March 18, 1991 – San Juan, Puerto RicoThe sun was high in the sky, casting a golden glow over San Juan's pristine beaches. The waves rolled gently onto the shore, creating a soothing, rhythmic sound.
Alex and Mari stood barefoot on the warm sand, taking in the breathtaking view before them. The ocean stretched endlessly, its turquoise waters shimmering under the bright sunlight.
Mari, dressed in a stylish blue bikini, adjusted her sun hat as she looked toward Alex with a playful smile. Her toned figure, slightly tanned from their time in Puerto Rico, glowed under the sun.
Alex, on the other hand, wore nothing but his black boxer shorts, his muscular frame on full display. His broad shoulders and defined abs made it clear that he was a fighter.
Mari couldn't help but giggle. "You're getting a lot of stares, you know?"
Alex smirked. "So are you."
She rolled her eyes and grabbed his hand, intertwining their fingers. "Come on, let's enjoy our last day here."
They spent hours at the beach, playing in the water, chasing each other through the waves, and simply lying on the sand together, basking in the warmth of the Caribbean sun.
After some time, they decided to rent a kayak and paddle out into the open water.
The kayak rocked slightly as Alex took the front seat, paddling powerfully, while Mari sat behind him, laughing every time the waves splashed onto them.
"You're getting us all wet!" Mari shouted.
Alex chuckled. "That's what happens when you go kayaking in the ocean!"
They reached a calmer spot where the water was crystal clear, revealing schools of colorful fish swimming beneath them.
Mari pointed excitedly. "Look! So many fish!"
"Want to try fishing?" Alex asked, pulling out a small fishing rod they had rented.
Mari nodded enthusiastically. "I've never caught a fish before!"
They spent the next hour laughing and cheering every time they caught something, releasing most of the fish back into the water.
After that, they decided to try scuba diving.
Diving beneath the surface, they entered a completely different world. Coral reefs, exotic marine life, and the serenity of the deep blue surrounded them. Mari reached out in wonder, gently touching a passing sea turtle.
Alex swam beside her, enjoying the beauty of it all.
For the first time in a long while, he wasn't thinking about boxing.
March 19, 1991 The next morning, their luggage was packed and placed neatly by the door of their hotel suite.
Mari stretched, letting out a small sigh. "It feels weird leaving already. It felt like home."
Alex nodded, adjusting the strap of his duffel bag. "Yeah, but we'll be back. Maybe next time we should go to the Maldives."
Mari giggled. "That sounds amazing… but not now. I still have a job."
Alex smirked. "Yeah, I'm busy with boxing too. But one day."
With their bags in tow, they hailed a taxi and headed to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.
As they walked through the airport, Mari held onto her wallet and glanced at Alex with a soft smile.
"We made so many memories here," she said.
Alex nodded, "Yeah, this trip was amazing."
Mari's gaze softened. "I'll never forget it."
Alex reached out and gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Neither will I."
She blushed but didn't look away.
After checking in, they boarded their first-class seats and prepared for the long 20-hour flight back to Japan.
March 20, 1991 After what felt like an eternity, their plane finally touched down at Tokyo International Airport.
As they stepped off the plane and into the bustling terminal, Mari stretched her arms into the air, letting out a relaxed sigh.
"Ahhh, it feels good to be back!"
Alex rolled his shoulders. "Yeah, we've been gone for a few weeks. It's weird being back."
As they made their way to the baggage claim, Alex pulled out his 1991-model phone and dialed a number.
After a few rings, the familiar voice of Ippo answered.
"Hello? Who is this?"
"It's me, Ippo."
"Oh! Alex! How was Puerto Rico?"
"It was great. We just landed at the airport. Can you pick us up?"
"Wait, right now?! Give me 20 minutes! I'll be there!"
Alex chuckled. "Alright, we'll wait."
Mari giggled beside him. "He sounded panicked."
Alex smirked. "He probably just woke up."
Exactly 20 minutes later, Ippo pulled up in a Nissan SUV, parking near the entrance.
Alex and Mari walked toward the car, both casually dressed.
Alex wore a black t-shirt, beige shorts, and white sneakers.Mari wore a black t-shirt, long jeans, and Nike shoes.As they loaded their luggage into the back of the SUV, Ippo suddenly noticed the silver cross necklaces hanging around both of their necks.
He raised an eyebrow. "Wait… are those couple chains?"
Alex smirked. "Yeah. They're blessed."
Ippo stared at him, then at Mari. "You two really went all out, huh?"
Alex chuckled. "Don't worry, I brought back souvenirs for you too."
Ippo's face lit up. "Really?! Like what?"
Alex shrugged. "Shells, food, and some other cool stuff."
Ippo nodded, satisfied. "Alright, fair trade."
After finishing packing, Ippo drove Mari home first.
As they arrived at Mari's house, she turned to Alex, her cheeks slightly flushed.
"Thank you for everything. This trip… it was the best moment of my life."
Alex, leaning casually against the car, smirked. "We can make even better memories."
Mari's eyes softened, her heart fluttering at his words.
For a moment, they just stared at each other.
Then, without hesitation, Mari leaned in and kissed Alex softly.
Ippo, sitting in the driver's seat, awkwardly looked away, pretending to check something on the dashboard.
After pulling away, Mari smiled and waved goodbye. "See you soon."
Alex waved back. "See you."
She disappeared into her house, leaving Alex standing there, grinning to himself.
As Alex got back into the car, Ippo glanced at him from the driver's seat.
For a moment, he was quiet.
Then, with a deadpan expression, he said: "There's something different about you."
Alex leaned back, grinning from ear to ear.
"You'll understand when you become a true man, Ippo."
Ippo's face turned red. "H-Huh?! What does that even mean?!"
Alex just smile and looked out the window, watching the Tokyo skyline as they drove home.