In Bloom

Oda Yoshiaki…he was an alluring solo musician from Japan. I’d admired him for some time now. And here he was, playing in my town. I couldn’t believe it.

We were crowded inside a small, intimate café. The turnout wasn’t great, but he was pleased just to have an audience. His gentle voice filled the room, along with the rich sound of his guitar. I’d never experienced anything quite like it. It was magnificent. I hoped I wasn’t gawking.

After the show, I made myself cozy outside. The weather was nice for a change. Don’t get me wrong, it was still cold, but the air wasn’t stale. It didn’t stink of fish either. All in all, it was a great night. Caught up in my thoughts, I almost didn’t notice the person approaching me.

“E-excuse me miss? But, do you speak Japanese?” A man questioned in broken English. It took me a moment to place the voice, but I stared wide eyed once I realized who was speaking to me.

“Uh-uh-Yeah! I do!” I quickly respond in Japanese. It had been a while since I last spoke the language. My mother was Japanese, and the culture definitely stuck.

“Excellent!” He exclaimed, a bright smile on his face. “Could you help me out? My crew and I are not the brightest with directions.” He chuckles.

“I’ll try my best.” I smile honestly, following him to his tour bus.

“I’m Yoshiaki by the way. But you can call me Yoshi.” He introduces, that grin never disappearing from his features.

“Yoshi, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Robyn.”

“A beautiful name, for a beautiful young woman.” I couldn’t help but blush. “I am in your debt Robyn.”

“Oh don’t worry about it!” I insist, waving it off as we approach the bus.

“Robyn, allow me to introduce you to Kanako and Tachibana. Kanako is my trusted camera man. Tachibana here handles the equipment and does most of our driving and maintenance.” He informs. “Guys, this is Robyn. She is going to help us figure out where we’re sleeping tonight!” The crew quickly cheers, eager to settle down for the night. We get ourselves situated in the small bus and are on the road in minutes.

“So tell me honestly, did you enjoy the show?” Yoshi questions at my side, his eyes shining in the night sky.

“Oh yes! It was amazing! Honestly, I’ve admired your work for many years. But seeing you live and in-person is a completely surreal experience!” I chatter.

“What do you mean by that?” he presses. I bite my lip, considering a way to answer thoroughly.

“I just mean…it was an occurrence you could never capture on camera. It was something you had to undergo yourself.”

“Okay I can understand that.” He smiles. “You’re a smart girl Robyn.” He winks, making my face turn a million shades of red.

“Quite the ladies’ man, as always.” Tachibana comments, rolling his eyes. I fumble with the strings of my hoodie, now aware that I’m in a van with three men I’ve never met before. Why do I never think these things through?

“Oh don’t let Tachi get to you. He’s clueless.” Yoshi chuckles. I nod silently, my attention on our surroundings.

“Looks like we’re here.” I utter, pointing them in which direction to go. The guys unpack while I gather my things.

“Thank you so much for all your help Robyn.” Yoshi’s voice sounds. I turn around to find him slowly approaching me, guitar case slung over his shoulder. “Is there any way I can repay you?” He questions.

“Oh don’t worry about it.” I assure, smiling to myself. “I’m glad I could help. You don’t need to go out of your way.”

“I wouldn’t be. I’ve had a wonderful time chatting with you. It would be a shame to cut our time short.” He frowns, making my stomach twist in guilt.

“O-okay.” I utter nervously, my face growing pink. Suddenly, my stomach groans in agony, reminding me I had yet to eat. Yoshi’s eyes grow wide, and a smirk appears on his face.

“I think I know how to repay you.” He winks. “Dinner’s on me! After all, it’s the least I could do for my biggest fan.” He winks, teasing. I let a groan, but am grateful for the opportunity to eat.



“So what is it you do?” Yoshi asks, poking his fork into a crisp slice of apple pie. His eyes haven’t left mine all night, and the questions haven’t stopped.

“Oh! I work in the family business.” I shrug, also spooning off a piece of pie. His prying eyes tell me he’d like to know more. “We’re dock workers.” I clarify, receiving a strange look from him. I get that look rather frequently. It’s strange seeing a young girl unloading and reloading harbor ships. “I’m surprised you can’t smell the stench of fish on me.” I comment.

“Oh, is that what that smell was?” He smirks teasing. I couldn’t help but chuckle. “No, Robyn, I think you smell sweet, but carnal.” He adds, his smoldering eyes glancing at me. His look made me feel…like a woman. I wanted him.

“Let’s get out of here.” I utter. I was in his arms in a matter of seconds.

It had been over a month since then. That night spent with Yoshi was magical, and every moment since then has been euphoric. Waking up in his arms, seeing his soft smile, I knew my life would never be the same. This man had given me something I’d long forgotten: hope. Our love may be a complicated one, with leagues between us, but it gave me hope for a better life.

‘I don’t know how we have such a connection, but I love it, and I love you <3’ My LCD reads, making my heart flutter. This man has such an intense effect on me.

“Lights out Robyn.” My dad grunts from his room.

“Sorry!” I squeak, powering my phone down.

“Good night pumpkin.”

“Night pop-pop.” I smile, nestling into my couch. The hum of the street lights and crashing of waves lulled me to sleep, as they had every night.