The Perfect Strangers

Chapter 8: My 1% Chance

***Her POV; I took the subway and was listening to Fast Car by Tracy Chapman while on my way home. I was fixing my bag and saw that starbucks cup with my name written on it. Knowing and realizing that Chanyeol was at the same place that I was in earlier and it really made my day. The thinking game is killing me again and again. I was staring blankly outside the window when I suddenly thought of; “What if I saw it earlier and rushed back to the cafe? Nagkita kaya kami?” I was thinking too much. “Zee take it slow. He’s taken na!!!! Tumigil ka!!!! He is just an acquaintance and it will always remain that way.” ~sigh~ I was feeling down and saw Baekhyun’s phone call.

Baekhyun: Where are you?

Me: At the subway.

Baekhyun: Are you on your way home?

Me: Yes! Why?

Baekhyun: Do you know what stop you’ll get off?

Me: Yeap.

Baekhyun: You sure??

Me: Yesssss oppa. I need to get off at Seoul National University of Education Station 2 which is my favorite color, Green ~smiles~

Baekhyun: Then…..

Me: From there I need to take the subway going to Apgujeong Station 3 the ponkan station hahahaha

Baekhyun: What?

Me: Orange.

Baekhyun: I’ll pick you up at the station in Apgujeong.

Me: Oh yes please. Thank you.

Baekhyun: Take care

Me: You too. Oh let’s have dinner together.

Baekhyun: Sure! You’re treat?

Me: Yeap! See you! Bye.

Baekhyun: Bye!

I got off at station 2 (green) and was walking to the station 3 (orange). While waiting for the train to arrive, I was looking around and found their ads on the wall. It was not as big as the billboards in Edsa but seeing that advertisement poster means so much to me. I even had to take a selfie and will show it later on to Baekhyun. The train arrived and I was lucky to hop on immediately.

***His POV; I was at the studio trying to check on something about my few compositions but I couldn’t concentrate at all. I reached out to the cup I had at Starbucks earlier. She’s the only person who calls me CY. “What if I saw it earlier that the name on the cup wasn't mine?” ~argh~ I went out and asked “Who’s up for a game?” And they all replied:

Xiumin: Oh! Me me me!

Chen: Count me in Chanyeol!

Sehun: Oh hyung, mmmmmmmmm…

Lay: Let’s play!

Kai: Me too.

Suho: Hey, why not we all play? Agree?

Everyone excluding D.O: Okay!

D.O: I’ll watch while you play ~smiles~

Chanyeol: Just one game?

D.O: No!

Chanyeol: Please???? ~trying to be cuddly to Kyungsoo~ Pleaseeeee????

D.O: Fine. Just one game.

Chanyeol: Thank you.

I was thankful that I have them around. They are the best distractions I ever had in my life. And I am happy. I know they all knew my purpose why I was asking them to join me but I am happy that they are being considerate about my feelings also. And I miss bonding with them too.

Chanyeol and the rest of the members went to a nearby gymnasium where they could play basketball. They grouped themselves according by draw-lots. Team Monster are: Suho, Kai, Sehun and Lay while Team Wolf are composed of Chanyeol, Chen, Xiumin and Kyungsoo. They played until late at night and later on went to a nearby convenience store to eat.

***Her POV; I got off the train station in Apgujeong-dong and went straight up because Baekhyun is picking me up. This is my first day in Seoul and I have a couple of days left before I go back. “Lord please make this trip my adventure of a lifetime.” ~smiles~ I saw him staring at me as if he’s wondering what was I thinking. Then I opened the door and asked;

Me: What are you staring at?

Baekhyun: What were you thinking?

Me: ~deeply sigh~ I almost meet him earlier.

Baekhyun: Who

Me: CY!

Baekhyun: Really??? Where???

Me: At Starbucks but I was 2-3 minutes late.

Baekhyun: You were at COEX today?

Me: Yes

Baekhyun: Oh so you were the reason why he ran.

Me: What? You were with him?

Baekhyun: Yes! And we’re all shocked when he took off and just said his coffee was not his.

Me: ~showed him the cup~ I asked for CY’s name for the cup but when I saw it, may name was written on this cup.

Baekhyun: Soooooo…. uhmm.. you were using his name when buying coffee instead of yours?

Me: Yes! People won’t know it was him anyway.

Baekhyun: ~laughs~ Woaaahhh you two are the same now huh.

Me: What are you saying?

Baekhyun: Nothing. Where do you want to eat?

Me: Please tell me.

Baekhyun: ~pretending not to hear me and just continued singing~

Me: Oppa! Oppaaaaa!!! Yah oppaaaa!!!!

Baekhyun: What?

Me: Is he doing the same? Please???

Baekhyun: Yes but I won’t meddle in your meeting. If it’s really meant to be then it will happen Zee. You know how I would also love to see you happy and find love again. So stay put because everything happens for a reason, my dear sister.

Me: Yeap yeap yeap ~kilig~

Baekhyun: So where do you want to eat?

Me: I want samgyupsal ~smiles happily~

Baekhyun: ~smiles~ Okay!

***His POV; After we played basketball we ate at the nearest convenience store and went back to the dorm. As I watch the stars in the sky I was thinking of our rooftop memories. We once laid down on the rooftop and watch the stars while we listen to her playlist. “What if I left her a note? But I don’t know where she was staying. Hmmmmmmm… How can I send her a note which she can read?” I was listening to Get You To The Moon by Kina feat. Snow. My mind was continuously awake because of all the ideas that are coming. I tried sending her a message on her account but it felt like it is not the right thing to do. “Should I just wait for another chance to happen or should I make that 1% chance happen?” ~sigh~

***Her POV; we got off at a restaurant near his home. This is my first dinner in Seoul. I was happy of course though samgyupsal was not new to me since we have a lot of korean restaurants in Manila. But this excitement that I was feeling was unexplainable and indescribable. I asked the owner to turn up the music a bit because she was listening to Love Scenario by Ikon. I was smiling crazily the whole time.

Baekhyun: Crazy. ~laughs~

Me: You referring to me?

Baekhyun: Yes!

Me: Oh yes, I’m going crazy. Really. ~smiles~

Baekhyun: Why?

Me: Because this is sooooo surreal. Like I’m here having a meal with a famous K-pop idol. Everything is just amazing to me since I came here. ~smiles lovingly~

Baekhyun: It was good to know you are enjoying your stay. As promised, we’ll go on a trip tomorrow.

Me: Oh my God!!! Really???? Like you will tour me around? Visit Nami? Do the zipline?

Baekhyun: I’ll cheer you up when you do the zipline.

Me: Boring mo oppa!

Baekhyun: Zipline was not my style. ~smiles~

Me: It wasn’t your style kasi mashoshokotin ka. ~laughs~

Baekhyun: Yah yah yah!!! ~laughs~

Me: Don’t worry all of the Ls know about and they love ~sings~ just the way you are. ~laughs~ but why not try it? Like with me tomorrow? Pleaseeeeee????

Baekhyun: I'll think about it but first let’s eat and I am starving.

Me: Okay. ~smiles~

We finished our dinner late and stopped by a convenience store near his house and we bought ice cream and went to a playground in front of the store. As we eat I looked up at the sky and saw a million stars shining beautifully. I played Stars Will be Shining by Mishka. I remember the night we spent at the rooftop watching the night sky in Romblon on my last night. “Ganda.” ~smiles~ then Baekhyun said;

Baekhyun: You always love looking up. Are you thinking of Chanyeol again?

Me: ~nods~ and of course I was trying to check on my mom too. I know she was one of the reasons why whenever I look up at the sky is always beautiful.

Baekhyun: That was nice little sister.

It was past 11:00PM when we arrived home. Baekhyun told me to rest after my bathroom routine because we will leave early to go to Nami.

It was Monday, and Zee’s birthday. Baekhyun got up early and prepared a seaweed soup and a little surprise for her. He arranges those life size standees of EXO and BigBang at the living room. Those standees are her favorite photo of the members and a surprise birthday party will never be complete without balloons and cake.

Baekhyun: ~knock knock knock~ Zee, are you up? Zee, are you up? (No signs that Zee was already up) Yah Zenaida, wake up!!!

Zee: Yeeahhh… (half awake and half asleep)

Baekhyun: Come out now. Let’s have breakfast. ~smiles~

Zee: Wait! ~opens her door~

Zee opened her door and saw those life size standees of EXO and BigBang members at the living room and shouted for joy. However when she turned her back the big surprise awaits.

Zee: Oppa… oppa… Opppppaaaaaaaa!!! (facing the standees)

Baekhyun: Zenaida

Zee: Yes! (Turns her back to face Baekhyun)

EXO members (excluding Lay and Chanyeol): Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday happy birth happy birthday to you Zee.

Chen: Make a wish. ~smiles~

Zee: Shoot is this really happening? (Pinched Chen on the nose and stepped aback) OMG! You’re alive. Baekhyun oppa!

Baekhyun: Yeap??

Zee: ~crying~ Oppa… Oppa… ~continued to cry~

Baekhyun: ~smiling at Zee~ Surprise Zee. Happy birthday. ~hugs Zee to make her stop crying~

Xiumin: Mmmmmm… make your wish Zee before all the candles melt.

Zee: Oh ~closed her eyes as she makes her wish~ Please grant my wish. ~then blow her candles~

Everyone clapped and greeted her. Zee can’t still imagined that he is meeting the boys and was her visitor on her birthday. She kept on staring and smiling at them. She was trying to be more observant of the boys because she wants to keep all of this in her memories. Then D.O said that the food was ready and we should eat before it gets cold.

Zee: 잘 먹겠습니다 oppas ~smiles~

Suho: Please do enjoy your meal.

Sehun: Try Kyungsoo hyung’s seaweed soup. It’s the best.

Kai: Happy birthday!

Chen: ~pinches nose too~ Happy birthday little sister.

Xiumin: Happy birthday Zee.

D.O: Did you say her name was Zee?

The Boys: Yes.

Zee: Why?

D.O: I think I have heard of it.

Sehun: Oh ~looks at me and looked back at the boys~ Chanyeol hyung

Suho: 오 마자!

Xiumin: 마자!

Baekhyun: Yeah, she was the girl Chanyeol met in the Philippines and she’s my sister. ~smiles~

Chen: When did you know about this?

Baekhyun: The other day. I didn’t tell anyone because I don’t want to meddle on their meetup issues and relationship. If it's really meant to be then it will happen.

D.O: I agree!

Suho: So don’t tell Chanyeol that we found her.

Zee: ~laughing~ everyone please stop and let’s eat because I’m going to Nami. ~giggling~

Xiumin: Let’s eat. So they can leave early.

They had breakfast together at his home. She thanked them for celebrating with her. And after, Baekhyun and Zee went to Nami Island. They took the earliest train schedule from Yongsan Station.

***His POV; I woke up a little more than I expected. I saw Lay hyung preparing breakfast for us. He was singing Honey.

Lay: I was about to call you since our breakfast table is almost done.

Me: Thank you hyung. Our dorm seems to be quiet.

Lay: Oh they went out at dawn to go to Baekhyun’s house. They are trying to wake you up a couple of times but you won’t wake up.

Me: How about you?

Lay: I stayed because I can’t leave you alone.

Me: Thank you hyung. Really thank you.

Lay: No problem. Let’s eat.

We had cereal, toast and fruits for breakfast. Thanks to hyung’s good cooking skills. Hahaha! I wonder why they went to Baekhyun’s house early. “Hmmmmm… is there something wrong with Baekhyun?” While I was wondering why they’re not home, I saw something on the television. “I knew it!” ~he stood up immediately and called his manager.

Me: Hyung, do you know how can I book a slot on the electronic billboard in COEX, subway and any ads that are visible within the city?

Manager: Why?

Me: I wanted to publish a note for someone.

Manager: Mmmmm… Okay, I will try to contact a few advertising agency and how and will give you a call after.

Me: Thank you so much.

Manager: Bye.

I was getting excited whenever I am thinking about the idea of leaving her a note however what note should I write for her? Do I have to tell her I will wait for her in a specific place? What place would that be? What place would she love to visit here in Korea? If only I had known it would be easier.

***Her POV; I was excited and happy because I was travelling with my favorite brother. We tried to plan this a long time ago but we had to push back because of our schedules. I was kinda worried that people might recognize him. I know him so well. He wouldn't really mins for as long as it won’t harm me.

Me: Oppa, is this okay that you will travel with me?

Baekhyun: Of course yes! Remember this is something we used to plan before.

Me: But, what if?....

Baekhyun: Hey, Stop! Stop worrying about other people and me. They will always remain around. All we have to do now is to enjoy and be happy today.

Me: Okay, but…

Baekhyun: ~cuts me Zee off~ I said it’s okay. Let go of your worries for today. It’s your birthday and you should enjoy. ~brushes her head~

We arrived at Nami earlier than I expected. Summer in Nami is amazingly beautiful and nice. The trees are green, the wind is cool and this whole place is very serene. ~inhale and exhale~ we went to a rental shop near the port and we rented two bicycles for us. I took a green and white bike with a white mini basket in front with yellow small embroidered daisies. He picked a boring black and white bike. Then after we went to try the zipwire.

***His POV; I was at the living room trying to think of the best message or note I should leave her. Something that she can feel that I was referring to her. I thought of Zee’s quote on her letter. It was longer and it feels like its not coming from my heart. “Meet me at 7:00 tonight??? Nahhhh… too common. No feelings.” ~argh~ Suddenly when Lay hyung came and told me;

Lay: Is it about her?

Me: Yes. Hyung if you were to write something for someone what would it be?

Lay: Mmmmmmm… I would remind her of the things we used to share together.

Me: Like????

Lay: Our trip, conversation, and etc.

Me: Thank you so much hyung.

Lay: Welcome.

I am taking Lay hyung’s advice. After a couple of hours of thinking I have come up with the things she told me. The things she and I knew.

"모든고통을견뎌냅니다. 걱정하지마" (Endure all the pain. Don't worry you got me.)

"Internet connection in this island is slow. Better be patient our dear. Boy Sawi.”

"To be able for that someone to love you back, she must see that you love yourself too. Do you love yourself?"

"I was named after my father’s one great love."

"Do men really love and like women who are physically attractive rather than intellectually attractive?"

"I can't swim!"

"I can be the woman you speak I am but I can also be a woman you wouldn’t want to meet."

"To be with you is a wish come true."

"Close your eyes and make a wish."

"Sometimes you meet someone, and it’s so clear that the two of you, on some level belong together. As lovers, or as friends, or as family, or something entirely different. You just work, whether you understand one another or you’re in love as partners in crime. You meet these people throughout your life, out of nowhere, under the strangest circumstances, and they help you feel alive. I don’t know if it makes me believe in coincidence, or fate, or sheer blind luck, but it definitely makes me believe in something.”

"You will always be my Girl Iyakin."

“Meet you at 7:00 PM tonight.”

***Her POV; I was sooo ready to try the zipwire while oppa was busy telling me that We can go somewhere first but I kept on insisting that I wanted to try.

Baekhyun: Let’s go somewhere first.

Me: No! I want to try this.

Baekhyun: It’s dangerous. Abeonnim will surely kill me if he finds out that I allowed you to this.

Me: Mmmm… I bet he wouldn’t

Baekhyun: How did you know?

Me: He was the one who suggested that I should try this whole thing

Baekhyun: Really???

Me: Yes.. so pleaseeeeeee.. I think it’s not too scary.

Baekhyun: ~still thinking~ are you sure you want to try this?

Me: Yes Yes Yes! Please oppa. Grant me my wish please…

Baekhyun: Do I really have to grant it now?

Me: Yes!

Baekhyun: Okay let's do it. ~looking all scared~

Me: ~jumped out of joy and hugged Baekhyun~

Baekhyun: Anything for you my little sister. ~hugging Zee back~

It was a fun experience doing the zip wire though it was kinda scary because its too long but seeing the island on top view really amazes me. I could hear oppa screaming but when he saw how beautiful Nami was he went all “Look here. Look at that. Wow!” I am happy to know that he is enjoying and I was busy trying to take videos of us. Then after we went to try their famous Pan Fried Rice Cake. It was delicious indeed. We also visited Winter Sona sites, Petite France, the old railways is a must for a photo op. Then at the Garden of the Morning Calm. Some old lads are doing their daily brisk walking and exercise however fora tourist like me my camera is always flexing which oppa said enjoy the view first with your eyes. I am not really a fan of flowers but visiting this place made me change my mind. “I love flower now.” ~laughs~ and our last stop was at Rail Bike Park. Oh I remember that one episode in Running Man that they have to do this while eating roasted potato or sweet potatoes. I literally forgot but it was fun. . I had too many memories in this island just like I had in Romblon. This is one of the best birthdays I ever had my entire life.

***His POV; I don’t have any idea where she was or what she’s doing now but I want to let her know that I was looking for her and I will wait for her on that place. Up until now I haven’t figured out what place she wants to visit. It is impossible she would visit COEX frequently. Zee is a kind of woman who enjoys the simple things. “Hmmmmm….” While thinking my manager called me.

Manager: Oh Chanyeol!

Me: Yes.

Manager: I have called them already. Fees will depend on how long will you flash your note and how many times do they have to flash it in a day.

Me: Okay. I actually have a few notes here and I want these notes to be shown every 15 minutes and will last for 2-3 minutes per note.

Manager: Are you putting your name on it?

Me: No. No names will be published.

Manager: How long do you plan to publish them?

Me: Until I find her.

Manager: What if she went home already?

Me: No! She’s still here. I have this feeling that she’s staying a bit longer.

Manager: Okay! I hope you find her soon.

Me: Thank you. Bye!

Manager: Bye!

I have sent the files of the messages that she said to me. I hope to really find her soon. “Please don’t go home yet, Zee.” ~feeling hopeful~ At times like this, all I ever wanted to be was to be with my mom.

Me: ~dialed his mom's number~ Eommeonni

Mom: Yes, what’s bothering you?

Me: Mmmmmm… she’s here.

Mom: Really???

Me: Yes. But we haven’t met.

Mom: Why aren’t you doing something? Go out and find her

Me: Will do that soon.

Mom: How soon? When she's back in Manila?

Me: No.

Mom: Then when?

Me: Tomorrow. I was arranging something to find her and I hope she reads them.

Mom: I will wait for that. And I am hoping for the best.

Me: Thank you eomma.

Mom: I love you adeul.

Me: Nado eommeoni

Chanyeol was determined to find her. Meanwhile the boys are back at the dorm. They brought in the food Kyung soo cooked earlier for the Lay and Chanyeol to taste. Lay asked why they left early today to go to Baekhyun.

Lay: Oh wasseo?

Suho: Annyeong hyung.

Chen: We brought some food from Baekhyun’s house.

Lay: Why?

Chen: It was her sister’s birthday today.

Chanyeol: Sister? He doesn't have one.

Sehun: Remember the friend he picked up last time.

Lay: Oh I see.

Chanyeol: What’s with all these food?

D.O: Today was his friend's birthday and he surprised her.

Chanyeol: Ohhhh.. he must have really liked her.

Xiumin: Yes but we saw that they don't like each other beyond friendship.

Lay: Why? Baekhyun is good looking and a good catch.

Suho: Yeah but…

Chen: But he isn’t her type.

Kai: They look better as ease.

Sehun: Like brother and sister.

Lay: What does she look like?

Chen: She is a soft hearted woman.

Xiumin: Simple.

Sehun: Baekhyun hyung liked her because she was transparent. Like…

Kai: Like you could see if she’s happy or sad.

Chanyeol: Really?? Interesting huh.

Chen: But you promise not to fall in love with his friend right.

Chanyeol: Yeap and I won't forget that.

Suho: If you meet her..

Chanyeol: I promise I won’t fall in love with her.

D.O: Do you really mean what you’re saying now?

Chanyeol: Yes!

D.O: Are you sure? You won’t change your answer?

Chanyeol: Yes!

Sehun: Just an advice hyung..

Chanyeol: What?

Sehun: I am betting my fortune you will fall in love with her

Chanyeol: ~laughs~ No I promise

D.O: Be careful with your words you might eat them.

Xiumin: Make sure they’re delicious ~laughs~

Chanyeol: What are you saying? Anyway, I have found a way to find her.

Kai: Who?

Lay: The girl he met in the Philippines. He was busy the whole time trying to write something.

Suho: Oh oh oh. We hope you find her soon.

The Boys: Yes yes yes.

Chanyeol: Thank you.

Sehun: The power of Chanyeol hyung

***Her POV; we took the afternoon ferry and we were listening to Wouldn't It Be Nice by The Beach Boys.. As our ferry sailed away I bring out my travel diary and checked Nami Island. I was happy as I tried to doodle around the things I love about the island. Oppa asked me if I could draw him gorgeously on my diary and We both laughed. Then I remembered Chanyeol. I am so eager to meet him but I was taking oppa’s advice. I shouldn’t be rushing things instead I have to wait. When oppa started talking about him;

Baekhyun: I know and I can see that you wanted to ask me to let you meet Chanyeol. Chanyeol was a friend of mine since our trainee days. I have seen him thru his worst and good. He was a soft hearted man even if he doesn't look like one. He was generous in every way he knows he can help. His heart was broken a few times but he managed to bounce back. We saw him cried his heart out and it was heartbreaking to see it just like I was with you when you had your heart broken by some asshole. ~laughs~ He found her the day you left the island but he didn’t ask her to marry him. He was a kid. He’s a 100% gullible. And he easily get scared.

Me: WHAT??????!!!!!

Baekhyun: Listen. He didn’t marry her because he met someone who reminded him to love himself first before others can love him back. He was sad when he left Korea but he came back feeling complete and happy.

Me: So you mean he’s not married?

Baekhyun: Yes. For the past years he was focused on being good on his craft. He wanted to do better. Because he wanted to show you what kind of person he has become after he met you.

Me: ~crying~ I’m speechless oppa. He was wrecked when I met him. Ever since we separated our ways I have always prayed for him. And I am crying now because he became someone whom he and someone can be proud of.

Baekhyun: I agree. But I am still not saying that I will arrange a meeting for you two. Let the heavens decide. If you meet him again then it is meant to be.

Me: Yeap. ~hugs Baekhyun~ Thank you oppa.

***His POV; the next day I woke up early and went on a nearby coffee shop near Samsung electronic billboard in COEX. I sat near the window so I could check. I was nervous. As I was waiting, I saw a lot of people passing by and I began to observe them and there’s one thing I noticed, they never smiled even once. They all walked like strangers to each other of course there’s an exception for people walking with colleagues. Then suddenly I remembered the people I have met in Romblon. They smile, laugh and shout each other's names on the streets just for the other person to notice them. Then suddenly I thought of; “Will she smile at me if I happened to pass by her on the street? Will she shout my name on the other side of the street?”

***Her POV; I woke oppa early in the morning because of my crying and frequent in and out of the bathroom to vomit. I was having this headache again. This headache. I asked him to get my medicine and he gave me water. Right after I drank my medicine and sat on the floor. My knees touching my forehead, both hands touching my head and crying; “Ahhhhhhhhh… Oppa my head. My head.” ~sobs~ when I suddenly felt oppa hugging me trying to hum a song to calm me.

Baekhyun: Shhhhhhhhh… calm down dongseng. Shhhhhh… ~trying to hold back his tears~

Me: Oppa, Oppppaaaaaa…. ~crying~

Baekhyun: ~humming a song for her~ Don’t worry Zee I’m here.

I couldn’t talk properly. As much as I would want to answer him my head aches every time I talk. But I felt safe knowing that oppa is with me. Then it was all black.

Chanyeol was drinking his favorite iced americano while eating ham, bacon and gouda cheese croissant. He is looking and observing the passers by meticulously. While Zee fell asleep after drinking her medicine. Baekhyun was worried about Zee and called the boys that he can’t come at any planned or unplanned gatherings for the day.