15

As I slowly opened my eyes, Jarred's gentle whisper filled my ears. "Goodmorning baby." His soft lips brushed against my cheek, sending a warm tingling sensation through my skin. I smiled, feeling a sense of comfort and love.

"Bangon na," he whispered again, his breath dancing across my skin. I rubbed my eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. As I sat up, Jarred's eyes met mine, sparkling with excitement.

"Bangon na baby, we will prepare pa for our flight," he said, his voice filled with anticipation. Suddenly, the fog of sleep lifted, and I remembered that today was the day we were leaving for Japan. A surge of excitement coursed through my veins.

"Morning," I said, planting a kiss on Jarred's lips. I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stood up, feeling a sense of energy and enthusiasm. I headed to the bathroom to start my morning routine, my heart racing with excitement for our upcoming adventure.

As I walked into the dining room, Jarred's eyes widened in exaggerated admiration. "Wow," he exclaimed, covering his mouth with his hand.

"Ganda mo, love." I rolled my eyes good-naturedly and walked over to him, giving him a quick kiss on the lips.

But Jarred was just getting started. He suddenly burst into song, his voice warbling as he sang, "Aking diwata, uh, uh-uh, uh-uh." He gazed at me adoringly, his eyes shining with affection. I playfully hit his arm and pinched his cheek, laughing at his silly antics.

But then, Jarred's expression turned serious, and he guided me to the dining table. "Anong niloto mo?" I asked, curious about what he had prepared.

Jarred's face broke out into a wide smile as he revealed the breakfast he had made. My eyes widened in delight as I took in the spread before me. He had made a simple pancake, but he had carved it into intricate cherry blossom shapes. Even the apple slices on the side had been carved into delicate blossoms. And to top it all off, he had made a pink shake that matched the theme perfectly.

I gasped in amazement. "Wow," I breathed. Jarred beamed with pride, his eyes sparkling with happiness.

"You like it?" he asked, his voice trembling with anticipation.

I shook my head, smiling. "Like it?" I repeated. "I love it."

I flung myself at Jarred, covering his face with kisses. "Thank you so much," I exclaimed, my heart full of gratitude.

He chuckled, his eyes shining with happiness. "I love you," he said, his voice filled with emotion.

"Let's eat na," he added, his voice sweet and gentle. I nodded, and we began our meal. Before taking a bite, I snapped a photo of the beautifully crafted cherry blossom pancakes. After savoring our breakfast, we finished our preparations and headed out the door, bound for the airport.

As we sat in the airport, waiting for our boarding time, my phone rang. "Tumawag si Mama," I said, showing Jarred my phone.

We greeted my mom with a cheerful "Ma!" She wished us a safe trip, reminding us to pray for a secure flight. We both nodded, reassured by her concern.

Jarred asked about Jelly's treatment, and my mom shared the wonderful news that Jelly's speech had improved significantly. She could now talk properly, although some words still got jumbled. We both felt a surge of happiness at the update.

My mom added that Jelly had become quite the chatterbox, sharing stories about her school day. "That's good, Ma," Jarred said, smiling.

After a few more minutes of conversation, my mom bid us farewell, reminding Jarred to take care of me. "Jarred, ingatan mo asawa mo ha," she said.

Jarred replied sweetly, "Opo Ma. Bye na po. Love you."

As we hung up the phone, the airport announcer declared that our flight was ready for boarding. We gathered our belongings and made our way to the plane, finding our designated seats. I settled into the window seat, while Jarred took the aisle seat beside me.

As the plane took off and leveled out, Jarred asked, "Matutulog ka?" I shook my head.

"I wanna watch some movie," I said, scrolling through the options on the screen.

Jarred nodded, his eyes already getting heavy. He lay his head on my shoulder, and I gently caressed his cheek, feeling a sense of comfort and closeness.

"Let's try to watch The Boy in Striped Pajamas," he suggested, his voice muffled against my shoulder. I nodded and selected the movie, and we settled in to watch.

As the movie played, Jarred snuggled closer to me, sneaking gentle kisses on my neck. I intertwined our hands, feeling a sense of warmth and connection. We watched the movie together, lost in our own little world, as the plane soared through the skies.

As the plane touched down on Japanese soil, I felt a mix of emotions: excitement, nostalgia, and a sense of accomplishment. I turned to Jarred and smiled, "Finally, after a decade nakabalik na din."

The trip had been smooth, and we were both relieved to have arrived safely. We made our way to the baggage claim, collected our luggage, and proceeded to process everything that needed to be processed at the airport.

As we navigated the airport, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. I had spent a significant part of my life in Japan, and being back here brought back a flood of memories. I was excited to explore the country again, this time with Jarred by my side.

With our airport formalities complete, we made our way out of the airport, ready to start our Japanese adventure.

As I stepped out of the airport, I was immediately struck by the breathtaking view before me. The air was crisp and clean, with a hint of sweetness that I couldn't quite place. The atmosphere was alive with a vibrant energy, as if the very city itself was pulsing with excitement.

But it was the spring season that truly stole my breath. The trees were ablaze with color, their branches heavy with delicate pink and white blossoms that seemed to dance in the gentle breeze. Cherry blossoms, or sakura as the locals called them, were everywhere, their beauty and fragrance filling the air.

I felt as though I had stepped into a dream world, one that was both familiar and yet utterly foreign. The sounds, the smells, the sights - everything was so different from what I was used to, and yet, it all felt strangely welcoming.

Jarred, sensing my awe, slipped his arm around my shoulders and pulled me close. "Beautiful, isn't it?" he whispered, his eyes shining with excitement.

I nodded, still trying to take it all in. The beauty of Japan in the spring was truly something special, and I felt grateful to be experiencing it with the person I loved.

As we stepped out of the airport, I turned to Jarred with a excited grin. "Balik tayo dito ulit, kasama sila Mama," I said, already planning our next family trip to Japan.

Jarred's face lit up with a warm smile. "Of course, love," he replied, taking my hand in his.

We waited for a taxi, and when one arrived, we slid into the backseat. As we drove through the city, I couldn't help but gaze out the window at the unfamiliar sights.

"Look," I said, pointing to the colorful stores and billboards. "Para tayong nasa anime," I giggled.

Jarred chuckled and replied, "Cute." But as I turned to him, I caught him gazing at me, his eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. My heart skipped a beat as I realized he wasn't looking at the stores at all - he was looking at me, and I felt my face flush with pleasure.

When we arrived at our hotel, I was amazed by its modernity and grandeur. As we settled into our room, I flopped onto the bed, feeling its softness envelop me. "Ang sarap tuloy matulog," I sighed.

Jarred lay down beside me, his eyes gazing into mine. "Remember our first trip together?" he asked, a nostalgic glint in his eye.

I nodded, recalling our adventure in Bataan, where we explored the historic Las Casas de Filipinas Acuzar. "Yeah, why?" I asked.

Jarred's hand encircled my waist, pulling me closer. "We booked a hotel with two separate beds, and now we're sleeping in the same bed," he said, his smile wide and tender.

His words struck a chord within me. "Remembering it always made me realize how long our ride is," he continued. "That we made it."

My heart swelled with emotion as I smiled at Jarred.

Yes, love, we made it.

"I love you," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Jarred's lips met mine in a gentle kiss. "I love you even more," he replied.

As our kiss deepened, I suddenly felt a pang of hunger. "I'm hungry," I said, pulling back from Jarred's lips.

He smiled and asked, "Let's have a delivery?" I nodded, feeling too tired from our flight to venture out.

"Bukas na tayo mag-libot," I said, suggesting we explore the city tomorrow instead.

Jarred agreed and asked, "Opo, I'll call the hotel restaurant, what do you want?" I thought for a moment before responding, "Carbonara and sushi."

He nodded and proceeded to call the hotel restaurant to place our order. Meanwhile, I decided to freshen up. "Ligo muna ako," I said, heading to the bathroom for a quick shower.

After my shower, I slipped into a comfortable pair of sweatpants and a cozy sweater. I then settled into our bed, flipping through the TV channels to find something interesting to watch.

Jarred soon followed, taking his own quick shower before joining me in bed.

Just as we were getting comfortable, there was a knock on the door. "Room service," a voice called out. Jarred got up to answer the door, and soon he was wheeling in a cart laden with our dinner.

My stomach growled in anticipation as Jarred uncovered the dishes. We had ordered carbonara, sushi, and a few other Japanese dishes. The aroma wafting from the food was amazing, and we dug in with gusto.

As we ate, we couldn't help but tease each other. Jarred made a face at me, and I retaliated by flicking a piece of sushi at him. He laughed and pretended to be outraged, and I giggled at his antics.

"I'm going to get you back for that," Jarred said, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Talaga ba?." I replied, rolling my eyes.

After we finished eating, Jarred suggested we play a board game to pass the time. I agreed, and he pulled out a travel-sized version of Go. We set up the board on the bed, and Jarred explained the rules to me.

As we played, we continued to tease each other. Jarred would make a move, and I would pretend to be shocked, gasping dramatically and clutching at my heart. He would laugh and try to distract me, but I was determined to win.

"You're going down," I said, making a bold move.

"Dika sure," Jarred replied, countering with a clever move of his own.

The game was intense, with both of us focusing on our next moves. But even as we concentrated, we couldn't help but sneak in a few jokes and teasing comments. It was all in good fun, and we both knew that the game was just an excuse to spend time together.

As the night wore on, we finally finished the game, with Jarred emerging victorious. I pretended to be outraged, pouting and refusing to speak to him.

"Hey, nagtatampo kaba?" Jarred said, laughing and trying to pull me into a hug.

"Hindi ako nagtatampo," I replied, still pouting. "I'm just strategically reevaluating my next move."

Jarred chuckled and wrapped his arms around me, holding me close. "You're so cute when you're trying to be tough," he whispered, his breath tickling my ear.

I couldn't help but giggle and snuggle into his embrace.

After our game, Jarred suggested we watch a quick anime movie to unwind. I agreed, and we picked a romantic comedy to pass the time.

As we watched, we snuggled up close, sharing a blanket and a bowl of popcorn. The movie was light-hearted and fun, with a sweet love story that made me smile.

As the credits rolled, Jarred turned to me with a gentle smile. "I'm glad we watched that," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "It's always nice to see love conquer all."

I nodded, feeling a warmth in my chest. "Definitely," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

Jarred leaned in, his face inches from mine. "You know what's even better than watching love stories?" he asked, his voice low and husky.

I shook my head, my heart beating faster. "Ano?" I asked, my voice barely audible.

Jarred's eyes locked onto mine, filled with a deep affection. "Living one," he whispered, his lips brushing against mine.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as Jarred's words washed over me. I knew exactly what he meant, and my heart swelled with emotion.

As we cuddled up close, Jarred's arms wrapped around me, holding me tight. I felt safe, loved, and cherished in his embrace.

"Mahal na mahal kita," I whispered, my voice muffled against his chest.

"I love you more," Jarred replied, his voice soft and gentle.

As we drifted off to sleep, wrapped in each other's arms, I knew that this was where I belonged - with Jarred, in Japan, surrounded by love and beauty.

The morning sunlight streamed through the window, I slowly opened my eyes to find Jarred's smiling face inches from mine. His eyes sparkled with warmth, and his hair was mussed from sleep.

"Good morning, love," he whispered, his voice husky and sweet. He leaned in, his lips brushing against mine in a gentle kiss.

I smiled, feeling my heart flutter at his affectionate greeting. "Good morning," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

Jarred's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "Did you sleep well?" he asked, his hand gently stroking my hair.

I nodded, feeling a sense of contentment wash over me. "Yep, super sarap ng tulog ko. Thanks to you," I replied, my eyes meeting his.

Jarred's face softened, and he leaned in for another kiss. "Anytime, baby. Anytime," he whispered.

"Get ready na po. We will have a breakfast on their breakfast buffet," Jarred said, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

I nodded, feeling a thrill of anticipation. I leaned in and gave him a quick kiss before standing up and heading to the bathroom to get ready.

As I changed into my outfit for the day, I felt a sense of satisfaction. I had chosen a cream high-rise wide-leg jean, a cotton jersey t-shirt, and a striped collar knit polo-top. My beige Samba sneakers added a sporty touch, while my leather hobo shoulder bag added a chic flair. To complete my look, I put on my Jane mesh strap watch and a petite gold bracelet.

Feeling refreshed and stylish, I walked out of the bathroom and back into the hotel room. Jarred's eyes widened in appreciation as he took in my outfit. "Ganda talaga," he said, his voice filled with admiration.

He walked closer to me, his eyes locked on mine, and I could feel my heart skip a beat. "Mas lalo akong nahuhulog," he added, his voice barely above a whisper.

I smiled and playfully hit his shoulder. "Daming alam, ligo kana dun," I said, laughing.

While Jarred took his shower, I pulled out my phone to check our group chat. I saw a message from Ashley: "Nadiligan na?"

Kiraz quickly replied, "Inggit ka?"

I chuckled and responded, "Ang aga ingay niyo agad."

Before I could even put down my phone, Ashley called in our group chat. I answered, and Kiraz's loud voice screamed through the speaker, "Clydeeee!"

I positioned my phone so they could see me easily. Ashley teased, "Ingay talaga."

Kiraz chimed in, "Musta Japan, girl?"

I smiled, "So far so good, ngayon pa kami lilibot."

The group erupted into a chorus of excited chatter, asking me about our trip and what we had planned for the day. I laughed and tried to answer their questions, feeling grateful for my friends and the joy they brought to my life.

As I continued chatting with my friends, Jarred emerged from the bathroom, looking dashing in his cream dress pants, white polo shirt, and cream Samba sneakers. His hair was styled in his usual sleek, swept-back look, which made him look even more handsome.

Kiraz couldn't help but comment, "Kaya naging crush ko to dati eh." We all burst out laughing at her teasing remark.

Jarred smiled good-naturedly and waved at the camera before walking over to me and planting a gentle kiss on the top of my head. "Respeto naman," Ashley joked, but I just winked at her, feeling happy and content.

After a few more minutes of chatting, I said my goodbyes. "I'll go na guys, breakfast na kami." I waved at my friends before hanging up.

I turned to Jarred and asked, "Let's go?" He nodded, and we walked hand in hand down to the buffet, ready to start our day together.

As we entered the buffet, I gazed at the spread of delicious Japanese food before us. My eyes widened at the variety of dishes, and my stomach growled in anticipation.

"Masisira diet ko dito eh," I said, laughing, as I contemplated the temptation before me.

Jarred chuckled and encouraged me, "Eat all you want."

I pouted playfully, "Mananaba ako."

But Jarred's expression turned serious, and he looked straight into my eyes. "Chubby or skinny, you are beautiful," he said, his voice filled with sincerity.

My cheeks fluttered at his sweet words, and I felt my heart skip a beat. "Let's eat na nga," I said, trying to sound nonchalant despite the warmth spreading through my chest.

As we filled our plates and began to eat, Jarred teased me, "Kala ko ba ayaw mo masira dieat mo?"

I playfully rolled my eyes. "Pagbalik na natin sa Pilipinas itutuloy ko diet ko. "

Jarred laughed and fed me a piece of sushi. "Here, eat this. You need the energy for our busy day ahead."

I smiled and took a bite, savoring the delicious flavors. "Mmm, this is so good."

After fueling up on breakfast, we headed to DisneySea, our first destination for the day. As we walked hand in hand, taking in the sights and sounds of the park, I felt grateful for this trip and for Jarred's loving presence by my side.

As we waited in line for one of the rides, Jarred turned to me and said, "Love, subrang saya ko na nagagawa ko 'to ng kasama ka. You make everything more fun."

I smiled and leaned into him. "I'm glad too. I love spending time with you."

Jarred wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close. "I love you," he whispered in my ear.

"I love you," I replied, feeling my heart flutter at his touch.

As we rode the attractions and explored the park, we continued to tease and be sweet to each other. Jarred would occasionally steal kisses from me, and I would giggle and playfully push him away.

At one point, as we were walking through a crowded area, Jarred grabbed my hand and pulled me close. "Stay close to me," he said, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "I don't want to lose you in the crowd."

I smiled and leaned into him. "I'm not going anywhere," I said, feeling safe and happy in his arms.

As the day went on, we continued to enjoy each other's company, laughing and joking together as we explored the wonders of DisneySea.

The sun began to set, Jarred and I made our way to the Tokyo Skytree, eager to take in the breathtaking views of the city at night. As we walked, Jarred wrapped his arm around my shoulders, pulling me close.

"I love doing everything with you," I said, looking up at the towering Skytree. "It's going to be amazing."

Jarred smiled and squeezed my shoulders. "Ako din. I love spending time with you, especially in this beautiful city."

We reached the observation deck and were immediately struck by the stunning views of Tokyo spread out before us. Jarred and I stood at the railing, taking in the sights and sounds of the city.

As we gazed out at the twinkling lights, Jarred turned to me and said, "You know, I think this is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner."

I raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what makes you think that?"

Jarred grinned mischievously. "Well, for one thing, the view is amazing. And for another, I have a special surprise planned for you."

I felt a flutter in my chest at his words. "What is it?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant despite my growing excitement.

As Jarred opened the small box, I couldn't help but gasp in surprise. My jaw dropped, and my eyes widened in amazement. Tears began to form in my eyes as I gazed at the beautiful silver necklace with a silver cherry blossom pendant that shone so brightly.

Jarred's eyes sparkled with amusement as he said, "When Clint and I went to the mall, I ran over to this necklace and I remembered you. So, I bought it."

Tears escaped from my eyes as I was overwhelmed with emotion. "I actually saw this too, I wanted to buy it but I didn't," I said, my voice trembling.

Jarred's face lit up with a smile. "I bought my gift to you first," I added, my voice filled with love.

As he leaned in to kiss me, I felt my heart overflow with emotion. "I love you," he whispered, his lips brushing against mine.

"I love you," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper, as we shared a tender kiss.

I suddenly remembered that I had left my gift for him at the hotel. "Naiwan ko sa hotel gift ko," I said, feeling a pang of regret.

Jarred just smiled and reassured me, "It's okay."

He then took the necklace from the box and slowly put it around my neck. I looked up at him with so much adoration, feeling grateful for this thoughtful and loving man.

As he finished fastening the necklace, he stepped back and admired me. "There," he said, his eyes shining with love. "It suited you. I assume that this necklace is made for you."

He then leaned in and kissed me again, and I felt my heart melt at his tender touch.