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1. Small kisses littered across the other’s face.
When you agreed to let my family take you in I was so grateful, so happy, so transported with joy. Perhaps I overstepped, overwhelmed you with my excitement. Dappling your face with kisses like sunlight. You smiled. I was so glad for what the future held.
2. A small, fleeting kiss - which is immediately followed by a passionate, hungry kiss.
You kissed me goodbye before heading off to work. Do you remember? It was just quick perfunctory peck, but I realized in that moment that you were mine. That we were a couple, that you were going off to make money and comeing home to me, your wife, your family, your home. To think of what you'd given up for us. I grabbed you by the collar of your jacket and pulled you back to me and froze. You closed the gap, claimed my lips with yours.
3. A breathy demand: “Kiss me” - and what the other person does to respond.
"What?" You looked confused as if you hadn't heard me correctly.
"Kiss me," I said, again, feeling embarassed by your hesitation. You took off your glasses, leaned over to give me your lips.
You spoiled me, indulged my every whim and still I demanded your attention. It was never enough. I would have absorbed you, eaten you, devoured you with relish if I could.
Instead I said, "Kiss me." like a child, and like a child you did.
4. An accidental brush of lips followed by a pause and going back for another, on purpose.
The way they do it in the West, is a brief kiss on both cheeks - left, right, left again I think? I can't recall.
You were hesitant and didn't move fast enough and our lips brushed in passing. You looked confused. You always looked confused - as if you were unsure why I would want you, need you, crave you. And then you seemed to be resolved and kissed me properly, and for my part I did what they do and let my tongue speak for my body.
Except that tongues don't speak, they feel. They curl around each other like eels, sliding along each others' length and coiling desperate to be merged.
5. Throwing their arms around the other person’s neck, hugging them close before kissing them passionately on the lips.
"Don't go," I said, but you were insistent that you see your father. I wanted you to stay at the hospital but you had business to take care of that you wanted done before our child was born.
"Don't go," I said, winding my arms around your neck, the heart monitor beeping wildly as my panic rose. You said nothing, your smile was a lopsided and pale imitation. A counterfeit of you that scared me.
"Don't go," I mumbled against your lips, feeling the baby kick, feeling you slip away.
6. Wild, breathless kisses brought on by a heartfelt gift.
A shitty little ring with a chip of glass that you paid for with a job you took to get away from your family. I was scared but happy. This would be a brave first step. I let my body communicate before my brain could decipher its meaning.
7. French kisses where they trace every tooth with their tongues as though trying to memorize them.
The intimacy of a chipped tooth startled me. I wondered if I should ask how it happened - or should I just tell you that our family dentist could fix it easily - but decided that no, it was something you and I could share like a secret between us.
8. Laying a gentle kiss to the back of the other’s hand.
When you came home from work you said 'I'm home' and I said 'Welcome home' and took your bento box and then your hand in mine and kissed the roughened hands that worked to keep us both fed. Grateful to have you, wanting you only.
9. A kiss that lasts so long, they are sharing each other’s breaths.
I felt faint it went on so long. I heard you breath deeply and realized we were both being stubborn. I felt fierce joy the likes of which I've never felt before or since. You were keeping me alive in that instant and I you. Breathing you in, breathing for you. It was a marvel.
10. A hello/good-bye kiss that is given without thinking - where neither person thinks twice about it.
"I'm going," you said, and instead of a peck on the cheek you presented your lips and together we made the mundane magical.
11. Morning kisses that are exchanged before either person opens their eyes, kissing blindly until their lips meet in a blissful encounter.
I felt your fingers on my cheek before I opened my eyes and gravitated to you, leaning into a dark void, finding your softness and burrowing in.
"Brush your teeth," I muttered.
"Spoiled brat," you said, but I could tell you were smiling.
12. Sneaking away to a hidden corner to share a secretive kiss.
The utility closet where the brooms were kept were a perfect place to meet when one of us was on classroom duty. Under the guise of needing help reaching a bucket you stole a kiss I would have given gladly if you'd asked.
13. Butterfly kisses against the other’s cheeks.
Your impossibly long eyelashes against my cheeks. That's it. That's all there is and more.
14. A kiss so desperate that the two wind around each other, refusing to let go until they are finished.
Your father seemed like a nice old man but his anger was raw and harsh and real. I pulled you close before you went back to the house and made my feelings clear but still you left.
I know you'll be back. You promised.
15. A fierce kiss that ends with a bite on the lip, soothing it with a lick.
I tried something to see if you'd like it. Sinking my teeth into the firm meat of your lip was terrifying but so satisfying I felt vindicated.
You looked surprised, and then you grinned. It made me feel elated, excited for the future.
16. One person pouting, only to have it removed by a kiss from the other person.
I played at being the spoiled brat once, when we were out shopping. But I didn't really need the bag, I just wanted you to show me that you would give me the world.
Of course I knew you would, I just wanted to make sure.
17. Tucking their hands beneath the other person’s shirt, just to watch them break the kiss and gasp in surprise at the sensation of cold/warm hands on their skin.
Waiting to buy amazake I slipped my hands under your jacket and cradled your hips. You back stiffened. You muttered, "Your hands are ice" in an accusatory tone.
I'd taken off my gloves for only a moment. I needed you to keep me warm.
18. Teasing kisses where one person blows air into the other’s mouth and runs away.
You were such a child sometimes. It was disgusting. But also very funny.
I miss all versions of you now. I wish you could have taught your daughter to be a child.
19. One person stopping a kiss to ask “Do you want to do this?”, only to have the other person answer with a deeper, more passionate kiss.
You were afraid we'd be caught but no one was home when I led you to my room. You unbuttoned my blouse with shaking fingers, always making me feel like a delicate thing, like you were afraid to break me but also very grateful for the chance to try.
I'd chosen my underthings carefully. The pretty bra with the front clasp you seemed stymied by. You said, "Do you want to do this?"
I let you know without saying a word and your body responded in kind.
20. Kissing in a stairwell, giving them an artificial height difference.
You were chattering away about something as we went down to the cafe for lunch. I'd never gone before, I always had a bento. I wanted to savor the moment, this new thing we were doing together.
I tapped you on the shoulder and you stopped, turned to me to see what I wanted, and I leaned down and kissed you.
After that I wasn't hungry for the canteen's tonkatsu, only another kiss.
21. A chaste kiss given to each other because they are in mixed company.
"Is this yer girl? She's real pretty. Well done, kid," your father said. Such a cheerfully crass man, so unserious. "Give us a kiss, you two."
You were embarassed but you wanted to please him so you turned to me and I closed the gap between us to satisfy your duty to him.
22. A kiss that is leading to more, but is interrupted by a third party.
"Young master?"
You stiffened. Your father's friend, the man I was only just learning was his second in command in training. A young guy. Hotei something. Seemed very nice and well mannered but—
"Don't interrupt me again," you said darkly, taking me by the hand and pulling me out of the alcove where we'd stolen a moment. I was rattled by the sudden change in you and apologized as we passed, even as you muttered I shouldn't.
23. A kiss that tastes of the food/dessert they are eating.
Eel with sweet sauce. I can't eat it without thinking of those nights between winter and spring when you insisted on cooking outdoors.
The young ones at your house loved it, your father called in favors when the catch came in to get the fattest of the bunch. I asked how you made it so I could make it for you and you laughed because to you it was instinctual to know what temperature was right and what charcoal was best. But I insisted and you relented with a kiss.
I can't eat unadon now much less look at it. I can barely hold ohashi to pick up the chunks of meat, can't chew or swallow.
But I remember it all. I wrote it all down and I gave it to our daughter.
The flavor lingers.
24. Deep kisses where they have their hands tangled in each other’s hair to pull them closer.
Your childhood bedroom, the tiny bed, unsure of where you ended and I began. You liked it when I tugged your hair, just a little.
25. Wet kisses after finding refuge from the rain.
You remembered your umbrella. I pretended I forgot mine.
We ran, laughing nervously, ignoring the black cars following us. I think we were determined to have one perfect high school moment.
In an alleyway, backlit by a disused vending machine with empty lights flashing, we stopped for a kiss straight from a drama starring Ryoko Shinohara.
I was sick for three days after with the worst cold.
It was worth it.
26. Brushing a kiss along the shell of the other person’s ear.
We were in the library, preparing for midterms our senior year.
I was trying to study. You were not.
27. Kisses exchanged while one person sits on the other’s lap.
On the train, coming back from cram school. You were embarrassed - so sure that someone was watching but everyone and no one cared about two high school kids on a crowded train on a Wednesday evening.
I stole a kiss behind an open test answers book that shielded us from prying eyes but drew attention to my brashness. You stole it back.
28. One person tracing the other’s lips with a fingertip until they can’t resist any longer, tilting their chin towards them for a kiss.
You showed up at my door, your left eye swollen shut and your upper lip split, your beautiful face bloodied by careless fists.
When I asked you what happened you winced and said, "Whenever I see you I smile and my smile is too big for my mouth."
I felt sick but I invited you in, made you sit on the toilet seat while I fished some ointment out of the medicine cabinet in the guest bathroom. You said nothing as I traced the torn part of your lip. I could imagine for a moment you were telling the truth and it made me happy when you tilted your chin up to me and let your lips fall slightly open, your too-wide grin inviting me in.
29. Staring at each other’s lips for a moment before moving closer, as if drawn together by some unseen force.
The way your lips puckered when you ate soba in the caf. I was startled by the teacher shrieking my name. I hadn't realized I was practically on top of you, it was as if the Universe had decided where my lips belonged and it was on yours.
30. Weak, sweaty kisses because it’s unbearably hot.
Sitting on the back porch at your house, watching you and your father and the young ones tend to a tangle of weeds and plants of indeterminate provenance. I could tell your energy was flagging and begged you to come sit.
You flopped down beside me, downed the glass of cold barley tea I passed you, leaned over to give me a kiss. I brushed your spiky hair, wet with perspiration, from your eyes and mopped your face with a hand towel and you smiled, covering my hand with yours, giving me a kiss that tasted of salt and lacked conviction. I fanned your face, peppered your forehead with kisses, until the flush receeded and you were more yourself.
31. Pulling away from a kiss, whispering words of love against each other’s lips.
When your hunger for me was seemingly sated and you started to lean back I clutched your face and held you still.
"You should come live with us," I said softly, my lips brushing yours.
You paused, and then, "Say that again."
"My parents said we could take you in. You'd take our name, become my father's business partner if that's what you want. He wanted a son so this is perfect, really, and -"
"What your father wants." You rolled your eyes. "What about you, Hitomi-chan? Do you want this?"
I wrapped my legs around your waist, pulling you in tighter, pressed my lips into the crease of your jaw and mumbled, "I want you to stay with me, like this, forever."
I felt you shiver. You said, "I love you too."
32. A kiss so passionate, so perfect - that after they part, neither person can open their eyes for a few moments afterwards.
You were so excited for graduation. You'd given up on the idea of college early on - partly my father's doing (not everyone goes to school, my father said, and he loved you like a son and having a partner meant he could spend more time with family).
And you, you couldn't wait to work with my father, give all your attention to running the family business. You were so hopeful, so excited, so impatient for your new life to begin, I couldn't resist. Feeling your excitement coursing through me like an electric shock that overwhelmed my senses, leaving me breathless and still. When I opened my eyes you were blinking like you'd just woken up too.
34. An unexpected kiss that shocks the one receiving it.
At the fish market, choosing mackerel for dinner, the briny aroma of the sea flooding my nostrils, the vendor murmuring disgustedly at the silly young couple wasting his time.
35. Kisses that start on their fingers and run up their arm, eventually ending on their lips.
We only had an hour and a half before I had to be home for dinner, so you suggested a love hotel and I surprised myself by being eager to take you up on it. So many things we could do in the hour we had before the train home.
But you were so restrained it confused and frustrated me.
"I won't break," I insisted, as your lips worked their way up my arm. "Don't drag this out."
But you took your time, you silly boy. It was the longest, sweetest hour.
36. An awkward kiss given after a first date.
At the last second you swerved and pressed your lips to my cheek. I closed my eyes, swallowing my pride and trying not to feel as though I'd been snubbed.
You whispered that my mother was watching but that you'd properly mess me up later, and I snorted with barely concealed joy.
37. Starting with bunny kisses before moving on to soft kisses.
Nibbling your way along my jaw and then the softest peck at the corner of my mouth as if tasting me carefully.
I shivered, feeling anticipation so keenly it almost hurt, and wished you'd take a big bite.
38. Cleaning the other person’s lips with a lick and a kiss.
You laughed at me as I stuffed an entire takoyaki in my mouth and fanned my hand in front of my puckered lips. So hot! Leaning forward, your tongue flicking across the corner of my mouth.
"You had something just there," you say, pointing to my mouth.
I looked at you, confused, as you smeared sauce across the bow of my lips and you kissed me softly, proclaiming me 'Delicious!’.
39. Whispering “I love you” before a chaste, delicate kiss.
The reception was showy and ridiculous but then it was to be expected - the only daughter had to get the big wedding.
I hadn't eaten all day due to a potent combination of nerves and fear. Your kiss was an amuse bouche I'd been craving, and the sound of your voice the perfect sauce - I could hold on a bit longer.
40. Kissing tears from the other’s face.
Seeing your battered face pushed me past endurance. I was scared for you, angry at your father. While you tasted my tears I hardened my resolve.
41. A gentle kiss that quickly descends into passion, with little regard for what’s going on around them.
Movie theaters were a good place to meet, to be alone in a crowd and indulge in each other. No one cared about the couple in the middle back during a romance, giving in to their cravings for touch, their need.
42. Kisses shared under an umbrella.
I found an umbrella that was big enough for both of us and if held at just the right angle it kept us dry and hidden from our minders' prying eyes.
43. Distracting kisses from someone that are meant to stop the other person from finishing their work, and give them kisses instead.
You insisted you needed to graduate but I find your serious studying face so incredibly charming I have to distract you. It's my job, now. I have to make you feel safe and loved. But I also need your kisses and I won't wait.
44. A kiss pressed to the top of the head.
On days when I feel overwhelmed I know that if I wrap my arms around your waist and wedge my forehead into your shoulder you'll nuzzle the crown of my head and give me a kiss that will tamp down my restless spirit, ground me in myself. Remind me I'm yours.
45. Tentative kisses given in the dark.
That first night together when I curled up into your body, wrapping your ribs around me, wearing your jaw like a hat. You tilted your head slightly downward, nudging my cheek with your long nose, pushing at me until I turned my head.
Kisses on any part they might be close to your mouth, edging carefully toward each other, open and willing and eager for more.
46. Kisses exchanged as they move around, hitting the edges of tables or nearly tripping over things on the floor before making it to the sofa, or bed.
I was trying to take control of the situation the way women do in movies, peeling off my uniform as I advanced on you, grapping you by the neck, our noses colliding, you staggered backwards and feel on the carpet with me on top of you, edging backwards like a crab, pulling yourself up onto the couch, bruised and breathless, falling into each other, breaking my mother’s treasured vase. Not the least bit romantic but a very fitting way to come together.
47. A lingering kiss before a long trip apart.
"I'm going back to my dad's house," you said. "I'll be back. Please don't worry, I want you to be careful."
I pulled you close. "You too."
"Promise me," you said, as I pulled your head down to mine. I needed you, I was impatient for the baby to come and for our lives to go back to normal. Or some semblance of it.
"I promise," I said. One last kiss and then you were gone.
48. A kiss paired with a tight hug, knocking the breath out of the person being hugged.
You were out for a few days and weren't returning my calls and when I saw you in the hall between classes I lost my mind and ran at you. I saw your eyes go wide as I launched myself at you, hearing you exhale my name as my mouth crushed yours. I could read your mind - who was this quiet girl, the shy one, taking your breath away?
49. One person has to bend down in order to kiss their partner, who is standing on their tip-toes to reach their partner’s.
"Don't leave me hanging, you jerk," I mutter, calves burning as you lean down to brush my lips with yours.
"Never," you say.
49. Short and sweet kiss after meeting up for a date.
You like takoyaki and I've never had from a street corner shop so we agree to meet at the place near your house. You get there first, I wave and race to you, a quick kiss hello that leaves me hungry for more.
The takoyaki is a poor substitute.
50. A kiss, followed by more that trail down the jaw and neck.
You were worshiping me with your mouth, your compliments a prayer, your body a blessing, the scent of your shampoo as you buried your head between my breasts was more intoxicating than incense, drunk on your kisses, ascending into heaven on a cloud of your love.