Being married to Reina felt like living in a dream I didn’t deserve. She was stunning, with an effortless beauty that made people do double-takes on the street. But it wasn’t just her looks; it was the way she carried herself—confident, self-assured, and undeniably radiant. It made me wonder, more often than I cared to admit, what she saw in me.
I was just Kenji—steady, unremarkable Kenji. I worked my salaryman job, kept my head down, and did my best to provide. Yet somehow, Reina had chosen me. Every time I caught her looking at me with those warm, almond-shaped eyes, my heart skipped. She was my world, and I felt like the luckiest man alive, though a tinge of anxiety often gnawed at me.
Our ritual each morning after my late-night shifts was sacred. We’d walk together in Hibiya Park, hands intertwined, as the world woke up around us. Reina said the park cleared her mind and helped her start her day on the right note. For me, it was a chance to bask in her presence, to steal a few uninterrupted moments with the woman I adored.
One crisp autumn morning, our usual walk took a turn I wasn’t expecting. As we strolled past the stone monument near the koi pond, Reina stopped suddenly. “Kenji, let’s take a photo here!” she exclaimed, pulling out her phone.
Before I could respond, she waved over a passerby—a man with broad shoulders, a strong jawline, and an easy smile. “Excuse me,” she said in her cheerful, melodic voice. “Would you mind taking our picture?”
The man nodded, and as he adjusted the phone, I caught Reina’s expression. Her lips parted slightly, her eyes widened, and a faint flush crept onto her cheeks. I knew that look. Reina had one of those faces that couldn’t hide emotion, and right now, she was captivated.
He handed the phone back after a few shots and introduced himself. “I’m Hikaru,” he said, his voice smooth and confident. Reina introduced us in return, and before I knew it, we were sitting on a nearby bench, chatting.
Hikaru was well-spoken, charismatic, and—as Reina quickly discovered—well-traveled. He had studied abroad in the United States, a place Reina had always dreamed of visiting. Her eyes lit up as he described the bustling streets of New York and the beaches of California.
“You’ve been promising to take me to America for years, Kenji,” Reina teased, nudging my side.
“I know, I know,” I said, chuckling nervously. “It’s just—”
“If Kenji doesn’t want to go, I’ll take you,” Hikaru joked, flashing a grin.
Reina laughed, and I managed a weak chuckle, though my stomach twisted. Who was this man, swooping in with his stories and charm?
Before we parted ways, Reina exchanged numbers with Hikaru. “He has so many stories,” she said, brushing off my raised eyebrow. “I want to hear more!”
The walk back to our flat was quiet at first, save for the crunch of leaves underfoot. I couldn’t keep the question inside any longer.
“What happened back there?”
Reina glanced at me, her expression unreadable. “What do you mean?”
“With Hikaru,” I said, stopping mid-step. “You… seemed drawn to him.”
She smiled softly, squeezing my hand. “Kenji, don’t be silly. He’s just interesting. And yes, I’ll admit, he’s attractive. But that doesn’t mean anything.”
Her honesty was a double-edged sword. I admired it, but it stung all the same.
“Did you feel… something?” I asked, my voice smaller than I intended.
Reina hesitated, then nodded. “There was… an energy. A spark, maybe. But Kenji, that doesn’t change how I feel about you.”
Her words hung in the air as we walked the rest of the way home.
That evening, I decided to channel my thoughts into something productive. I made Reina’s favorite ramen, hoping the meal would help clear the lingering tension.
As we sat down to eat, I couldn’t hold back my curiosity. “Are you planning to text him?”
Reina laughed, setting down her chopsticks. “We’ve already been chatting while you were cooking. He was telling me about his favorite restaurants in San Francisco.”
I blinked, caught off guard. Part of me wanted to be upset, but another part—one I didn’t fully understand—felt intrigued. The thought of Reina catching someone else’s attention stirred something unexpected within me.
“You’re not mad, are you?” Reina asked, tilting her head. “It’s just harmless conversation.”
“No, I’m not mad,” I said, hesitating. “It’s… complicated.”
Her eyes narrowed playfully. “Complicated how?”
I felt my cheeks heat up. “I guess… it’s kind of… arousing. Knowing someone like him is interested in you.”
Reina’s eyebrows shot up, and then she laughed—a rich, melodic sound that made my heart flip. “Kenji, you never cease to surprise me.” She leaned over, kissing my cheek. “You’re so sweet.”
Her reaction put me at ease, though my mind raced with possibilities.
The next few days passed in a blur, but Reina’s excitement about Hikaru didn’t wane. She suggested meeting him for coffee, and though I felt a pang of hesitation, I agreed.
When we arrived at the café, Hikaru was already there, looking effortlessly stylish in a crisp shirt and dark jeans. He greeted us warmly, and Reina’s smile was brighter than usual.
The conversation flowed easily as Hikaru recounted his time abroad. Reina asked endless questions, her curiosity insatiable. I chimed in occasionally, but mostly, I observed.
It was clear that Hikaru admired Reina. The way he looked at her, the way he leaned in when she spoke—it was all too obvious. But what surprised me was how it made me feel. Instead of jealousy, I felt a strange sense of pride. Reina was amazing, and it was no wonder others saw what I saw.
After coffee, Hikaru mentioned a new American football game airing that evening. Reina’s eyes lit up. “I’ve always wanted to understand that game,” she said.
“Why don’t we watch it together?” Hikaru suggested.
Reina turned to me. “What do you think, Kenji? Should we invite him over?”
I hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Sure. Why not?”
That evening, I ran to the sakaya to pick up some plum wine. As I walked back, bottle in hand, I couldn’t help but reflect on everything that had happened. Reina was unlike any woman I’d ever known—strong, free-spirited, and unapologetically herself. She challenged me in ways I never expected, and I loved her all the more for it.
When I returned, Reina had tidied up the flat and set out snacks. “Hikaru will be here soon,” she said, flashing me a smile.
As we waited, I pulled her into my arms. “You’re amazing, you know that?”
She looked up at me, her eyes soft. “I know,” she teased, leaning in for a kiss.
When Hikaru arrived, the atmosphere was surprisingly comfortable. We watched the game, sipped plum wine, and chatted like old friends. Hikaru explained the rules of American football with enthusiasm, and Reina listened intently, occasionally glancing at me with a playful smile.
As the night went on, I realized something important. Reina’s connection with Hikaru didn’t diminish what we had—it added a new layer to our relationship. I still didn’t fully understand my feelings, but one thing was clear: I trusted Reina, and I was willing to explore this uncharted territory together.
