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

Kyoto's streets glowed under the soft shimmer of paper lanterns as Emma and Ren wandered through the quiet alleys of Gion. The evening was cool, the distant hum of the city fading into the rustling of trees and the occasional murmur of passersby.

Emma stole a glance at Ren, his expression unreadable as always, though she was starting to recognize the subtle shifts in his gaze—the way his eyes lingered a second longer when he looked at her, the way his fingers flexed slightly when they walked too close.

For the past few days, they had slipped into something neither of them had defined. They weren't just two strangers crossing paths anymore. They were something more. Something unspoken.

"This way," Ren said, breaking the silence.

She followed him through a narrow path that opened into a small garden. Stone lanterns lined the walkway, casting golden light on the still pond at the center. The place felt hidden, untouched by time.

Emma turned to him, smiling. "How do you always find places like this?"

She smirked. "Not everyone sees what you see."

His gaze flickered toward her then, something deep and unreadable in his eyes. "Maybe they don't want to."

Emma felt her breath hitch. He had a way of making everything sound like it meant something more.

They stood there in silence, the night pressing around them, heavy with something unsaid.

Emma took a small step closer. "Ren…"

He looked down at her, and for the first time, he didn't hold back. His eyes softened, his walls lowering just enough for her to see the truth beneath them.

It was slow, tentative, as if he wasn't sure if this was allowed, if she would disappear the moment he touched her. But Emma didn't pull away. She leaned into him, her hands pressing lightly against his chest, feeling the warmth of him beneath her fingertips.

There was no Tokyo, no Kyoto, no fleeting moments. Just this. Just them.

When they finally pulled apart, Ren exhaled, his forehead resting against hers.

Emma's heart pounded. She wanted to say something, but for once, words failed her.

So instead, she whispered, "I think I was always supposed to meet you."

Ren closed his eyes for a moment before whispering back, "Me too."

And for the first time, neither of them ran from what they were feeling.

The first kiss