A month passed by. Time flowed like sand between fingers. Each day, Nik and Anri spent it to the limits. The events in the park changed their relationship, pushing them closer together in the realms of kink. More and more, Anri expressed her freedom by giving it up freely to her true love. Trust, a hard word and concept for segments of the population to comprehend and fulfill.
They ratcheted up their exhibitionist streak, finding secure, public places to satisfy their growing sexual drives. More bathroom stalls, footjobs at restaurants, even one time Anri picked Nik up at school, only to be whisked away to a secluded spot on campus. Their bodies reached levels of endurance pornstars couldn't dream of competing with.
The campus fun time made their blood boil and heart race. Not only would Nik get fired if caught fucking on school grounds, but also they participated in that fantastical taboo only seen in smut films and naughty stories. Each moan kept quiet. Every thrust slow and precise. Sex ninjas, never seen or heard. Nik knew when staff left school for the day, as well as when the night guard did his rounds. The entire act got timed perfectly.
But this present moment ached romance over lust. They held each other, staring across the horizon, in the same Ferris wheel from a month ago.
"I got a new gig, Nik. It'll make my career. A major magazine called our agent, asking me if I could fly to Okinawa for a tourist advertising campaign. They are working with the government to prep for the next tourist season."
Nik beamed proudly, giving Anri a soft kiss on the forehead.
"That is wonderful, babe. Your career keeps reaching new heights. When do you jet out?"
"In a couple days. Rush job, they said. First girl got sick, and the government has a strict deadline."
"Great. Take advantage of it. Maybe something else will come up right afterwards."
She nodded her head, smiling.
Their trips on the Ferris wheel always ended quickly but never felt fleeting. Small, private moments of romance outside their apartments before they had to go back into public view. The night got colder. Winter approached. Holding hands, they picked a direction and walked.
Every night they came to the wheel, they picked a different direction to aimlessly walk. Every night an adventure, searching for unique experiences and sights they could enjoy together. Business signs radiated streets with neon illumination, paving walkways and directions to go or not go.
They walked down the cold streets. A full moon hung in the background, shining brightly over each step. The light cast down radiantly, and to look up at the clouds felt like they transported to a different world. Bitter wind forced them to find shelter. A small, cozy coffee shop gave them reprieve from the wind. Two stories high, they ordered their coffee and snacks on the first floor before stepping up to the second.
A few customers filled seats but the couple could still enjoy a quiet atmosphere. Seated next to the windows, the moon appeared perfectly in the sky.
"I like the moon. I don't know why, but it feels romantic to me," Anri commented, head in a hand.
She stared outside, lost in thought, enjoying the night's sky.
"It has its charm. I like it too, especially when it rains. A cascading shower looks like silver bullets dripping from heaven."
"I'm hesitant to go to Okinawa. Is that wrong?" she asked.
"No, why would you think that?"
"We spend so much time together; I forget what it is like to be apart. I'll be there a week, two, maybe more. I don't know, I'm just confused."
"Hey, don't worry. You've got a cellphone."
"Am I being too clingy?"
"I like clingy."
Nik reached over, caressing her cheek caringly. Her eyes smiled into his.
"I'll be calling you every day. Be careful what you wish for," Anri replied.
"I love you. You've already made my wish come true. You know, I could walk the entire city with you, holding hands. No destination, just walking. I feel like I've found my soul mate."
"My friends think I'm foolish. I tell them about us. The plain stuff. I never mention our special relationship. They tell me I'm moving too fast, or he is a foreigner that'll jet away on a plane. I thought they'd be happy for me that I found someone I love, but they are too cautious. Most are in long-term relationships or married."
"Why does it matter if we knew each other a month or a year. Feelings can't be faked. If what we had was simple lust, it'd have vanished after the first month. But we're still here, still together. Yesterday we spent the entire night chatting. Holding you in my arms. I feel fulfilled when we're together," Nik said.
"You know how to make a girl smile, baby," Anri commented, lightly kissing his hand.
"Are you worried about your friends' opinions, babe? They are only looking out for you. I don't know, or need to know, what happened to you before we met. I'm sure if you keep happy, they'll change their opinions and be more positive."
"Do your friends know about me?" Anri enquired.
"Yeah, sure."
"And?"
"They are happy for me. Maybe it is a guy thing. They are just happy I found someone special. You know the moment I knew you were the right girl for me?" he asked.
"No, when?"
Her eyes opened a little wider, curious as to what he was about to say.
"The second date we went on. We stopped into that side shop."
"The one with all the raunchy figures?" she giggled.
"I didn't know they were in there at the time. I just thought it was a typical game store," he laughed back.
"You're so easy to tease. How'd that tell you I was your Miss Right?"
"The fact you went in, for starters. Maybe I had shit luck with girlfriends back home, or Japanese girls are different, but convincing one to even step into any kind of hobby store felt like a nail in the relationship coffin. You asked me a million questions about it all, taking a genuine interest. Other people will think it silly and mundane but it touched me deeply. I knew I could be myself around you. No bullshit games."
"You really did have shit luck with girlfriends, baby. Not going to second base for that? I should thank them. I wouldn't now have you all to myself," she spoke softly, reaching over to caress his face.
"I want you to come with me," he blurted out.
"Huh?"
"My career is sporadic, Anri. I don't know where I'm going to be from year to year. I don't care where. I just know I want you with me."
"My friends are going to flip out."
