As I taught Yamato Yoruba phrases, his eagerness to learn warmed my heart. "Say 'mo ni ala' – I have a dream," I instructed, my eyes sparkling with amusement. His pronunciation was endearing, and my laughter echoed through his apartment.
Yamato's hands enveloped mine, sending shivers down my spine. "Mo ni ala, Nia. You're my dream." My smile faltered, thoughts of home flooding my mind. "Yamato, I miss Lagos – the rhythms, the food, my family..." His gentle pull drew me close, and I rested my head on his shoulder, the Tokyo lights twinkling outside like stars.
The next day, Yamato surprised me with a visit to Shibuya's African market. The aroma of jollof rice and suya enveloped me, transporting me back to Lagos. I hugged a Nigerian vendor, exchanging rapid Yoruba phrases. Yamato watched, a warm smile on his face.
As we explored, I sensed Yamato's genuine interest in my culture. He wanted to understand the rhythm that pulsed through my veins. That evening, the melodic sounds of his guitar filled the air, weaving Nigerian beats into the harmony. My eyes widened in surprise. "Yamato, this is afrobeat!"
I swayed to the music, my hips moving in perfect sync. In that moment, our love became a symphony – Japanese melodies blending with Nigerian rhythms, creating something beautiful, something us.
But as our love grew, doubts crept in. My family, Yamato's own uncertainties... could our love overcome them? I pushed the thoughts aside, letting the music carry me away, knowing that with Yamato, I had found a love that resonated deep within my soul.
As Yamato's graduation loomed, I sensed a shift in our relationship. We'd been inseparable since we started dating, and I couldn't imagine spending my life with anyone else. One day, Yamato's voice trembled with nervousness as he spoke. "Nia, I want to take our relationship to the next level." My heart skipped a beat. "What's your plan, Yamato?" I asked, curiosity sparkling in my eyes.
He took a deep breath. "I want to marry you after graduation." My heart soared, but Yamato's next words tempered my excitement. "But I need my parents' blessing." A shiver ran down my spine. I'd heard stories about his traditional family.
"Are you sure they'll approve?" I asked, a flicker of doubt creeping in. Yamato's grip on my hands tightened. "I don't know, but I want to try. For us." His conviction and love were palpable, dispelling my fears. I steeled myself, determination burning within. "Let's do it."
Together, hand in hand, we would face whatever lay ahead, including his parents' potential objections. Yamato's resolve was contagious, and with him by my side, I felt invincible.
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