Liana Cruz stood at the edge of the hotel balcony, fingers wrapped loosely around a glass of red wine. The Tokyo skyline shimmered below her like a painting too perfect to be real. City lights blinked in silent rhythm, yet her chest felt empty—as if everyone around her was moving forward while she stood still.
She should have felt excited. This conference was meant to be a milestone—her first international design presentation. But instead of celebrating, she found herself seeking quiet corners, escaping to balconies, and replaying the same tired arguments in her mind. "Next time, babe. You know the clinic needs me," Marco had said before boarding his own emotional flight out of their marriage.
A breeze touched her face, carrying a hint of rain and lavender.
"You don't look like you're enjoying the party," came a voice, low and lilting, from her left.
Liana turned. Standing a few feet away was a woman—tall, poised, with short chestnut hair and deep, searching eyes. She wore a sleek black suit instead of a dress, a soft smirk resting on her lips.
"I could say the same about you," Liana replied.
The woman stepped closer. "I hate networking. But I like balconies."
Liana offered a half-smile. "Then you're in the right place."
"I'm Rei," the woman said, holding out her hand.
"Liana."
Rei's handshake was firm, yet gentle. She didn't let go too quickly, and Liana didn't pull away.
"You're not from here," Rei noted, tilting her head.
"Manila. You?"
"Osaka," Rei replied. "But I live in Tokyo now. I consult for cross-cultural design firms. Tonight, I was just supposed to show face and sneak out early."
"Looks like we had the same plan," Liana said, allowing herself a laugh.
They stood in comfortable silence, the city a hum beneath them. Rei didn't rush to fill the quiet. She just... stood there. Present.
It had been so long since someone looked at Liana like that—with interest, not obligation. With softness, not scrutiny.
"You travel often?" Rei asked.
"Only when my marriage is falling apart," Liana blurted before she could stop herself. She gave a nervous laugh, but Rei didn't flinch.
"Honesty. That's rare," Rei said. "For what it's worth, I'm not married. But I have my share of ghosts."
There was a weight in that sentence. One Liana didn't ask her to unpack.
Instead, she said, "Well… if you're also avoiding the party tomorrow, maybe I'll see you here again."
Rei met her eyes. "You will."
Liana wasn't sure who leaned in first. It wasn't a kiss. Not yet. But something passed between them—an unspoken permission, an acknowledgment of a door slightly opening.
She turned to leave, her heart pounding. As she walked back inside, she felt Rei's gaze linger.
She shouldn't want this.
But for the first time in months, she felt something.