When I first arrived in the UK, I didn’t know a soul. No friends, no family—just me, my luggage, and a 10-day Airbnb stay to figure things out. I was determined to make it work. After securing my new apartment, I decided to dive into British culture and visit a classic English pub. It was my first time experiencing the lively atmosphere of a local pub—and little did I know, it would also be where I met Hank.

As I approached the bar, I faced a challenge familiar to anyone who’s been to a busy London pub: the chaotic struggle to order a drink. That’s when Hank spotted me. “I saw her standing there, looking unsure, and I couldn’t help but offer to buy her a drink,” he recalls.

It was a simple gesture, but it was enough to spark a conversation. Despite my limited English at the time, we managed to connect. “Her language wasn’t perfect, but her charm and independence spoke volumes,” Hank says with a smile.

My initial impression of Hank was positive—he seemed kind and genuine. But my instincts told me to be cautious. “I thought, maybe he’s a playboy. So, I decided to leave early that evening, before 8 PM. Just in case.”

Hank, understanding my concerns, suggested we exchange numbers and meet for coffee the next day. I agreed, specifying a noon meetup to keep things casual and non-alcoholic.

The next day, over steaming cups of coffee, we got to know each other better. Hank learned more about my background, my journey from Japan, and my interests. “I was instantly drawn to her. She was fascinating,” Hank shares.

Meanwhile, I was still skeptical about Hank’s sincerity. “He kept calling me beautiful and cute, and I thought, ‘Is this guy for real?’” I laugh now. Hank insists it was just his way of being honest and expressing his feelings.

Hank’s enthusiastic personality clashed with my more cautious approach. While he wanted to text, call, and meet as often as possible, I preferred to take things slow. “He was so persistent with his texts, I started ignoring him,” I admit. But when Hank suddenly stopped messaging, I found myself wondering if I’d misjudged him.

This brief pause allowed me to reconsider. I decided to give Hank another chance, and we resumed meeting up. Slowly but surely, we began exploring London together, visiting Hank’s favorite spots, playing games at his co-working space, and spending cozy winter days getting to know each other.

Our relationship blossomed over time, built on mutual respect and a shared sense of adventure. Looking back, we laugh about our early misunderstandings. “It’s funny how opposite our personalities are,” I say.

“But that’s what makes us work,” Hank adds. “She keeps me grounded, and I help her take leaps.”

And what started as a chance encounter in a pub has turned into a partnership full of love, laughter, and plenty of stories to share.