Page 96 of From Rivals to I Do

After a dedicated bout of work, I get up to stretch and have a glass of water. My phone rings, a piercing sound jolting me out of my reverie. I look over at the caller ID and discover that it’s one of my agents. Their timing is excellent, or maybe that’s just how the world works. Even if they can’t see it, I respond with a nod.

“Hello?” I greet, the glow of the laptop illuminating my face as I pull out my chair to sit.

The voice on the other end is punctuated with some mild excitement. “Good evening, sir,” he says.

“Yeah. Good evening,” I respond.

“Derrick-san, I’ve found a two-bedroom apartment somewhere in downtown Tokyo. I think it’s perfect for the clients coming in next month.”

I lean against the dining table, curiosity piqued. “Tell me more.”

My agent eagerly shares the details of the apartment, describing the cozy living space, the sliding doors that open into a small garden, and the view of some floral blossoms from the bedrooms. The location has its own charm, nestled between the old-world allure of traditional tea houses and the convenience of modern shopping streets.

As he speaks, I visualize the scene he paints with his words. The ambience of Tokyo in the evening, streetlamps casting a gentle glow on cobbled streets, and the scent of cherry blossoms wafting through the air. It’s a story woven through description, and I can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation.

My agent continues, “The apartment is in excellent condition, fully furnished and ready for our clients to move in. It’s in a peaceful neighborhood, Derrick-san. They’ll feel at home here.”

The idea of ensuring a seamless transition for these newcomers warms my heart. “Good work. I’ll come over to inspect it myself.” I pause. I can hear the man’s breathing from the other end of the phone. “Would it be possible if I come this evening?” I ask, not wanting to waste any time to jump on it.

I hear him make some unsure sounds and then mutter, “I’m still here. I’ll text you the address now. Just come immediately, because I have some other stuff to catch up with.”

“Definitely. Thank you.”

There’s a hint of relief in my agent’s voice. “Thank you, Derrick-san.”

I end the call, my mind already racing with the logistics of the inspection. I will need to coordinate with the property manager, prepare my notes for the clients, and ensure that everything is in place to make their transition as smooth as possible.

As I glance out the window, I can’t help but feel a sense of fulfillment. My work allows me to connect with people from all walks of life, each with their own story, their own reasons for embarking on this journey to Japan. It’s a privilege to be part of their adventure, to ensure that their first steps into a new world are guided with care and understanding.

I make my way to my room to change into different clothes. The sun has set further. I turn on the switch on the wall by the door, shooing the subtle darkness away. I then slide into comfortable attire suitable to wear out, and I collect the documents I’ll need.

After a last-minute check, I head out of the house and toward my car. It’s a short walk, and the cool evening air is refreshing. I unlock the car and start the engine, the soft purr resonating as the vehicle comes to life.

Some Japanese folk music plays on the radio, filling the car with a sense of serenity. The melodies have a calming effect, and for a moment, I close my eyes, allowing the music to wash over me. It’s a gentle reminder of the rich culture that surrounds me, and I find comfort in these musical traditions.

As soon as the song comes to an end, I change the channel to a news channel. A female news anchor reads in rapid Japanese, her voice projecting urgency. The news being told is of children in schools, being verbally painted in some seemingly sobering sight. I frown, recognizing the seriousness in her expressions. My Japanese isn’t fluent, but I understand enough to know that they’re discussing a concerning topic.

My attention shifts to the translator who speaks in English. The message is clear—there is a flu outbreak among Japanese school children in the eastern region. It’s a disturbing development, one that’s bound to affect the families and schools.

The news caster continues, mentioning the efforts to contain the outbreak, the measures schools are taking, and the need for parents to be vigilant. It’s a stark reminder of the fragility of health and the importance of community in a foreign land.

As the news segment ends, the forecast begins. The translator relays the predictions with a reassuring tone. The seas have been experiencing a slightly higher tide lately, and the waves have been crashing with more intensity. They claim that it’s attributed to a mild sea wind, something that they expect to calm down in the next few days.

I find solace in the hope of better weather. This wasn’t going to be the first, or even the twentieth time I would be hearing something like this.

In a while, I arrive at the apartment building. It is a modest structure, nestled amid some tree blossoms. It’s a quiet part of the city, far from the noisy urban center. I make my way to the entrance and am greeted by my agent, who’s been waiting.

We head inside, and he leads me in a brief tour around the house. It’s definitely a perfect match for the descriptions I had gotten from the client. After a while, I go over the details, and I make notes for the clients, ensuring that they have all the information they need. My agent offers to handle the paperwork and logistics, which I appreciate.

Over the next few days, I’m occupied with putting things together for two families that are moving down to Japan. One is a newlywed couple, and the other is a family of four. A few times, Amber had stopped by to seek aid on some areas she was confused about. And, to the best of my knowledge, I helped her or referred her to a better source.

Chapter thirteen

Chapter Thirteen

Iclose the door behind me as I step out of Derrick’s house. It’s a dark night, and the only illumination comes from the street lamps a dim glow on the sidewalk. The sky above is studded with stars, resembling distant fireflies in the vast expanse of space.

I hold Alex’s hand as we make our way away from the porch, thoughts of the evening with Derrick lingering in my mind. As we walk home, I can’t help but wonder why a grown man like Derrick seems so numb to courtesy and emotions. His lack of involvement and the sense of detachment during our dinner leaves me less than impressed. I can’t shake the questions about his lifestyle and personality, which seem to be a reflection of his reserved and seemingly indifferent demeanor. I can’t believe he couldn’t even make an effort to see us off to the door. Please make sure to close the door well behind you, I think sarcastically, echoing his words.

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