[Prompt of Happiness] 18

Chapter 62: Respective Thoughts and Decisions

A few days later, the two decided to talk deeply about their future once again. On a lazy holiday afternoon, they sat facing each other in the familiar living room, exchanging words over cups of coffee.
"Maya, what do you want to do from now on?" Kaito asked cautiously. Maya thought for a moment and began to speak slowly. "Of course, my feelings about wanting to be with Kaito haven't changed. But if I stay in Japan to work, there are visa issues, and I would need to perfect my Japanese. Besides, I would be giving up my career plan in Sweden." Her words were realistic. Kaito understood that finding a job in Japan as an international student was limited and not an easy path.
Kaito looked into Maya's serious eyes and shared his own thoughts. "I don't want to be apart from you either, Maya. If you want to work in Japan, I will cooperate with anything I can do. Whether it's helping with job hunting or consulting on visas. But if returning to Sweden is the best choice for you, I want to support that." At Kaito's words, tears welled up in Maya's eyes. "Kaito... thank you." She hugged Kaito, wrapped in his warmth.
For several weeks, the two thought deeply about their respective futures and talked it over. Maya contacted her parents and friends in Sweden, and Kaito consulted his parents. They confirmed that they respected each other's dreams and careers, and above all, that they had a deep love for one another.
Then, on a rainy day, the two made one big decision. "I've decided to return to Sweden for a while." At Maya's words, Kaito nodded quietly. It was by no means an easy choice. However, they both felt that for the sake of each other's growth and for the day they could be together again in the future, this was the path they should choose now. "I understand. I will also study hard at my university in Japan and become someone you can be proud of." Kaito held Maya's hand and said with a serious gaze. "Even if we are apart, we are connected. I'm sure we can become even stronger." Maya said this and smiled. It was not a sad smile just lamenting the parting. It was a powerful smile filled with hope for the future.
The two decided to separate for a time and continue their relationship in the form of a long-distance relationship. Even if the physical distance is far, the distance between their hearts will never be apart. Supporting each other's dreams and overcoming difficulties, they began to walk forward, believing in the day they would meet again. They were convinced that this decision would make their bond even stronger.

Chapter 61: Long-Distance Bonds and New Signs

The days after Maya returned to Sweden were, for Kaito, a series of growth and challenges in a different sense than his fulfilling trip to Hokkaido. His university life in Tokyo became busier than ever, and his specialized studies in the Department of Electronic and Information Engineering only deepened. In particular, he was immersed in cutting-edge research in the fields of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. As expected, a long-distance relationship was not an easy path. Video calls and message exchanges while considering the time difference sometimes led to misunderstandings, but more than that, their feelings of caring for each other and the anticipation of reuniting strengthened their bond.
Maya also returned to her life in Sweden, and while cherishing time with her family, she began to think concretely about her own career. She had no intention of giving up on her future with Kaito, and she was exploring ways to work in Japan and paths for them to be together.
One day, Kaito received a call from Maya's father. What he heard over the international call was an urgent voice. "Kaito, I need your help. It's an emergency." When he heard the story, the security company he managed was facing a new, large-scale cyberattack. Unlike the previous hacking incident, this time it was not the client's system, but the company's own core system that was being targeted. The attack was sophisticated, and the experts within the company were at a loss.
Kaito immediately understood the gravity of the situation. He locked himself in his laboratory, mobilized all the information provided, his inherent knowledge, and his experience of saving Maya's company before, and worked through the night to analyze it. The attack was highly advanced, using a new type of malware that cleverly bypassed existing security measures. However, with his innate insight, Kaito discovered the characteristics of the malware and the traces of a backdoor set by the attacker. Then, he used that backdoor against them to launch a counter-hack at the source of the attack.
Thanks to his meticulous analysis and bold actions, the attack stopped abruptly a few days later. Maya's father's company was able to avoid devastating damage. With this incident, Kaito's ability was firmly established in the eyes of Maya's father.

Chapter 62: Opening a Tokyo Branch and Reunion

A few weeks later, Kaito received another call from Maya's father to thank him. "Kaito, thank you so much. Without you, our company might not have been able to recover." And in that call, a surprising proposal was made. "Because of this incident, I have made a decision. Considering your ability and the importance of the Asian market, I have decided to open a new branch in Tokyo." Kaito couldn't believe his ears. A Tokyo branch. That meant the distance to Maya would shrink. "And I want to put Maya in charge as the person responsible for launching that Tokyo branch and expanding our business in Japan." "I want her to return to Tokyo first and proceed with the preparations for opening the branch. And for you, after you graduate, I would very much like you to work at that Tokyo branch." Kaito couldn't suppress his excitement. He was happy that his ability was recognized, but above all, his heart leaped at the possibility that Maya might return to Tokyo and they could be together again.
Soon, Maya also contacted him. "Kaito! Did you hear? I'm going to Tokyo! To prepare for the branch opening!" Maya's voice on the phone was bouncing with joy. Having endured the loneliness of a long-distance relationship, the joy was all the more intense. "Yeah, I heard! I might be able to work there too after I graduate." The two shared their joy. It meant more than just a reunion. There was hope that while pursuing each other's dreams, they could build a future together in the same place again.
A few days later, Maya returned to Tokyo. The moment he found her in the arrival lobby at Haneda Airport, Kaito ran up and hugged her tightly. "Welcome back, Maya." "I'm home, Kaito." The reunion after a long-distance relationship made them feel the magnitude of each other's presence even more than before. They were quietly looking forward to the new challenges in Tokyo that were about to begin and their relationship, which would deepen even further.

To be continued