The Dae I Fell In Love

Episode 6: The One With The Competition.

This is getting ridiculous. It's like I'm in a drama with all these meet-cute that aren't actually cute, but rather, mortifying.

I was too engrossed with fanning my face that I didn't realize that the bus was already full, and we were just about ready to go.

"You can have the air-conditioning. I just wanted to switch seats. I need the window." Moon continued in a cold monotone.

"Oh. Sorry I-"

"Moon! Just switch seats with me!" A voice called out from the seat in front of us.

The owner of the voice stood up and I saw that it was Frigg. He was grinning like an excited dog. He quickly gathered his things and stood waiting on Moon to move.

Moon grunted before finally getting up to take Frigg's window seat. Frigg beamed at me.

"Hi!" he said enthusiastically.

"You didn't have to do that - give up your seat, I mean." I gestured to stand up. "You can have my seat; I don't really need the window anyway."

Frigg stopped me. "No-no! It's really okay. I don't want the window seat. I don't get motion-sickness on long drives like Moon."

"I actually prefer sitting in the aisle." He fake-whispered.

"ALRIGHT EVERYONE!"

A guy in his 30's with a mop of dark hair called out our attention.

"I'm Sanjiohwizheski Vilekojerowitz. You can call me Mr. San, and I'll be the person in charge for the duration of your stay at the Dating Week House. Me, together with the other crew members, will not be staying with you at the house. We will be setting up cameras in addition to the ones already installed in the house and you are not allowed to move these unmanned cameras or stop their recording. Any tampering of the cameras is a violation that will cause your immediate disqualification and eviction."

There was whispering among the people on board. Now that I've looked around, I can see that it's more of a coaster than an actual bus because there's only a dozen passenger seats: 3 pairs on the right, and 3 pairs plus the driver's seat on the left. Considering that there are 5 members of the male group and 7 female participants, it is inevitable for at least one pair to be composed of a boy and a girl. And of course, with my luck, I'm that girl who gets to sit with the boy.

The girls have paired up to sit on the left side and the WeekDae

members on the right.

"...a designated camera crew will be following you throughout the day on your dates. The first episode of Dating Week will air

after 15 days from filming and will run for 16 episodes."

Mr. San paused and cleared his throat when the murmurs got louder. He stared at everyone to quiet down before he continued.

"It is a 5-hour long drive to our location and the time now is..." He looked at his watch. "2:30. There will only be 1 pit stop where you can empty your bladders, so we can arrive in time for dinner."

There were murmurs again.

"Once you arrive, the guys will enter first and after 3 minutes the girls will enter the house one by one in the following order." He took out a clipboard to read the names out loud.

The girls on my left visibly tensed. I understand that it's because in situations like this, everyone wants to be called either first or last so they can stand out. I'm no different. I crossed my fingers and hoped to be called first.

"Vanya Burgoise"

Well, that's a letdown.

I tried to look and see who this lucky Vanya is, but I couldn't see the girls in the front row from where I'm sitting. I assumed Vanya is the pretty girl in pink who looks like a barbie, seated in the middle by the aisle because she looks happy.

"Jenny Paleski"

The girl by the window in our row sighed loudly and looked upset. Guess she's Jenny.

"Eunice Cho"

Okay, good-good, please call me last.

"Ai Sterling" Crap! I released the breath I didn't know I was holding. I'm fourth.

"Miyako Rivera"

"Suzy Mai"

"...and Michaella Summers."

I barely heard Mr. San call the other names after I was called. But I heard him call the last name clearly. My calculating mind is already at work to warn me to watch out for Vanya and Michaella as my main competitions.

I don't know if the best approach is to befriend them, especially Michaella, because she looks like a snob. I'll decide after I talk to them.

"Remember, you have to enter at 2 minute intervals. And could everyone please show me your phones."

I took mine out from my pocket and held it above my head along with everyone. Frigg took out 2 phones from his jacket pocket and only raised one.

Mr. San suddenly brought out a plastic container. "I'll be confiscating your phones. You will get these back after 3 weeks or whenever you go out on dates if need be."

I saw Frigg hide his second phone after hearing what Mr. San said. He saw me looking at him and he put a finger on his lips, motioning for me to keep it quiet.

When Mr. San reached our row, Frigg took my phone and winked at me before placing both our phones together at the container.

"That's it, see you guys there and good luck!" Mr. Han clapped once before getting off the bus. The driver closed the door and drove off.

I sighed again and sunk into my seat. Being fourth is not a good start. But at least I'm seated next to Frigg for 5 hours. I peaked at him and saw him talking to Thor who was seated in front of him.

I couldn't make out what they were talking about because they were whispering, but it must've been something funny because Frigg is smiling. I rested my eyes as I waited for him to finish talking to Thor so I could introduce myself and talk to him.

I better make good use of the 5-hour drive to get ahead of the competition. And I already thought of the best conversation starter!

I smiled at myself as I imagined how our conversation would go.

The Phone:

Me: I'll keep it a secret on one condition.

Him: Keep what a secret?

Me: Your phone...

Him: Oh right! Thanks for that, by the way. :)

Me: Don't thank me yet, I said there'd be a condition.

Him: Right...what condition?

Me: I can ask to use it whenever I want. >:)

Him: Alright. Deal!

*and then we'd shake

hands*

Him: Aren't you going to ask why I kept my phone?

Me: No. You have your reasons. :)

Him: Can I ask why you want to use my phone?

Me: No. I have my reasons. :)

*and then he'd chuckle and

find me interesting.*

Me: I'm Ai, by the way. :)

Him: We're not supposed to officially meet until we get to the

location.

Me: You're not supposed to keep your second phone.

Him: Touché.

And that's how I made use of the 5-hour drive. Imagining a playful banter that would start my and Frigg's story.

And falling asleep.