The Perfect Strangers

Chapter 9: The Love Locks

That afternoon, Zee was with Manager Choi at COEX library. She was trying to find interesting books to read during her free time. While Chanyeol was still at the studio rehearsing with other members. He almost forgot about their dinner but Sehun and Kai reminded them that Chanyeol's mother is waiting for them at Viva Polo restaurant.

***Her POV; there are thousands of books at the library and almost every book I took out from the shelves are worth reading. Woo Jin oppa was helping me carry the books I picked and I saw him looking at me as if I was that nerdy who would lock herself up in her room and just read, read and read. I had 4 books with me but I have to choose one. "Hmmmmm...which book should I read??? Hmmmm... ~book choices are: The Book of Happiness by Dalai Lama, The Prison Letters of Nelson Mandela, stargazing by Jen Wang and My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich by Ibi Zoboi~ it literally took me a few minutes before I finally decided what to read. Woo Jin oppa was smiling at me as if he was trying to tease me. Maybe he knew that I really love to read those books. When suddenly I told him; "Let's return the books we have to go to Namsan before it gets dark." I took the effort to return the books to where I got them. I was thankful that they're on the same shelf.

As we got out of the parking lot I looked up and saw something on the electronic billboard. I asked Woo Jin oppa to pull over because I want to read the notes flashing on the screens every 2-3 minutes. I immediately got out of the car and ran to a place where I could take a better view of the billboard.

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

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

"I can't swim!"

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

"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."

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

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

"Internet connection on 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?"

"Close your eyes and make a wish."

"Meet you at 7:00 PM tonight."

I was crying while reading the notes being shown on the screen. I knew I was the person whom that person is looking for but where are we going to meet. "God, I know it is Chanyeol. I know he is looking for me but where should we meet?" It was nearly 7:00 PM and I am still undecided as to where to meet him. Woo Jin oppa said; "Try to think of a place where the two of you shared a lot of beautiful memories." I tried to close my eyes to think clearly but there's only one place I can remember, "We used to share a lot of good and bad memories at the rooftop. ~silence. Thinking. Biting my nails~ oh I know where to meet him oppa. Let's go to NamSan and Tower. Please God let me see him there." Woo Jin oppa drove a little faster going to the nearest bus station going to Namsan because private cars are not allowed to enter unless we have special needs. They also avoid it to not pollute the air at Namsan Park. Oppa said, I can't be late for my date.

***His POV; we went to my mom's restaurant and I went directly to the security room to check on the videos for that day. My mom was listening to Ti Amero by Il Divo. I saw her drawing the place and I was surprised to see that she went near the wall and stuck a note. I immediately went out of the security room and tried to look for the notes she left for me. I have to check on the fan's notes one by one but I couldn't find it. Then I saw a black paper folded in a heart shape on the far left of the wall near the emergency button. I took it and prayed before opening; "God, please give me the note Zee left for me earlier. Please. Please. Please." My heart was beating fast and everyone's looking at me, "She left me a note!" Everyone was happy for me. I was unfolding it slowly and I saw my name "CY" right then and there I knew it was her note because I could recognize it from the letter, she left which I always read when I wake up in the morning and before I sleep at night. As I was reading her notes, I was thinking of the possible places we can meet when my mom said; "Think of a place that's memorable to you and Zee." I hugged my mom because I knew where to go. "There's only one place that's special and memorable to us. It's the hotel's rooftop but which rooftop should I go to?"

Suho: Don't you have anything in mind?

Sehun: Rooftop... rooftop... rooftop...

Yoora: You said she enjoys the simple things in life. Think of a place where she could see something.

Me: I know where to go now.

Kai: Where?

Me: Namsan Tower. It's the only highest place here where she can see simple yet beautiful things.

I went to get up on my chair and bid farewell to everyone. I started my car's engine and drove fast to Namsan. "Wait for me Zee." ~smiles~

Baekhyun smiled when he heard Chanyeol say "Namsan". Everyone saw him smirk and asked him;

Chen: Why are you smiling?

Baekhyun: Oh nothing.

Suho: Come on, spill it out.

Sehun: Eommeoni and noona, he is Zee noona's friend.

Mrs. Park: Really?

Baekhyun: Yes, eommonim. Sorry I was being quiet the whole time.

Yoora: Why?

Baekhyun: Because if it's really meant to be they will meet and it just happened.

Lay: Why:

Baekhyun: Zee is going to Namsan tonight. I was supposed to meet her for dinner but she said she'll be on a date.

***Her POV; we took bus no. 2 at Chungmuro Station and it was a 15 to 20 minutes ride going to Namsan Park. I saw a lot of tourists arriving at the park and some are already leaving. I was excited to finally be here. I asked Woo Jin oppa if we could take a walk to the tower. I was feeling excited as always then I called Baekhyun oppa.

Me: Oh, oppa it's me

Baekhyun: How are you?

Me: I'm good and we're at Namsan Park already.

Baekhyun: Have you eaten?

Me: Not yet.

Baekhyun: Why?

Me: I am waiting for my date. Oh, oppa I saw notes published on COEX billboard. I knew it was Chanyeol but I am not sure if he knew that I love taking a view from the top.

Baekhyun: Do you want me to tell him?

Me: Oh, please no oppa. No!

Baekhyun: But...

Me: He will find me, don't worry. I can feel it. We are meeting tonight.

Baekhyun: Okay. But please eat.

Me: Yes! Gotta go oppa. Bye.

Baekhyun: Bye and take care.

"What would I do if I went home tonight without meeting him? Will Baekhyun oppa laugh at me? But I really really could feel that I will meet him today. Please God make it happen. Please" I was having a headache again but it was manageable. Woo Jin oppa toured me around Namsan Park then he said, "You may go alone there if you want. Just call or send me a message if you're hungry and want to go home. Zee dongsaeng, I am praying also that you will meet Chanyeol tonight. So don't give up, okay?" I was touched by what oppa said to me. I went towards him and hugged him and said; "Thank you."

***His POV; it was past 7:00 in the evening when I arrived at Namsan Park. There are lots of tourists and locals coming at night. I guess this is really a perfect place to be in at night to see Seoul. I passed by the Namsangol Hanok Village, I tried to look around but she was not there. I continued walking until my feet lead me to the observatory. I went in and bought a ticket. I was at the elevator going to the observatory deck and was praying. "God, please let me see the woman I wished and prayed to see for the past years. I have been waiting for this chance to happen. Please let us meet. Please." I could feel my eyes getting teary while praying. I heard the automated voice operator of the elevator that I have reached my destination. When the door opened, I saw a girl wearing an olive-green floral dress and white sneakers smiling happily. My heart was beating fast, then I called her; "Zee!" When I saw her face smiling as she turned around, I cried. I have been waiting for so long to meet the woman I longed for. It was really her right in front of me.

***Her POV; I was enjoying the view from the deck. I can 't wait to let Chanyeol see this too. It was already past 7 but Chanyeol is still not here. "Should I tell him I was here? Was he able to find out that I want to visit this place? ~sigh~" I walked in front of the elevator door and said "Please make him be the next person you will take here. Pleaseeee..." then I went back to my spot and enjoyed the view. Five minutes later I heard a man's voice calling my name. I was hesitant to turn around so I could recognize the voice. "That voice was his." As I turned to check who called me and saw Chanyeol standing outside the elevator door wearing an olive-green t-shirt, black pants and black and white rubber shoes. I was surprised to see him. I saw him crying as he walked towards me. I could feel my tears falling because of joy. My dream is finally coming true. I am meeting the man I longed for. It was him. It was Park Chanyeol.

When Chanyeol and Zee saw each other at the tower, they're both crying out of joy because finally the heavens allowed them too.

Chanyeol: How are you?

Zee: How are you?

They both laughed.

Zee: I'm good. How are you?

Chanyeol: Much better than before.

Zee: Why?

Chanyeol: Because you're here.

Zee: ~laughs~ Oh before anything else let's enjoy the view of Seoul. ~dragged Chanyeol near the window~ Look CY it's beautiful from up here. Woooaaahhhhhh ~smiles~

Chanyeol: ~looking at Zee the whole time~ Yeah, it's beautiful. ~smiling~ have you seen the park?

Zee: Nope because I was waiting for my date.

Chanyeol: DATE???!!!!!! You have a date??

Zee: Yeah.

Chanyeol: Oh, I see.

They decided to go to nearby places around the tower.

***His POV; he is waiting for his date? I am the person who's meeting him here, not anyone else. ~thinking~ Oh! I forgot to ask her. As we reached the exit area of the tower, I asked her "Zee, can you go on a date with me tonight?" I was handing him a bag of candies. "I was in a hurry to go here when I realized you'll be here and only hot these bags of candies."

***Her POV; ~smiling~ "I thought you forgot. Thank you for asking me for a date. And my answer will always be yes. Thank you for these candies." I was happy to see him again. These candies tasted the best because it all came from him.

Zee told Woo Jin that he was with Chanyeol and he can go home. They went to visit the theme museums, they went to see LED displays, the Teddy Bear Museum, they got to experience wearing the traditional Korean clothes and took a photo together, and most of all they went to visit the famous love lock bridge.

Chanyeol: I bought 3 locks. You can have these two.

Zee: Thank you.

Chanyeol: Should we write something for each other today?

Zee: Yes.

They sat down on the floor and wrote something on their locks.

***His POV; this was better than before when I asked her to write her wish in Romblon. I have so many things to say but this lock does not have enough space. I was holding my lock and was looking at Zee. I can't explain the happiness I am feeling at this very moment. I want to stop the clock and just be with her. I missed her so much.

"Zee, you're someone worth waiting for."

***Her POV; I was curious what Chanyeol wrote on his lock but he wouldn't let me see it. Back then I saw him as a mad man stuck in an island but now, he is way way different than he was 2 years ago. I can't figure out what to write. This is harder than the one we did in Romblon.

"CY, you are my dream come true."

"I want to live."

Chanyeol was busy trying to read what other people wrote on their love locks. Some writings were already blurred. Others have already faded due to time and weather. He was looking for a perfect place to put their locks.

Chanyeol: I have found a perfect spot.

Zee: What?

Chanyeol: Are you done?

Zee: Yes.

Chanyeol: Come here!

Zee: Okay, wait.

Chanyeol: I have found a perfect spot to put in our locks.

Zee: Where?

Chanyeol: Here!

Zee: But their locks are too colorful. We might have a hard time finding our locks again when we visit. Mmmmmmmm... ~looked around~ why not there?

Chanyeol: Where?

They went to the other side of the bridge and saw a part of love locks all in gold.

Zee: Here!

Chanyeol: Okay!

Zee: Put your lock now.

Chanyeol: Yes ma'am!

Zee: Thank you

***His POV; I put on my love lock to the place she chose. We both saw what each of us wrote on our locks. I couldn't explain the feeling I am feeling right now. I am beyond happiness seeing Zee here with me tonight. She's still the same woman I met on the island. She's still my cry baby and will always be one I guess. Looking at her made me happy but why am I sensing that something's not right.

***Her POV; I put my locks beside Chanyeol's. I read the message he wrote on his lock and it was for me. I knew Chanyeol would one day check on the message I wrote on the locks he gave me. I was happy to finally be with him. Everything was all worth waiting for just like what he said. "Thank you, God. You're the best!" I stood up and felt a little dizzy when Chanyeol held and caught me.

Chanyeol: Are you okay?

Me: Yes. I'm hungry.

Chanyeol: Let's eat. You should have told me you're hungry.

Me: Sorry.

Chanyeol: It's okay. Where do you want to eat?

Me: I heard that food at Mok Myeok San Bang is good. Do you want to try?

Chanyeol: Yes. Let's ho.

As we walked to the restaurant, I was staring at him. He was smiling the whole time I was with him. I am trying to conceal the pain I was feeling. I knew something was wrong. But I won't let it be a hindrance towards my happiness. "I know God I am being selfish because I wanted to spend more time with him. All this time I have waited for this moment to happen and it happened because it is your will and I will be forever grateful to you." I looked away and wiped my tears. We reached the restaurant after a 10 to 20 minutes walk from the tower. I was getting excited again.

They entered the restaurant and ordered a few local dishes. Chanyeol and Zee had a long conversation. It's as if they are trying to reminisce and to get to know each other better.

Zee: I heard you didn't get married.

Chanyeol: Yes.

Zee: Why?

Chanyeol: Because I can no longer see my future with Byul.

Zee: So her name was Byul.

Chanyeol: Didn't I mention her name to you?

Zee: Nope. Never.

Chanyeol: Okay. Anyway, where are you staying?

Zee: At Baekhyun's home.

Chanyeol: WHAAAAAAT???!!! All this time you were at his house?

Zee: Yes. Oh didn't I mention that Baekhyun was my friend.

Chanyeol: You never did.

Zee: Didn't he tell you he has a Filipino friend?

Chanyeol: I know he has but it never crossed my mind that it was you. But I am happy to know that he's your friend.

Zee: You're not happy. You're irritated.

Chanyeol: No.

Zee: Yes you are Chanyeol.

Chanyeol: ~looks at me~ fine fine fine I was irritated. I mean he knew I was looking for you but he never said anything.

Zee: Because he told me that if we are meant to see each other then we will without him interfering on the situation.

Chanyeol: I hate it when he has a good point about this. ~laughs~

Zee: I hate it too.

Chanyeol: Let's change our topic. What's keeping you busy?

Zee: I am a flight attendant and a law student back in the Philippines.

Chanyeol: Interesting. Have we ever crossed paths before?

Zee: No.

Chanyeol: Was it tough being a student and a flight attendant?

Zee: Yeah, it was. However my colleagues and bosses are the best. I was here today because of them. This is their gift to me.

Chanyeol: Really?

Zee: Yeap. I am graduating this October. All I have to do now is to complete other requirements.

Chanyeol: Wow! Congratulations Zee.

Zee: Thank you.

They had a great dinner together. Chanyeol drove Zee home after dinner and inside his car Zee was calling Baekhyun.

Zee: Oppa

Baekhyun: Where are you?

Zee: We just left the station and will be there after 30 minutes.

Baekhyun: Okay. Have you eaten?

Zee: Yes. Do you want something to eat?

Baekhyun: Nothing. Thank you.

Zee: You sure?

Baekhyun: Yes. Take care on your way home. Tell Chanyeol to drive carefully

Zee: Yes. See you in a bit oppa.

Baekhyun: Bye.

Zee: Bye.

***Her POV; I was happy the whole time. "Lakas makapag-exercise ng mga muscles ko sa face. Shoot baka magka-muscle na ako sa mukha nito OMG!!!" I can't help myself not to stare at him. As in stare. Before I was just imagining this, like he was driving and I was in the passenger seat, listening to Coldplay songs, singing with all our hearts out, talking about anything under the sun etc. "Chanyeol, you are my dream come true. You just don't know how happy and relieved I am to finally see you." ~smiles~ As we approach Baekhyun's house I asked him;

Me: Can we meet tomorrow?

Chanyeol: I'm not sure because we have rehearsals tomorrow.

Me: It's okay. Can I come with Baekhyun oppa to the studio?

Chanyeol: That would be great but you have to ask him also.

Me: I will and I am pretty sure he'll love the idea of keeping me close to him. ~laughs~

Chanyeol: Thank you Zee

Me: For what?

Chanyeol: For being a part of my life.

Me: No I thank you for coming into my life. You made me want to live forever. And it's kinda selfish. ~smiles~

Chanyeol: Are you going away!

Me: Nope.

Chanyeol: Woah what a relief.

Me: But if I happened to go away will come look for me again? Will you leave me a note on billboards and slid them under my door?

Chanyeol: I will not let go. I will always leave you a note where you can always read them.

Me: ~hugged Chanyeol tightly~ Thank you so much. I promise to read them.

Chanyeol: ~hugged her too~ You better read them.

Me: Time to go.

We got out of the car and I rang oppa's doorbell and We tried to put out faces on the camera and we saw Baekhyun oppa. Eyebrows up and looking like a wicked stepmother waiting for Cinderella to come home with her prince. However, he was my silly brother. He opened the gate and door. Upon entering oppa was nagging as expected. ~laughs~

Baekhyun: It's late Zenaida. Where have you been?

Me: I went on a date dad. And he's with me.

Chanyeol: Good evening Mr. Byun.

Baekhyun: There is no good in the evenings if you're with my daughter.

Chanyeol: I'm sorry for dropping her off late. I promise we just ate and talked.

Baekhyun: I know you will just talk to her but my daughter. Oh my god my daughter....

Chanyeol: What about your daughter???

Me: Yahhhhhhh oppaaaa!!!!! I am not a maniac!

Baekhyun: Oh, sorry my daughter. Anyway, did you enjoy your date?

Me: Yes, we did and can I come to practice tomorrow? I want to see the other oppas too.

Baekhyun and Chanyeol: WHAAAATTTT???

Me: Why can't I be friends with them?

Chanyeol: Oh okay. Just friends.

Baekhyun: Yeah, just friends?

Me: Yeah, just friends... ~smiling silly~

Baekhyun: You were with Woo Jin hyung earlier, right?

Me: Yes? ~smiles~

Chanyeol: Aaahhhhhh...

Baekhyun: I told you Chanyeol. ~laughs~

Me: You told him what??

Baekhyun: She was one of them.

Chanyeol: ~trying to nod in dismay and was playing along with what Baekhyun was saying~ We just met today and... and... and this... ~pretending to be hurt~

Baekhyun: ~hugging Chanyeol~ Going back to Byul. She still loves you. You still have time.

Chanyeol: Yes, my friend. Thank you for worrying about me.

Me: YAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!! WHO'S GOING BACK TO?????? HMMMMMMMM...... ~holding a glass of iced cold water on her right hand while the left was on her waist and her right foot stomping in a slow phase as if she was going to kill someone~

Baekhyun and Chanyeol: Did someone say Byul.

Baekhyun: I told you Chanyeol you are perfect for my sister.

Chanyeol: Thank you brother.

Baekhyun: Ohhhhh... You think I forgot. You told me you won't fall in love with my sister.

Me: Did he really said that oppa?

Chanyeol: Hey! That was a different story. I didn't know it was you.

Me: You have your point. You're forgiven.

We were laughing like crazy. Oppa sent Chanyeol off to the gate while I went to my room in pain.