CHAPTER 2: "CONFIDENCES DEEPENED"

_*Akira and Sarah sat in comfortable silence for a moment, sipping their wine, before Sarah broke the stillness.*_

**Sarah** _(curious)_ Akira, may I ask...what triggers these sympathetic arousal moments? Is it always intimate scenes like Alex and mine?

**Akira** _(thoughtful)_ Honestly, Sarah...at first, yes – intimate moments. But lately, even romantic gestures, gentle touches...anything conveying deep connection triggers my response.

**Sarah** _(intrigued)_ That's fascinating and a bit sad. You're craving connection so deeply your brain mimics it through others.

**Akira** _(nodding slowly)_

Exactly. Doctor Matsumoto said my brain compensates for emotional intimacy lacking in my life. But Sarah...sometimes I feel guilty enjoying these moments – like I'm intruding or worse.

**Sarah** _(reassuringly)_

Akira, you're not intruding – you're observing and feeling deeply. That takes empathy. Does Ryota know how romantic you still are underneath?

**Akira** _(laughing bitterly)_

Romantic Akira died slowly over the years, Sarah. Ryota sees practical Akira now – the career woman, household manager...not the dreamer who once loved surprise getaways and candlelit dinners.

**Sarah** _(determined)_

We need to revive Romantic Akira! But first...tell me more about Doctor Matsumoto's diagnosis. What causes Sympathetic Arousal Syndrome?

**Akira** _(collecting thoughts)_

Doctor Matsumoto linked it to my childhood – parents always busy, emotional intimacy rare. My brain adapted by seeking connection vicariously. She wants me to explore this further...but I fear uncovering painful memories.

**Sarah** _(firmly)_

You won't uncover them alone, Akira. I'm here. Shall we schedule a call with Doctor Matsumoto together – get your permission first, of course?

**Akira** _(overwhelmed with gratitude)_

Sarah...you're saving me from myself. Yes, schedule that call – together we'll uncover the truth about my heart.

**Akira** _(smiling weakly)_ Thanks, Sarah...just having you beside me on this emotional rollercoaster helps.

**Sarah** _(smiling back)_ Always beside you, Akira. Now, let's make that call schedule with Doctor Matsumoto tomorrow morning. Tonight...tell me more about your childhood.

**Akira** _(taking a deep breath)_

Growing up was...complicated. Both parents high-powered executives, always traveling or working late. Nannies raised me mostly.

**Sarah** _(empathetic)_

That must've felt so lonely. Did you ever feel like you were just a schedule slot to them?

**Akira** _(nodding slowly)_

Exactly that, Sarah. A planned playdate or dinner – never spontaneous love or affection. Doctor Matsumoto said this emotional neglect wired my brain to seek connection elsewhere...

**Akira's voice trailed off as memories flooded back_

**Sarah** _(gentle prompting)_

Elsewhere...like through others' intimate moments now?

**Akira** _(tearfully)_

Yes. And through fantasy novels, romantic movies...anything depicting love I never experienced. Ryota was my first real relationship – I thought he'd fill that emotional void...

**Sarah** _(softly)_

But he didn't, did he? Not fully.

**Akira** _(shaking her head)_

No...we bonded over shared ambitions initially. Love grew, but emotional intimacy – the deep kind – always eluded us.

**Sarah** _(thoughtfully)_

Akira, your story explains so much. We'll work through this together – Doctor Matsumoto, me...we'll help you reclaim emotional intimacy – with yourself and maybe even Ryota.

**Akira** _(smiling faintly through tears)_

Hope feels within reach again, thanks to you, Sarah.

_*The night wore on, friendship and trust deepening as Akira shared her soul with Sarah.*_

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***