Day 5 | A Sweet Win

Dear Self,

I woke up with a smile today, still thinking about Arin and that small moment in the elevator. Girls are simple, we romanticise the tiniest things, and I let myself live in that thought for a while. Then I looked at the clock and it was already 8. Oh no! How did I miss the alarm on a day like this.

Today was presentation day. The big one. We just got a new client with a vision to create a candy business. It is such a competitive space and they asked us to prepare a presentation that could guide them, something to show how their brand could stand out.

I am usually the work from home kind of girl, me and my thoughts tucked away behind a screen, but today I had to be in the office, standing there, leading.

I threw on my yellow dress, bright against how nervous I felt, and made the strongest matcha latte I could manage. Nothing fancy, just strong and fast. By the time I reached the office everyone was already setting up and I slipped right into it, pretending I wasn’t completely terrified inside. This was my first project to lead and it felt like break or make for me.

I started the presentation with my usual greetings and smile, told the story I had prepared, and tried to keep steady. It was hard to read their faces. Silence, nods, a few notes. I could not tell what they were thinking.

And then it shifted. Questions, smiles, a spark of excitement in the room. They loved it. They actually loved it... Relief poured in and the fear gave way to joy. Yayy. A huge win.

On my way home I picked up almond milk and mango purée. Tonight’s matcha needs to taste sweet, something bright to celebrate this little victory.

Now I am curled up in bed, blanket warm, matcha still sweet on my tongue. I keep replaying that small smile in the elevator and the cactus in his hand. Who knew a stranger and a plant could sneak into my thoughts this easily.

Love,
Nokū

🫖 Today’s Little Ritual
Mango matcha with almond milk. Sweet, bright, celebratory.

🎧 Currently Listening To
There She Goes – The La’s