Perfect Strangers (formerly My Sweet Superstar)

CHAPTER TWO – I Need You

Hyatt Regency Hotel, one of the most luxurious hotels in the city, he seemed to have a room, or must be staying here. It's quite obvious since he pulled me straight to the elevator, never giving me time to admire my surroundings. He pressed 8.

Okay, so he has a room on the eight floor of Hyatt... Now what?!  "What are we doing here? You can only talk when you're inside a hotel? Is that so?!" Still, no response came.

I'm really starting to hate him!

We went inside a very spacious, well furnished room. It was like a house, actually. The walls and floors are marble. A mini living room would be first seen upon entering the suite. A small kitchen and bar was located on the left. I think a bathroom and closet was on the right. The window, covered by curtains, was more of a sliding glass door that leads to a balcony with an overview of the city.

Wow! My whole family can live here. This guy must be rich.

He let me sit on the king-size bed located near the glass door. A bed this big for just one person?! He sat beside me and I start to feel panic.

I tried to face the huge LCD TV in front of the bed, willing my self very hard to stay composed. Can I just watch TV?

I finally asked, "Are you ready to talk now?" I tried to smile to hide the fear slowly growing inside me. I think my voice betrayed me as it croaked.

This really surprised me; he took off his shades. How cute those eyes are! Not the typical Korean... He looked a couple of years younger than I am, though. And oh, they're so sad. 

As I gaze on his face, it suddenly came to me.  Wait a minute! I know him!

 "What the...?! You are---"

He cut me off, "--I need you..." Huh?!

I never had the chance to finish my words. He kissed me. I can taste alcohol from his mouth.

What is he doing?! This is definitely not talking! But he's a good kisser. Shucks! I forgot to put on my cherry-flavored lip gloss...

Ahem! Going back to reality, I tried pulling myself away from his grip. He's quite strong, a muscled guy it seemed. I can feel the toned flesh on his arms as I try to free my self.

My strength failed me. I shouldn't have skipped my gym sessions before. Darn!

I don't know what came to me, but I started kissing back. Yes, we were kissing! It was such a passionate kiss that I thought would never end. His lips are quite soft for a guy...hmmm.

He slowly laid me down on his bed. I know what's going to happen next, but I didn't let him stop. I don't know why. What's gotten into me?!

We took each other's clothes off. Our bodies came closer. We never broke off the kiss, but slowly he moved down. He kissed my jaw, the side of my neck to my collarbone, the skin between my breasts. The tingling sensation just won't stop and I think I'm going crazy.

I can feel the heat released by his, flowing throughout mine. His right hand continued to move and caressed every part of my body possible. His left hand stayed at the small of my back, like he's making sure that I won't get away.

At that moment, I really felt that I'm a woman. Yes, we made love. We made love like we're really lovers. Every move made was done delicately, like one careless touch might break us both.

He kissed me back up, but this time more demanding, more aggressive. He bit my lower lip to let me allow his tongue penetrate the inside of my mouth. He tastes really good.

He positioned himself and I can feel his manliness about to enter me. I can feel my heart pounding so hard; I think it's going to explode. Oh my God! This is it!  Each thrust caused pain and pleasure. It really felt like heaven.

We both fell asleep after.

***************

It was quite late when I woke up. I just realized that we're like embracing based on our sleeping positions that time. It's like destiny's big joke on me.

Despite the small amount of light coming from the window, I can see him in deep slumber, his face like an angel. I never thought he'd looked this good in such state. God, he's almost perfect!

As I stare at his whole being in front of me, I can't help but reflect on what happened between us. Why did I come to him on the bus stop? Why was he crying, anyway? Why did I let all these things happen? And all this time, I never objected. There's no protest. Why?!

I wanted to wake him up to tell me all the answers right there and then. But something forbade me to do so. I just laid there and watched him sleep. That was all I can do.

But I need to go home now. My best friend Rachel, whom I share the house I'm staying in, would be looking for me. 

With all the strength left in me, I yanked my self out of bed, gathered my clothes, and got dressed. Before leaving, I wrote another note: "I hope I was able to help you. Thanks for everything!" I place it on the bedside table, kissed him for the last time, and left.

***************

RULE NUMBER ONE: A psychologist shouldn't get involved with his/her patient.

Hey! I didn't get involved with him! We only spent a few hours... in bed! Heck! I only "gave" myself to him!

These were the things that kept on going on inside my head, as I rode a cab on my way home. I just look outside the car window, staring but with no interest at the night scenes.

Yes, you also heard (or should I say read) it right. I "gave" my self to him. I'm still a virgin, even though I've had a few relationships before. I never really came to the point that I'm willing to sleep with a guy. I don't really know why.

Yah, right! But I did it with a total stranger! Well... not really total... Oh shoot!

***************

            The taxi pulled over by the apartment. I paid him before getting off. Upon entering the house, I noticed Rachel by the kitchen just finishing her dinner.

            Chel (pronounced like shell), that's what I call her, is taller than me. She's also of mixed races, half Filipino, half Korean. But her eyes are round and black like mine. She has long black straight hair, and fair complexion.

I've known her since college. We took the same course, and see to it that we take the same schedule, and do projects together. We graduated the same year. She's older than me by only six months. She came to Korea three months before I did, and was actually the one who helped me find work here.

"Hey Gabby, where've you been all day? It's kind of late already. You enjoyed yourself much, huh?" She said in between munches.

            "Yup... guess so..." I said blankly nodding at her. I took the seat in front of her. "Uhm... I won't be eating dinner. I'll just go to sleep. Need to wake up early. First day of work tomorrow..." I babbled, trying to avoid her eyes.

            "O-okay... She said with a confused and worried look on her face, sensing that there's something wrong. "Is there any problem? You know you can always talk to me." She really knew me well.

            "Well... uhm... Just talk to you tomorrow... I'm really tired... Sorry." I said standing up, heading to the bedroom we share together.

I don't have the guts to tell her yet what happened. But I know I have and need to eventually, just not now. I know she understood it.

"Alright... Sleep well. Good luck tomorrow." She said with an encouraging smile, and then went to wash the dishes.

"Thanks. Good night." I answered before closing the door.

I'm really lucky to have Rachel with me here. I really need all the support I can get, especially after "that."

I took a quick shower, put my pajamas on and went to bed. I'm not really tired since I was able to sleep at the hotel. I just lied there trying to think things over and over again.

Of all the people in the world, why him? And why me? What the hell happened to us?!

Honestly, I don't regret it... Oh God! This is crazy!

But I guess, that would be the first and last time we'll see each other. What a memory! I don't know if I'll forget it easily. But I have to.

Tomorrow is another day, hopefully everything would be normal.

I guess I have exhausted my brain. I can't think anymore. I just dozed off with uncertainty in my heart. with a smirk.

"I'm good. We all know that not all people are the same, especially the kids. But, they're all fine." I replied with the same face.

He just shrugged, addressing everyone," I don't want to waste all of your time anymore. You can go home now. See you tomorrow." We bid him farewell, with a slight bow, then he left.

We all went on home then.

*************

My first week at school was really great. I was able to get along well with my fellow teachers. They even asked me to go out with them since it's Friday night, but I told them that maybe next time I can.

Upon arriving at the apartment, Rachel wasn't home yet. I checked my watch; 6:30 pm.

She works as a freelance tutor for English and Math, only gets to work after school for an hour or two during weekdays. But she gets paid big time. She's one lucky girl!

Though, at times she needs to work for eight hours on weekends to give extra lessons and help the kids with homework and projects. Well, she knows how to speak their language. 

I changed clothes and went to the kitchen to make dinner. The sad part is, I get to make dinner Mondays to Fridays because of our schedules, Chel only gets to do it on Saturdays and Sundays, whether she has work or not. I get to hang out on those days, anyway. That's what we agreed on.

I checked the contents of the fridge and decided to make something we can both eat without much ado; beef stew with tamarind or Sinigang in Filipino. Yummy!

I was almost finished when she arrived. She went straight to the kitchen to check on what I'm cooking, though it's already obvious just from the smell of it.

"Wow! I'm already hungry." She said while lightly rubbing her tummy. She went to get us plates and the other utensils to place on the table, including herself on her usual seat.

I can't help but laugh at what she did. "You're always hungry! Don't you want to change first? This is almost done, anyway. Just a little simmer and you can make the worms in your stomach happy."

She just put out her tongue on me as an answer. Turning serious, she asked, "So are you ready to tell me what happened to you last Sunday? I know you're not okay then."

I was taken aback by her question. I thought she has forgotten about it already. But knowing Rachel, she won't easily forget. Especially, if it concerns someone she loves.

I turned the stove off and place the food on the table. I seated myself on the chair across her. I let out a deep sigh.

I know sooner or later I have to tell her. This may be the right time. It keeps on bothering me these few nights already. Maybe telling my best friend about it would help me ease my mind.

"I guess I really need to tell you, huh?" I started. She just nodded. "Well, let me put it this way... Remember the guy I used to Google on the internet before? The one I used to go crazy for?"

Rachel and I are really the best of friends. We tell each other almost everything about us, crushes and boyfriends included. Sometimes, she would even share what she and her boyfriend would do in "private." Even if I tell her I don't want to hear it, she'd still insist.

"Huh?! Who's that? I don't know what you're talking about." She said with a puzzled face.

The Korean guy I really had a crush on before, I actually thought that I loved him." I tried to remind her.

"Oh, yeah... I remember now. He's an actor right? What about him?" She started putting food on her plate.

"Yup. Well, I met him last Sunday." I said. I felt myself blushing. I think I lost my appetite already.

Her eyes went big. "Really?! That's amazing! Did you get an autograph?! A picture together?! Can I see it?!" She said all these without pausing. She's not really a fan of his, but a celebrity is always a celebrity.

I don't know if I'm going to laugh at her or what. "No... Actually more than that..." Then I told her what happened.

I told Chel everything. Except the details of the "i*********e", of course! She almost choked when I get to that part. Then after drinking from the glass of water I gave her, she was quiet.

"You just left after that?" She finally asked. I just nodded, not knowing what to say after revealing everything. How I wish the earth would open up and swallow me whole.

"What do you plan to do now?" She asked. I don't know what to think of her question.

"What do you mean, plan to do? I don't plan to do anything. Just forget the whole thing, I guess..." I said standing up, clearing the table.

She stood up and held my hand before I was able to get her plate. "Forget the whole thing?! Are you sure? It's not a simple thing, Gabby. You just "gave" yourself to him!"

She was angry, but I can tell that she's just concerned.

"I know what I did! I just don't want to make a big fuss out of it. He's a celebrity, for crying out loud! I don't want to get involved with his kind." I said with finality.

            As much as possible, I want to forget everything about it. It's over and done with. I can't ask him to return what I gave him... As if, that's possible!

            She let go of my hand. She just stood there looking at me. I knew I hurt her. She's just worried.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to shout at you. I know what we did. It's a mistake, a big mistake. It's just a one night stand. I'm sure I'm not the only one he's gone to bed with. I can't bring it back anymore." Somehow, what I just said hurt me too. I felt a tear roll down my cheek.

I continued. "I-I came here to work for my family, a-and I want it to stay that way. Let's just m-move on with our lives, and pretend that it never h-happened." I'm stuttering with my words already.

Rachel came to my side and gave me a hug. It somehow gave me relief and strength to believe that everything would be okay from now on.

"You don't have to say sorry. I should understand. I'm your best friend. If that's your decision, I respect it." She let go off me and look at me. "Are you sure, you'll be fine?"

"I hope." That's all I can say, trying to smile. "Let's keep this between the two of us, okay? I don't want anyone, especially mom and Max to know."

She raised her hand. "I promise." She hugged me again.

"This is so cheesy! Let's stop this." She said trying to lighten up the mood.

"How will I live without you?" I exclaimed giggling.

"Oh, I'll just kill you then if that happens." She joked. We both laughed. I really love this girl! She's great!

"Can I ask you one last question?" she asked quite hesitantly. I nodded. "What's his name?"

*************

Lee Yun Ho. The name of the guy I had a crush on or I fell in love, or so I thought years ago.

I first saw him a drama I used to watch. I didn't notice him then, not until the story focused on his character and how it fell in love with its teacher. Coincidence maybe?

I followed him since then. Well, not literally, of course. I searched him on Twitter and "followed" him. I tried to leave comments on his account, especially on the pictures he posted.

I became a "fan" on his f*******: account. Well, it's actually just a fan page, since he doesn't have a personal one. Even if he has, I doubt if he's allowed to make it public.

I even used to search facts and download pictures of him on Google. There were times that I'd watch almost every video of him on Youtube. I want to know all things about him. Stalker much?

Believe it or not, I even made a story of us, our very own love story. I even posted it on an online reading platform account. How pathetic of me!

            But that was before, when I still used to go gaga over him. I came to my senses after a few months, realizing the impossibility of "us." The probability of us being together is -0.01%, if there even is such a thing.

After my recognition of giving up, I started to erase all memory of him. I "unfollowed" his Twitter, remove his Fan page on my f*******:, all the things I have about him, I deleted.

I should not cling to things that are not bound to happen, even in my dreams. Not until that one late afternoon. I suddenly thought that coming to Korea is not good at all.

But, I did it, not to see him, but for my family. I'm sure he doesn't even remember me, not even what happened to us. Maybe, that's even his past time! The likes of him are used to that.

Beside, last I heard, he's busy with his Fans' Day in Japan now, and is scheduled to shoot a movie there too.

As I've said, I need to move on. Life has a lot ahead for me. I should focus on my priorities. My mom is counting on me. Max needs my support.

I need to shove all my memory of that day away. It won't do me any good. Dad, wherever you are, I know this should be none of your business. But, please help me!