divela

When Emma, a young journalist from New York, moves to Japan for a year-long assignment, she expects culture shock, adventure, and a few challenges. What she doesn’t expect is Ren—a quiet yet captivating photographer with a past he keeps locked away. As they navigate love, language barriers, and their own personal fears, Emma must decide if she’s willing to rewrite her future for a love that transcends borders.

Love across Oceans

The bell above the door chimed softly as Emma stepped into Hoshino Books. The scent of old paper and ink wrapped around her like a warm embrace. Stacks of books—some ancient-looking, others crisp and new—lined the narrow aisles.

She ran her fingers along the spines, most of them in Japanese, though a small section held English titles. As she browsed, she couldn't shake the lingering thought of Ren. He had been an enigma—quiet, observant, and gone before she could ask him anything else.

Why had he taken her photo? And why did she feel like she wanted to see him again?

Shaking off the thought, she pulled out a book with a beautifully illustrated cover. It was in Japanese, and though she recognized a few kanji from her beginner classes, she was mostly lost.

Emma turned, startled. A woman with graying hair and kind eyes stood behind the counter, watching her with amusement.

"Oh—yes," Emma admitted, holding up the book. "I can't read this, but it looks interesting."

The woman chuckled. "It's a collection of haiku by Bashō. A famous poet."

As the woman rang up her purchase, she glanced at Emma thoughtfully. "You are not from here."

The woman nodded. "And yet, you look like someone searching for something."

Emma hesitated. Was she? She had come to Japan for a career opportunity, a new experience, but lately, she felt like she was looking for something more—something unspoken.

Maybe the woman saw the uncertainty in her eyes because she simply smiled and handed Emma her book. "Take your time. Sometimes the best things find you when you stop looking."

Emma thanked her, stepping back out into the cool Tokyo night.

He was across the street, camera in hand, looking up at the flickering neon signs. The moment she spotted him, he turned—as if he had felt her presence, too.

For a moment, neither of them moved.

Then, without a word, Ren lifted his camera and snapped another photo.

What was she to him? Just another fleeting moment? Or something more?

Lost in translation