Dark Secrets

Chapter 28: I Know We're Young and People Change (1 of 2)

Dad woke me up at 5 o’clock in the morning because he knows me well, I won’t be up easily specially when I slept late night.

5 minutes becomes 10, 10 becomes 15, and now it’s 5:37 am.

Whether I like it or not, I had to get up from bed if I don’t want my dance crew mates be mad that I’m late, specifically be scolded by the short-tempered Pluto.

I should be at the airport by 7am and hour before our 8am flight but I left the house at 6:44 as I make sure I didn’t forget anything.

But because I took too much time at home plus a little bit traffic, I arrived at the airport 8 minutes late.

The moment I arrived at the gate to the plane, I just watched it ascended to the sky.

“Should I buy a plane ticket or go home?” sighing deeply. “I should’ve got up exactly at 5am and didn’t stay for long in bed.” pouting.

“So that’s the reason you were late?” Pluto standing beside me.

“Oh my! You startled me!” completely in shocked. “Why are you still here? Shouldn’t you be at that plane?!”

“I made some arrangements. I’ve heard some stories from passengers in commercial flights. I don’t think I can take economy class seat so we’re using my plane.” he glances back at me.

“Really??!” smiling widely. “Then I’m not late for the flight yet??”

“Well the plane will be ready by 8:30, you’re early by 6 minutes.” he walks off first towards the other gate.

“Am I the last one?” following him behind as I pull my carry-on luggage. “Does everyone in the lounge area at the moment?”

“Why? Do you want it to be just us in the plane?” he looked back at me and smirk. “They could go with that flight if they wanted to but all of them decided to stay and wait for my plane to be ready.”

“I can’t blame them you’ve got flat-bed seats in your plane that is good for 121 passengers. I’ve counted the seats before when I first used your plane with Troye and Alessia on our first case. It got 21 rows in the middle seats and the 11th row got only one seat, the attendant told me before that the blank seat beside that chair is for wheelchair in case of a passenger that can’t use the typical seat.”

“Yeah, my plane is just a prototype there are 10 planes out there that has the same interior like mine. Sold to different countries.”

“Probably to wealthy people since it doesn’t look like affordable seats for normal people like me.” walking along with him.

“Very likely. I don’t know who bought those 10 aircrafts but I heard that our aircraft company is about to make commercial planes and it’ll be different from the usual commercial planes we see here.”

“I bet it is. Nevaeh Aeronautics always make impossible things possible. I mean your grandfather is a world known aeronautical engineer and he’s still the chairman of Nevaeh Group until now.”

“You’re right, he’s turning 76 next month but still he doesn’t look like he’s going to retire soon with this big project he’s working on.”

“He must love making aircrafts that there’s nothing can stop him even his age. I suddenly remember Halmeoni, she turned 73 last February but still she wanted to continue being a shaman and help people. We’re convincing her to live at Seoul but she won’t budge.”

“That’s what your Halmeoni wanted so let her be. Our grandparents are older than us so we can’t just tell them what to do specially when they’re too wise to live on their own.” he responded.

“Desa!!” Alessia come running to me. “I almost think that you won’t come.” hugging me tight.

“I thought you’ll be in Italy until last week of August.” embracing her back. “What happened to your vacation with Vincenzo?”

“She doesn’t want to talk about it yet.” Troye comes to our side. “I should be in Australia until third week but this girl asked me to come back immediately here in Korea.”

“I heard you guys won a trip to Jeju for 4 days and 3 nights, so Troye and I are coming with you.” Alessia clings onto my left arm.

“When did you two arrived?” still confused of their sudden arrival.

“Yesterday morning and he last night.” Alessia pointing at Troye.

“I already asked about your accommodation in Jeju and the organizer told me that you’ll be staying in a villa near the sea.” Troye said. “It can accommodate 20-30 people so us being there won’t be a problem since your crew is only 18.”

“Also, everyone agreed that we can join.” Alessia added.

“But I didn’t say yes.” Pluto shaking his head. “You two are taking my precious time to be alone with Desa.”

“I’m glad you two are here.” smiling at Alessia and Troye. “Tell me about your vacation.” walking along with Alessia who’s still clinging on me while my luggage in my right hand.

There are paired seats on the right, middle, and left side of the plane, both sides got 20 rows while the middle got 21 so its rows are a bit ahead of the rows on the sides as it fills the space between the seats on left and right.

Almost everyone wanted to be on the window seat so most of us are sitting 4 seats apart plus the aisles, but Alessia asked me to sit with her and Troye is sitting on the row before us while Pluto chose to be seated on the aisle near my seat.

I’m sleepy so I leaned on to Alessia’s shoulder to get some sleep, well I slept for only 5 hours and it’s not enough for me to go on with my day until I complete my 8 hours sleep.

Upon our arrival at the airport, a bus came to pick us up and instead to our accommodation it took us to a famous restaurant in Jeju for our lunch since it’s almost 12 noon.

While waiting for our orders to be served on our tables, Pluto distributed the prize money we won from the competition and explained that US$1,500 was given to the university yesterday.

“You gave us extra US$2 each last time for us to receive US$320 when we’re supposed to received US$318 only, and now you’re giving us extra US$3 each to make it US$475?!” I exclaimed.

“That’s how Pluto is Desa, the reason he’s our treasurer.” Dante uttered. “Instead of receiving the exact amount he gives us extra.”

“Don’t tell me you won’t accept a gift more than US$2?” Pluto looking at me as he scratches his forehead.

“That’s not what I meant, thank you for the extra US$5 leader.”

“So, are you going to keep on counting the bonus you received?” Jennie laughed at me. “You’re so adorable, Desa. No wonder, Pluto made you his girlfriend. You’re fun to be with.”

“Still I don’t understand.” Krystal turned to Pluto. “Why did you breakup with Desa when you still obviously like her?”

“O, Oh, someone’s on the hot seat right now.” Troye making fun of Pluto as he caught with the issue about our relationship.

“Shut it Troye.” Pluto gritting his teeth. “I broke up with Desa because I … I realized we better off friends than lovers.”

“He’s a liar.” Troye whispered to me. “He still wants to keep his story even at this situation.”

“Just let him be.” telling him to keep quiet. “Besides I like what he said, we better off friends, that’s the truth.”

“Yeah, you two keep playing that game as much as you want.” Alessia sighed. “You felt something special for him before but now …”

“That was the time I’m confused but now I know that I just want to be friends with him and nothing more.” I responded.

“You see him being nice to you isn’t typical, Pluto isn’t the type to lead you on for nothing unlike that Vincenzo. He’s nice to everyone and I’m the one who misunderstood his kindness.” Alessia pouting.

“Are you going to tell us now what happened in Italy?” Troye trying to make Alessia talk.

“Nah, maybe later.” Alessia crossing her arms as she leans her back on the chair. “I don’t want to cry in here yet.”

“Take your time. Just remember that Troye and I are here for you.”

“I know. I really appreciate the effort, specially Troye who cut his trip short to be here with us.” Alessia turned to Troye beside me.

“Of course, how could I say no when you sounded so hurt on the phone. I can’t bear hearing your voice in pain.” Troye smiled at her.

I’m sitting in between Troye and Alessia while Pluto was at the table across us between Jennie and Krystal but we kept on exchanging glances from time to time as I sensed him looking at my direction.

Once we’re done with lunch, the bus driver and the tour guide took us to one of the tourists’ attraction in the area and had us walked in circles as we enjoyed the scenery.

Then we headed to another restaurant for dinner where Pluto insisted that we should sit next to each other so Alessia sit between me and Troye as I’ve always in between the two all day.

“Try this dish, this is the best-seller dish in this restaurant.” Pluto placed a meat on my bowl of rice.

“Thanks.” I just ate it right away without knowing the taste because I believed him. “Ack …” coughing because of the spiciness that fires in my mouth. “What did you just made me eat?!” drinking the water.

“Asian Rib with Wasabi. You don’t like it?” he smiles at me like he enjoyed seeing me with unpleasant reaction.

“Where’s that dish?” looking for the green dish he put on my bowl.

“Everyone enjoys it though.” he laughed a bit.

“Yeah, but not with that too much wasabi. You literally coated that rib with wasabi!” glaring at him as I get my own meat from the same dish. “Please don’t mess up with my palate I want to enjoy eating.”

“Hahaha. Fine, then try this one instead.” he put a pork meat in my bowl. “There’s no wasabi on it as you can see.”

“Can’t you just eat on your own?” I complained but I still eat it.

Although it’s clearly pork, it tastes like I’m eating a red-hot chili pepper that I couldn’t take it anymore but to throw it in the tissue.

“Troye, let’s exchange seats please. This guy won’t let me eat in peace.” pleading to Troye to exchange seats with me.

“No, please stay here. Hahaha.” Pluto clearly making fun of me. “You can’t eat spicy food?” making me sit down again.

“I can’t. My palate is more of Canadian than Korean. Can you please just mind your own business and stop putting food in my bowl?!”

“Fine, I’ll stop messing with you, just stay here beside me.” he said.

“Can I have some of your creamy pasta, Alessia? I need something milky in my mouth right now.” making a safe move.

“Sure, here’s a piece of cheese.” Alessia taking care of me.

“Mmm. Finally, something I can digest.” savoring the taste in my mouth. “What’s the taste of your dish, Troye?”

“Sweet and Sour.” Troye replied. “Here, try some.” sharing his meal with me. “I want ice cream for dessert after this.”

“Thanks.” eating the sweet and sour fish with rice. “Mmm. I like its taste too.” nodding as I approve his meal. “I’ll treat you two for an ice cream later. I’m so glad that you’re here with me.”

“Hey, I’m right beside you. Why do you keep looking at their side?!”

“Because they won’t mess with my palate unlike you.” I’m not even looking at him because I’m still pissed of what he done.

“I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.” he grabbed my arm and shake it a bit.

“Fine. Apology accepted. Just eat quietly.” eating the rib I had without the wasabi. “This is way much better without that wasabi.”

“Do you want more ribs?” he asked as he slices the ribs.

“Sure, as long as there ain’t no wasabi on it.” watching him carefully as he might trick me again.

He told me that he’ll show his true self since he broke up with me in public and he’s actually a kid most of the time not the man who’s trying to act cool and romantic like before.

After that dinner, we went to our last activity for the day, a night at the park where we could go on for a bike ride or simply stroll.

“They might think that it’s romantic but I really don’t like this idea at night.” shaking my head. “I think I’ll just stay in the bus or not.”

I’m in dilemma here as neither inside nor outside seems alright for me as the spirits are everywhere.

“Then let’s go for a bike ride then.” Pluto suggested.

“I don’t know …” hesitating to say yes as I turn to Alessia and Troye. “What are you two going to do?”

“Going for a bike. Alessia’s in charge of the pedals since she’s the one who suggested to do it.” Troye said.

“I guess I’ll go for a bike ride too.” agreeing to Pluto’s offer.

Troye and I are the back seaters while Pluto and Alessia are making their legs do the exercise.

“Just close your eyes and feel the night breeze while hugging me tight.” Pluto uttered as I keep on seeing things around me.

“This isn’t a good idea at all.” hugging him tight as I close my eyes.

“It is a good idea for me, I like it when you hold me tight like this.”

“Geez. Here you go again.” sneering at him. “Why do you keep on teasing me like you’ve got feelings for me?! It’s not nice, you know.”

“Because you might fall for me too, that’s what I’m trying to do.”

“What??!” I opened my eyes and try to look at him.

“I want you to fall in love with me, Desa. I’m serious about it.” he stopped the bike and looked back at me.

“If you’re professing to me right now then I’m rejecting you. Falling in love isn’t in my to do list until I graduated from college.” I said.

“It’s fine.” he smiled at me as he looks forward. “I’m not confessing to you yet; I’ll wait for you until you’re ready to accept me.”

“What if it won’t happen? Pluto … I like what we are now, friends.”

“People change, Desa. I’m fine being friends with you now because you’re young for love even though you’ll be 19 in few weeks. That’s why I’m working a bit to make you consider me more than a friend.”

“The thing is I’m afraid that I’m gonna lose you if I made you wait in vain that’s why I’m telling you to stop now whatever you’re doing.”

“I actually don’t give up easily, so reject me when I confess to you but for now you can’t tell me what to do.” he pedals the bike again.

“You’re making me feel bad for you.” holding onto his shirt.

“Don’t be. I never felt this way for anyone before and maybe I’ll get tired from waiting when my feelings won’t be reciprocated but until then I’ll do what I want to do.” he stopped again and put my arms around him properly. “Just let me be, will you?”

“I want us to be friends but can we stay like that if I hurt your feelings in the future?” leaning my head on his back.

“It depends how hurt I am. But I don’t think you’re going to reject me; you may say no for now but you’ll say yes to me eventually.”

“You’re being arrogant again. I’m not a normal girl, you know that.”

“That’s make you special. I like you the way you are, you don’t have to pretend to be normal. But if you can be gentle and affectionate towards me then you’ll be perfect.” he laughed.

“You know I’m not that ideal girl you’re looking for. Why don’t you date Krystal or Jennie instead?? their gentle and affectionate.”

“They’re too perfect and I don’t think they need me at all, but you I feel like I need to protect you.” he looked back at me for a while.

“I don’t need your protection. I’m not that weak.” I glance back at him. “You know I can handle myself.”

“Yeah right by making yourself an outcast or not doing anything because you’re being bothered by things you see.” he stares at the road again. “I won’t make you feel alone when you’re with me and you can do everything because I’m here for you.”

“Geez, you’re making it sound like I have to depend on you.” tickles his side. “Hahaha, so you’re actually sensitive huh?!”

“Don’t do that again.” he stopped the bike to hold my hands. “We’re on a bike, if you want to tickle me do it when we’re in bed together.”

“Why would be in bed together?!!” trying to pull away my hands from his grip but he won’t let me go.

“In case you want to sleep in the same bed with me.” looking back.

... To be Continued ...