April's POV:
I changed thrice.
I searched for something simple, but it'd look like I didn't try.
Something formal, but it'd not suit a dad-daughter reunion.
Finally, I got something that looked low-maintenance.
Way better than the other two.
"Are you going to meet your dad or a court hearing?" Ci-N commented on my standing in front of the mirror for the past 10 minutes.
"Don't overthink it," Yuri said.
"I know, I know. I'm just... nervous about meeting him in-person." I accepted the truth. I can't lie with these two.
Add Keifer to the list, too.
"I think Yuri's Father-in-law will not be as strict as you think. From my memory, he's such a cool father-in-law~" Ci-N sang, pressing the Father-in-law word again and again.
Heck him.
Yuri smirked at Ci-N and high-fived him.
BRUH.
"Are you both seriously making Father-in-law when I'm here, meeting my father after almost 4 years of only speaking through phone calls?"
They both went quiet. Finally.
"Sorry," they both said in chorus.
"I don't need sorries." I said, "Just... act reasonable."
They really know how to guilt-trip me for being angry.
I don't want to be angry at anyone, honestly.
"Okay, come on." Yuri nudged my hand. I looked at myself in the mirror for the last time and took my phone and wallet. I slid the wallet into my pocket.
"All the best, Yuri!" Ci-N teased.
We went outside, and Yuri's mom saw us. She smiled.
"Hi, dears! Ohayo!" she greeted.
"Hi, tita. Ohayo po." I was mixing Filipino, English and Japanese in one sentence now.
April, don't show your nervousness.
"Where are you both going? You haven't had breakfast yet!" she said.
"Ah, it's okay, hahaoya. We'll be back in an hour or so." Yuri covered up.
"Hm.. but-"
"No worries, po. We'll come as soon as possible, we're gonna be just a few kilometres away, po." I said.
"Fine, then if you insist so much." She accepted, "But, come early. Breakfast will be in 30 minutes."
We both nodded and started walking again.
The streets of Japan were clean and looked familiar.
I've been to Japan twice before. It feels refreshing to be here.
But, it felt longer.
As if the streets have stretched.
I looked at Yuri.
"What if it's weird?" I asked, softer this time.
"It will be," he said.
"You're really bad at comfort," I commented, frowning.
"I'm not trying to make it perfect," he replied, stepping a little closer, his tone steady. "I'm just making sure you don't go through it alone."
That… worked.
Annoyingly.
"Tell me if you want to turn back," Yuri said as we walked, hands in his pockets, matching my pace without rushing me.
"I won't," I replied, but my voice didn't sound as sure as I wanted it to.
He didn't call it out.
Just nodded.
"Okay."
He noticed.
His expression softened just a little.
"Hey," he said, quieter now, stepping closer. "You'll be fine."
I gave a small nod.
My hands felt cold.
Without thinking, I rubbed them together.
Yuri noticed.
Of course he did.
He didn't grab my hand immediately, didn't make it obvious. He just brushed his fingers lightly against mine.
Once.
Grounding.
I focused on that.
Not the café ahead.
Not the fact that he was inside.
Just that small, real touch.
He really knows the tricks and tips to ground me.
When we reached, I almost stopped.
Actually. No.
I did stop.
Right outside.
I could see him through the glass.
Sitting near the window.
Waiting.
"April."
Yuri's voice was quiet.
Not pushing.
Just there.
I took his hand.
We went inside, and there he was.
My dad.
My actual dad.
The one who's with me always.
But, not actually.
His gaze fell on me.
"Dear," he smiled.
I smiled back and sat across.
Yuri sat next to me. He smiled at my dad.
"Oh, Hanamitchi, aren't you? The boy who couldn't be separated from her?" he said.
He remembers that? Wow.
"Yes. Still inseparable," he commented.
Boi, what did I say to you?
I forced a smirk; I was so nervous. I took his finger and kept it at my pulse point on my wrist under the table.
He felt it.
He glanced at me and took my whole hand in his.
Why am I this nervous?
My dad stayed silent, then, after some time, he spoke.
"So, why are you all here in Japan?"
Do I say, 'for a trip together with 17 more people, pa?'
"This is my hometown, uncle. We're just here to visit." Yuri covered up for me.
"Together? Where are you staying? Do you want any help? What about your clothes? Wanna go shopping?" My dad flooded us with questions.
"Pa, pa, stop bombarding us with questions, ayo. We're here at Yuri's home. Yes, we packed clothes for FIFTEEN DAYS. Yes, we'll go shopping if we need to later. And no, we don't want heelpp."
"Good, then."
Yuri chuckled.
I hesitated to take the next topic. And at the exact moment.
The waitress came, "Irasshaimase! Star Cafe e yōkoso. Gochūmon wa okimari desu ka?"(Welcome! Welcome to Star Cafe. Have you decided on your order?)
Yuri nodded and turned to me. I've been craving a sandwich for so long. No more diet, woho!
"Sandwich"
He turned to my dad, and he said, "Wala (nothing)"
"Sandwich, kudasai." He said.
"Aisu kōhī, satō sukuname de." I used my Japanese skills, I KNOW BASIC JAPANESE, WOHO.
I meant: One cold coffee, too, please. Less sugar.
The waitress nodded and left.
Yuri looked at me proudly. I've been learning Japanese for 4 years now, of course, I know how to speak at least this!
My dad gave me a surprised look, "Wow! You know Japanese, too?"
"HEHEH, YES." I proudly boasted.
"She's been learning it for almost 3.5? 4 years," Yuri added.
That increased my ego.
"YES YES." I said again, "So goated, no? I know Filipino, English, and Japanese."
"I know the same too." Yuri shot back, WHY IS HE CHANGING PARTIES NOW.
My dad got a call, he excused himself and went away to speak.
I looked at Yuri, "My heart is really beating fast."
"I'm here." Was the only response.
Somehow, it calmed me down more than anything could.
"I'll buy you ice cream," he said.
THAT'S IT. NO DIET. NO CONTROL. JUST ME AND MY LOVE STORY WITH FOOD CONTINUES.
"Really?" I questioned him, not believing.
"I'll buy you whatever you want." He smirked.
"Wow, ah. So generous of Yuri Hanamitchi." I teased.
But we both knew one truth. He'll forever do anything for me, no matter the time, place, or reason.
And our fingers were still linked together.