The modern world is fascinating in many ways, yet some traditions should never have faded. You’ve always loved the stories of old—tales of how men would court the women they loved.

Harana.

You never thought you’d experience it yourself, not until Kento came into your life. A Japanese man visiting the Philippines—his mother’s homeland. Coincidentally, the very town where she was born was the same one you grew up in.

Fate played its part, and somehow, Kento became your manliligaw. Despite struggling with Tagalog—especially with his friends mischievously teaching him words with the wrong meanings—he never wavered in his efforts to show his love for you.

Every night, he would show up at your house, a guitar in hand, his friends cheering him on. He was adorably clumsy—especially under your gaze. Each time your eyes met, he’d fumble his words or strum the wrong chord.

God, you were just so beautiful.

Tonight was no different. Three months into courting you, and still, he was as nervous as ever. As you stepped outside, his eyes widened, and in his flustered state, he almost dropped the guitar.