..."I Will wait for you till next eclipse, my moon"...

...Across the World and the Heart 🥀...

By Moon and Rose (Wattpad)

Long ago, in a quiet countryside town, there lived a young high school girl named Moric Sahumi. At just seventeen, Sahumi was anything but your typical “perfect” heroine. She wasn’t the top of her class, nor the star athlete. But what set her apart was her spirit—a heart full of love, laughter, and an unapologetic zest for life.

She didn’t care about fitting into society’s mold. While her family clung to their traditional values and strict beliefs, Sahumi believed in following her heart. She embraced trends, hung out with her friends, and even skipped a few classes just to savor life’s little moments. Sure, her grades weren’t great, and her past held more than a few scars, but she was determined never to let it define her.

At 5'5" with a bold personality that shone brighter than her height, Sahumi lived her life on her terms—unaware of the destiny that waited for her far beyond her small town’s borders.

Meanwhile, in a bustling city on the other side of the world, lived Marlowe Carnez, a 25-year-old self-made businessman. His life was simple but stifling: work, home, eat, sleep, repeat. Marlowe had built his wealth with hard work, but his soul felt hollow. There was no sparkle in his eyes, no thrill in his daily grind.

He had all the riches he could ask for, yet none of the joy. His motto? “My life, my rules.” But even rules couldn’t fill the emptiness he felt every day.

Two souls, worlds apart, unaware of each other.

Will fate weave their paths together, or will theirs be another story of missed chances and lost love?

This is not just any love story—it’s a journey of hearts beating against the odds, set in the early 2010s when modern relationships were as tangled and uncertain as ever. Amidst red flags, situationships, and fleeting connections, there still existed hearts—pure and yearning to experience true love.

So come along and let’s discover together what lies Across the World and the Heart. 🥀

With love,

...Chapter One: The Start of Summer...

In the picturesque city of Wakayama, Japan, the sun was beginning its slow descent over the quiet streets. On this warm, golden evening, two high school girls, Moric Sahumi and her best friend Saduyo, were returning home from their extra classes. Their laughter echoed through the near-empty streets as they walked side by side, basking in the soft glow of early summer.

“Summer vacation is finally here, Sahu!” Saduyo cheered, her voice sparkling with excitement. ✧⁠\⁠(⁠>⁠o⁠<⁠)⁠ﾉ⁠✧

“Yeah, and once again we’ll be stuck at home doing nothing but boring holiday homework,” Sahumi groaned dramatically. “I hate it!” (⁠>~<)

Saduyo giggled. “But you never finish it anyway!” (⁠≧⁠▽⁠≦⁠)

Sahumi shot her a playful side-eye. “Says you, Miss Perfect!”

“Hmph! There’s nothing to be done about it,” Saduyo replied with a mock-serious tone, tilting her head. “Summer’s for relaxing, not wasting time on homework!” <⁠(⁠￣⁠︶⁠￣⁠)⁠>

The two of them dissolved into giggles, playfully tapping each other like the carefree high school girls they were. As they reached their neighborhood, they said their goodbyes and headed to their respective homes. The sky was already deepening into twilight, stars beginning to emerge against the indigo canvas.

Sahumi opened the front door to her house. “I’m home, Mom!” she called.

Her mother, Mrs. Moric Saki, welcomed her warmly. “Welcome home, sweetheart. Go take a bath before dinner.”

Grateful for the chance to unwind, Sahumi agreed and headed to the bathroom.

But her little sister, Wakumi, was quick to protest. “Hurry up! I want to take a bath before dinner too!” she pouted. 😒😤

“Wait your turn,” Sahumi replied with a teasing smirk. 😌

“You’re taking forever!” Wakumi whined.

“Why? Do you feel old already?” Sahumi teased.

“You’re the old one!” Wakumi shot back.

“I’m just a year or two older than you,” Sahumi said, waving her off.

“Exactly! Too old for me!” Wakumi declared, stomping her foot and running off to complain to their mom.

Sahumi just laughed from behind the bathroom door, enjoying the playful exchange.

At dinner, the family sat together around the chabudai, the traditional low table. They shared stories from their day while enjoying a simple meal.

“Mama~ can’t we please go on a trip this summer?” Wakumi pleaded, her voice sweet but insistent.

“Yes, Mama! All my friends are already packing for their vacations,” Sahumi added, pouting.

Mrs. Moric sighed. “You both know we can’t go anywhere until your father comes home.”

“Then call Papa and tell him to come home soon!” Wakumi huffed, crossing her arms.

“Then you call him and tell him to fly back to Japan!” Mrs. Moric replied with a tired laugh.

Sahumi giggled. “Dad will come flying back like Superman for his little princess,” she teased.

The family shared a round of laughter, and even Wakumi cracked a cheeky smile. After dinner, they each retreated to their rooms. Sahumi lay on her bed, scrolling through Instagram, liking friends’ photos, and reading dreamy love quotes. She hugged her pillow close, eyes shining softly with unspoken dreams.

_____________________________________

The next morning, the gentle rays of sunlight filtered through the thin curtains of Sahumi’s room, painting the walls with soft gold. A familiar voice, rich and warm, stirred her from her dreams.

“Wake up, sunshine,” the voice murmured, accompanied by a hand brushing gently over her hair.

Sahumi groaned softly, still nestled in the comfort of her blankets. The sunlight tickled her closed eyes, making her turn her head to escape the brightness. But the warmth of that touch, the deep familiarity of that voice—it tugged at something in her heart.

With a sleepy blink, she cracked one eye open, struggling against the blur of sleep. As her vision cleared, the figure before her came into focus. Her breath caught in her throat.

“Dad…?” she whispered, her voice a trembling mix of disbelief and joy.

The man standing by her bed chuckled softly, his deep, soothing voice wrapping around her like a protective embrace. “I’m home, my little Sahu.”

In an instant, Sahumi shot up from her bed, her arms flinging around her father’s waist as if afraid he might vanish again. The tears welled up faster than she could stop them, spilling down her cheeks as she buried her face against his chest.

“You really came home… you really did!” she choked out, her voice breaking with emotion.

Her father, Mr. Moric Harutoshi, wrapped his strong arms around her, pulling her close, his large hand gently stroking her hair. “I’m sorry I was late this time, my dear. But I promise, I’ll make it up to you. I missed you so much.”

Sahumi tightened her embrace, feeling the weight of months without his presence crumble in an instant. His familiar scent, the warmth of his embrace—it was everything she had longed for.

“I thought… you were going to miss this summer too,” she whispered, her voice muffled against his shirt.

Harutoshi smiled softly, his heart swelling with pride and tenderness. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world, Sahu. I promised I’d always come home to you and Wakumi. You’re my girls. My everything.”

They stood there in the quiet morning light, the world around them fading away. Time slowed, and for that moment, it was just a father and his daughter, reunited after months apart.

“I’ll make it up to you both,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to the crown of her head. “We’ll make this summer unforgettable.”

Sahumi sniffled, pulling back just enough to meet his gaze, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “Promise?”

“Promise,” he said, his smile warm and full of love.

The Moric family was practically glowing with happiness that morning. Gathered around the large, sunlit dining table beside the kitchen, the aroma of toasted bread, melted cheese, and the sizzling sound of their father’s cooking filled the air.

In the kitchen, Mr. Moric Harutoshi was wearing a simple T-shirt and apron, his sleeves rolled up as he masterfully flipped sandwiches on the griddle.

“Dad, you know no onions on mine!” Wakumi called out with a mischievous smile, her head popping up from behind the table.

“I know, princess,” Harutoshi chuckled warmly.

“Dad, you just got back from a long flight. You should rest!” Sahumi protested, concern etched across her face.

Mrs. Moric (Saki) sighed, arms crossed with a knowing look. “This man never listens…”

Harutoshi laughed softly, waving them off. “Oh, my dears, I find peace in this! Now just enjoy it. I made it with extra ketchup for my sunrise,” he said, nodding toward Sahumi. “And for you, darling, no pepper,” he added, winking at Saki.

As the family gathered, their plates filled with warm, cheesy sandwiches, laughter echoed through the dining room. Conversations flowed from silly jokes to the little happenings of their lives, creating a cozy, love-filled bubble.

Later, as they sat in the living room sipping tea, Wakumi’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. “Now that you’re here, Dad, can we finally go on a vacation?” she pleaded with her best puppy-dog eyes. “Mom said we could if you come home!”

“Yes, Dad! Pleaseee~” Sahumi chimed in, her voice rising with excitement.

Saki sighed dramatically. “You brats! Your father just got back today. Let the man breathe!”

“But Mom—” Wakumi started.

“No buts!” Saki said, her tone firm yet amused.

“Calm down, calm down,” Harutoshi chuckled, raising his hands in surrender. “Okay, fine. We’ll make a trip this summer. Happy now?”

“YEAH!” both girls cheered in unison, jumping up and giving each other an excited high-five. Their faces lit up with pure joy.

“Are you sure, love?” Saki asked softly as she handed him his cup of tea. “It’s going to be a hassle with the crowds and the heat. You need rest too.”

Harutoshi smiled, his gaze following his daughters as they giggled and ran off to plan their outfits. Then he turned to Saki, gently pulling her into his arms.

“Anything for those smiles,” he murmured against her hair.

Saki’s cheeks turned a delicate pink. “You always know what to say to make me fall for you all over again,” she said, her voice soft, her head resting on his shoulder.

“I can’t help it, darling,” Harutoshi whispered, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “When you give me that look, how can I not?”

Saki laughed softly, burying her face against his neck. Harutoshi’s hearty laugh filled the room, the love between them as clear as sunlight streaming through the windows.

..................................... ✨✨ ......................................

...🌸*Two Days Later – Maldives Arriv***al**🌸...

Wakumi and Sahumi shared a knowing look from the car window as the sparkling blue ocean came into view. Both girls were dressed for the occasion—bright, floral-printed shirts, shorts, sun hats, and sunglasses perched on their heads.

As soon as the car stopped in front of the luxurious resort, the sisters leapt out, their voices ringing out in unison:

...“HELLO MALDIVES!”...

The resort staff, dressed in light island attire, welcomed them with flower crowns, placing them gently on their heads. Sahumi and Wakumi beamed, already pulling out their phones to snap photos of the stunning scenery. The white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and gentle sway of palm trees made it clear this was going to be a vacation to remember.

While the girls were busy capturing every moment, Harutoshi stepped up to the reception desk to finalize the details for their pre-booked suite.

A tall, muscular man with a gleaming bald head and dark, sun-kissed skin approached them, wearing a casual yet professional island-style shirt and shorts.

“Welcome, Moric family! I’m Mr. Henry, your guide for the duration of your stay,” he said, his voice smooth and accented with the relaxed tone of a local islander.

Harutoshi shook his hand firmly. “Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Henry. This is my family.”

Henry’s eyes twinkled as he turned to the girls. “Shall we make your summer vacation unforgettable, young ladies?”

“YES!” Sahumi and Wakumi shouted in perfect harmony, their faces lighting up with anticipation.

With that, their adventure truly began.