They finally arrived in Italy after a long and tiring flight. Lia and Ehito felt both excited and exhausted, but the fresh air of the Italian airport welcomed them with a welcome softness.
After retrieving their luggage, they were greeted at the airport exit by a woman of stunning beauty. She wore an elegant outfit, had long black hair, and clear, piercing eyes. She smiled as they approached and introduced herself.
"Welcome to Italy! I'm Isabella, your butler for the next five days," she announced in a calm but assured voice. "You have five days before the start of the sports tournament. During this time, you are free to do whatever you want. I will be here to assist with anything you need and to ensure your stay is as pleasant as possible."
Lia and Ehito exchanged a glance, slightly surprised. They hadn't really planned on having a butler during their stay, but Isabella exuded such confidence that they understood she was a professional.
"Thank you, Isabella," Ehito replied with his usual calm demeanor. "We're happy to be here."
Isabella then guided them to a luxury car that took them to their hotel. During the ride, Lia admired the picturesque landscapes, the Italian countryside with its hills and charming villages. The journey took them to a majestic hotel, an old building carefully renovated, where they were greeted by a smiling staff.
Isabella led them inside, explaining that the suite they would share was ready. They took a spacious elevator up to their floor. Upon entering the suite, Isabella again explained the rules.
"You have five days before the tournament, so feel free to make the most of your time. Explore the city, relax, or do whatever you want. If you need me for anything, I'm at your disposal."
The suite was large, modern, and comfortable, with windows offering a magnificent view of the city. Lia immediately felt a little lost in such a luxurious environment but also excited about the idea of experiencing this unique adventure.
"Thank you, Isabella," Lia said, slightly impressed by the décor. "It's really beautiful."
"I'll leave you to settle in," Isabella replied with a smile, before retreating to the lobby.
Once Isabella left, Lia and Ehito were alone in the suite. Lia walked toward the window to look at the view, while Ehito sat on the couch in silence.
"What do you think?" Lia asked, a bit nervous. "It's big, huh?"
Ehito nodded, his eyes fixed on an indeterminate point in the room. "It's a little strange, but nice," he replied calmly.
Lia smiled slightly, happy that he shared a bit of her feelings. She then turned her attention to the bathroom. She needed to relax after the tiring trip. Upon entering, she discovered a huge bathtub and luxurious accessories. She instantly felt more at ease, but remembered that the suite was shared, which made things a little complicated.
"I'll have to be careful with the privacy," she thought as she took a deep breath.
After the shower, she felt much more relaxed. Wrapped in a towel, she exited the bathroom. When she met Ehito's gaze, he didn't react. He was focused on his phone.
Lia smiled slightly, feeling reassured by his lack of discomfort. She walked toward the window to enjoy the view of the city, the bustling streets, the crowded cafés—Italy seemed to live at a different pace, more relaxed, more welcoming. She felt a little less nervous now.
"Do you want to go explore the city a bit?" she asked after a moment. "We could walk around the streets and see what there is to discover."
Ehito looked up from his phone and nodded silently. "I'm up for it."
They went out for a walk in the city. The afternoon light bathed the streets in golden hues. They passed through charming alleys, admiring the mix of old architecture and the modern city. They stopped at a picturesque café, where they had coffee together.
The silence between them was never awkward. They understood each other without needing words, and Lia was beginning to enjoy Ehito's company more and more.
The afternoon passed slowly, and upon returning to the hotel, they felt relaxed. Isabella contacted them upon their return to suggest a nearby restaurant, and after a few exchanges, they decided to go there for dinner.
The evening went smoothly. The soft light of the evening filtered through the curtains, and the atmosphere in the suite was calm. They discussed their plans for the upcoming days, enjoying their free time before the tournament began.
While waiting for their dinner, Lia dropped onto the couch with a slight smile on her lips. The day had been pleasant, and even though she didn't know what the future held, she felt good. Italy, the landscapes, and especially her companion—Ehito—seemed to perfectly align with what she was seeking.
Night slowly fell, and after sharing one last moment in the suite, Lia went to bed, listening to the distant sound of cars like a soft melody. She closed her eyes, ready to rest before a new day filled with discoveries.
The next morning, after a good night's sleep, Lia and Ehito woke up in their luxurious suite. The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, gently caressing the room. Lia stretched her arms, enjoying the warmth of the bed before getting up and heading to the window. Italy looked magnificent under the golden morning light, with the streets still calm before the bustle of the day.
"So, we have five days here," Lia thought. "We need to make the most of it."
Ehito was already up, dressed simply yet elegantly. He seemed used to getting up early, his calm gaze focused on the view outside. Lia turned to him, a shy smile on her lips.
"Do you want to explore a bit today?" she asked, a little hesitant. "I've spotted some interesting places on the map."
Ehito raised an eyebrow slightly, but showed no particular sign of enthusiasm. "Why not. It'll give us a chance to get to know the city before the serious stuff starts."
They spent the morning wandering the picturesque streets of the city, discovering small shops, local cafés, and the beauty of the old architecture that blended with modernity. Lia felt more and more at ease in this environment, though she remained a bit shy, especially in the presence of Ehito. But as the day went on, she began to realize that his moments of silence weren't uncomfortable; they were just his way of enjoying the moment.
They stopped for lunch at a typical Italian restaurant, where Lia indulged in a cheese pizza and fresh pasta. Ehito also chose a pasta dish but seemed more focused on his conversation with the waiter than on what he was eating. Lia gave him a curious glance, but he didn't react, immersed in his thoughts.
"He's strange sometimes," she thought, "But that's what makes him interesting."
The second day, Isabella suggested an excursion through the surrounding hills. They took a car with a driver who drove them through picturesque villages and lush vineyards. Lia and Ehito were mostly silent during the trip, but there was a certain understanding between them that made these moments enjoyable.
The silence between them was never awkward. Sometimes, Lia felt the need to speak just to break the quiet, but every time she looked at Ehito, she realized he was perfectly fine with it. He didn't need too many words for the moment to be perfect.
During this excursion, they stopped at a small village where they were able to taste local specialties: cheeses, wines, and pastries. Lia found herself enjoying these moments of tranquility shared with Ehito, though she still couldn't quite understand the nature of their relationship. Were they friends? Or was there something deeper that she wasn't ready to admit?
That evening, they returned to the hotel, where Isabella was waiting with information about available activities for the upcoming days. "Tomorrow, you can enjoy a day of relaxation, maybe a massage or a steam bath to unwind before the tournament," she said, handing them a brochure.
"Thank you, Isabella," Lia replied with a smile. "We'll see about that tomorrow."
The next two days passed without major events, but Lia started to feel more and more at ease with Ehito and the Italian environment. They spent their days exploring new places, tasting Italian food in charming restaurants, and discovering the city and its surroundings. Each evening ended with quiet meals at the hotel, followed by light conversations about their lives and their expectations for the tournament.
But even in these pleasant moments, Lia couldn't help but wonder what she truly felt for Ehito. Was it friendship? Or something deeper that she wasn't yet ready to admit?
On the last day before the tournament, they decided to relax a bit more. After a hearty breakfast, Lia and Ehito went to the hotel's spa for a day of relaxation. Isabella had reserved a full treatment for them: massage, sauna, and steam baths. Lia had always felt a little nervous in these luxurious environments, but today she felt more at ease.
They spent several hours being pampered in the hot waters, relaxing in the sauna rooms, enjoying the calm that surrounded them. When they left the spa, Lia felt like a new person, completely relaxed and ready to face the challenges of the upcoming tournament.
"Do you feel good?" Ehito asked, looking at her with a slightly curious expression.
"Yes, I feel great," she replied, smiling. "Thanks for all this."
Ehito nodded, his expression still calm. "I've only followed the suggestions."
But Lia knew that underneath his coldness, there was a kindness. It was his way of showing he cared for others, even if he didn't say it out loud.
The rest of the day passed quietly. They took another walk around the city, admiring the place from a different angle, and eventually returned to the hotel for their last dinner before the tournament. The meal was simple but delicious, and they took the opportunity to discuss the strategies they planned to adopt for the tournament.
By evening, Lia lay down early, exhausted but satisfied. She had experienced some intense moments over the past five days, and although she wasn't entirely sure what the future held, she felt ready to face whatever came next. She closed her eyes, listening to the sounds of the cars in the distance, like a soft melody, ready to start a new chapter of her life.
The next morning, they woke up early to prepare for the first day of the tournament. Lia had trouble hiding her excitement, though her nerves made her a little tense. Ehito, as usual, seemed implacable, but Lia knew he was ready to give his all. She followed him down the hotel corridors, their footsteps echoing softly on the marble floors.
They were ready. And no matter what the days ahead held, Lia felt ready to face the tournament, and more.