Tatami Tea Table Novels & Stories

The table, nestled against a panoramic window, offered an unobstructed view of the city's glittering skyline. The ambiance of the reserved space was nothing short of enchanting. The table was adorned with delicate flowers, their petals catching the warm glow of flickering candles. Silverware and crystal glasses sparkled under the soft lights, creating a tableau of refined sophistication. The chairs, draped in rich fabric, awaited the couple like thrones in their private kingdom.

) The waitress greeted them in Japanese. “Hai. Watanabe meigi no 3-ri kake tēburu.” (Yes. A table for three, under the name Watanabe). Mr. Watanabe answered. “Kochira e dōzo.” (This way, please.) The waitress led the way to their table. The reservation was in a private room. The secluded private room was designed with traditional Japanese tatami mats with a low table in the center and zaisu chairs provided for the guests. A sliding door kept the area separated from the other guests coming in and out of the restaurant.

Tristan finally gets the family he deserves and I'm honoured to help make that happen. "Arigato! Are you Miss Lacey Ryan?" The bubbly receptionist greets me. Stepping into the Koyomi Tea Pavilion, I love how tranquil and serene it all looks with the earthy undertones, from the wooden panelled walls to large bonsai tree sitting behind the reception desk. I'm carrying my handbag as well as a gift bag, containing my own personal gift to the happy couple. "Arigato! Yes, I'm here to see private room number five," I enthuse, giving her a nice smile.

The walls were painted, and some partitions were typical of the Land of the Rising Sun. The waiter led them to a room that was closed off by sliding doors. The waiter opened the sliding door, revealing a table and cushions for them to sit on, as well as lanterns and candles that illuminated the place. Grey immediately sat down on the cushion, followed by Keyara, who looked amazed. The waiter brought a tray and two glasses of bitter green tea and placed them on the table. Grey took the menu handed to him by the waiter and then ordered several dishes. Grey looked at Keyara and said, "Do you like sake, Key?"

The room’s size was probably twice the ordinary size of 3x3 room. There was a square table on one side of the room where teacups and teapots were put and a bench of snacks near the wall across from the door. This was a Japanese styled home, so the tables had short feet to accommodate the sitting norm. There was also a weird white blanket that looked fluffy as a cloud a few feet to the right of the door and there were three creatures playing on top of it, namely Shoru, Rita, and what seemed like a big sized red dragonfly with unique wings.

The others waited outside with the vehicles. The interior was breathtaking. Tatami mats underfoot, shoji screens that diffused the light into soft gold, low lacquered tables surrounded by cushions. Sliding doors painted with delicate cranes and cherry blossoms. A faint scent of incense, sandalwood and something floral, hung in the air. We were led to a formal sitting room. Low table, cushions arranged in a square. We sat, Dante sat beside me, Liam a respectful distance away, and waited. I couldn’t stop looking. The craftsmanship, the quiet elegance, it felt like stepping into another century.

I’ve become an expert at veiling my boiling rage and projecting a serene and submissive slave. We sit in a small nook of art and books and a large bay window overlooking the street. A small table between us with two fine porcelain teacups resting on saucers delicately painted with cherry blossoms. I take a small sip from my cup and reach for one of the small savory sandwiches on the tray in the center of the table.

There was a small table in the center, with a bowl of fruit and a set of old-fashioned tea sets - a sophisticated atmosphere. For a terrifying minute, Karen dreaded the thought of having to perform the tea ceremony. Of course, her mother had taught her several times over the years, but she had never really paid attention to the lessons, finding the process too long and tedious. She silently cursed her impatience as a young girl until her gaze fell on the lone occupant of one of the two couches around the small table, golden eyes fixed on her arrival.

I said, the smirk on my face widening as the evil glare from Ember's eyes intensified. “Perfect!.” Rosita clapped her hands. “Everything is set up; let's get the tea party started!” she yelled excitedly and pushed me into her plush chair. Ember walked stiffly to a seat close to Rosita and sat down facing me with a strained smile. We sat round a beautifully carved wooden table that was draped with a light pink tablecloth. I quietly glanced around the spacious room, taking in the comforting atmosphere. Her room was decorated in warm shades of pink and cream, exactly as it had been five years ago.

She chose to take a seat by the tatami mat but she didn’t even bother to give the actual dining table a second glance. Just then, the waiter handed over the menu to Heather. She glanced at it then turned to him and said, “Can I have my meal by the tatami?” He smiled at her in reply and nodded his head. “Our customers are our priority, so you can choose to have your meal at any section of this room.”