at Hiroshi's words. Didn't know why it felt like Tita wanted to rest her head on the man's chest. Tita wanted to sink into his arms. Surely it would feel comfortable.
"Tita... we haven't exchanged phone numbers. How can I contact you?" Hiroshi suddenly realized.
"How can we forget that?"
Then they laughed loudly while exchanging phone numbers.
If two people were in love, they often look stupid, don't they? But that's love. You would forget everything when he is standing in front of you. Only one thing filled your head and heart. Him!