The Perfect Strangers

Chapter 5: 'Til We Meet Again

CHAPTER 5: 'Til we meet again

***Her POV; As I enter my room, I am feeling sad because I have to leave this island soon and of course him. I changed into my pajamas and I kept on talking to myself. I am worried that he might give up. “Where are you, bakla? Paramdam ka kung buhay ka pa. Kasi kung hindi naman pwede bang akin na lang si kuya? ~jokingly~ Charoot.”

I walked out of my mini patio and there I sat on the floor and leaned on the wall opposite of his patio. There was no sign that he was still awake. As I sat there, I was listening to my shuffled playlist and the first song that played was, Told You So by Jeong Seowoon. “Is the song speaking on my behalf? I met him by coincidence. And for the past 3 days of my life, he was in it. Literally in it. I like how he entered my world but I am feeling lonely knowing that he will have to leave soon.” I stare up at the sky wishing and waiting for a falling star. “I am ready for my wish. Where are you? Just one, please. I badly need one right now. Please. Should I wish for him to find her or should I use this wish for me? I wanted to spend another day with him.” ~sounded hopeful and closed her eyes~ but if I do I'm being greedy and I don’t like how I would feel about it.

***His POV; I changed into my normal sleeping attire, white shirt and jogging pants and walked straight to the patio. I sat on the floor watching the sky. “It’s beautiful. ~he whispers~ Thinking that we’re under the same sky. But I don’t know where you are. Do you still want me to find you? Give me a sign so that I know if I should stop here.” I cannot explain how I was feeling anymore about her. All I know is that I am happy being with Zee. As I sat in the dark corner of the patio, I heard Zee open her door. Neither does she know I was at the patio too sitting on the floor and listening to her and the music she plays. As I listened to her songs, I thought of “the music she plays, speaks about her feelings.” I saw Baekhyun calling me but I declined and talked to him through text messages instead. She is now playing Free Life by Kim Gun Mo. “Wow, this girl is something.” I could imagine her dancing on the other side of this wall. ~smiles~

Chanyeol: Sorry

Baekhyun:Why did you cancel my call?

Chanyeol: I don’t want her to hear me.

Baekhyun: Who? Did you already find her?

Chanyeol: No.

Baekhyun: Then who?

Chanyeol: Some girl I met on this island.

Baekhyun: So? Why can’t I call you?

Chanyeol:She was staying in the other room. I was actually eavesdropping to her right now.

Baekhyun: Yah! Yah! Yah! ~trying to warn Chanyeol that what he’s doing is bad~

Chanyeol: I know it’s not good but….

Baekhyun: But what???

Chanyeol: Nothing.

Baekhyun: So what are you up to now?

Chanyeol: I might go back earlier than planned. She doesn't want to be found anyway. I’ll leave it that way.

Baekhyun: Why so sudden? I mean a few days ago you were determined to find her but now its as if you’re saying it's okay not to find her?

Chanyeol: Because everywhere I go, I don’t feel her presence. But you know, I met a girl. ~smiles~

Baekhyun: Oooooohhhhhhhh… I’m curious about her. Is she beautiful? Tall? Short? What?

Chanyeol: She’s unpredictable, independent, stubborn and hot tempered woman. ~laughs~

Baekhyun: Interesting. So you guys always argue right?

Chanyeol: Yeap! A lot actually ~smiles~

Baekhyun: As expected. Oh did I just sensed that you’re smiling now? Ooooohhhhhhhhh… It’s good to know that you have someone you know on the island.

Chanyeol: Yeap! Can we talk tomorrow?

Baekhyun: Why?

Chanyeol: Because I can’t hear her properly because of you.

Baekhyun: Okay. Goodnight!

Chanyeol: Goodnight! Bye!

As I finished my conversation with Baekhyun, I heard she was playing Someone that loves you by Honne and Izzy Bizu. “So she listens to Honne too?” As I was listening, my phone rang again but this time a number I do not know. I went back into my room while I slowly and quietly closed the patio door. “Should I answer?” A part of me was saying no but there’s a part of me that pushed me to answer the phone call. “What if it’s her?”

Girl: Oppa. It's me!

Chanyeol: ~shocked as he is not expecting she will call him~ Oh.

Girl: Can we meet?

Chanyeol: When?

Girl: Tomorrow morning at Fuerza San Andres.

Chanyeol: Okay!

Girl: See you tomorrow.

Chanyeol: Bye.

My heart is beating fast but I am more worried that I might not see Zee tomorrow. I went back to the patio but I heard nothing. “Oh maybe she already went inside to rest. Good night Zee.” ~he whispered~

***Her POV; As I lay down in my bed, I couldn’t help but feel something strange. Feelings that I couldn’t explain. It feels like something is going to happen but I just don’t know what it will be, when and where.

***His POV; I woke up early to check on Zee. I hurriedly went out of my room and knocked on her door.

Me: ~knocking~ Zee, are you up?

Zee: Yes! Wait!

Me: Can I talk to you for a minute?

Zee: Okay. ~opened the door~ Yes???

Me: Mmmmm… I know I promise to spend time with you today before you leave but… but… but..

Zee: ~waiting~ Were you able to find her?

Me: ~shocked~ Yeah. I received a call from her last night. Is it okay if I meet her today?

Zee: Of course it's okay. It’s good news. ~ngiting hurting~ Go, this is your chance Chanyeol. ~ sounded as if she was going to cry~

Chanyeol: What time is your departure?

Zee: The ship will leave at 7:30 tonight.

Me: Okay. I will see you before you leave. Promise. ~smiles~

Zee: Okay! I’ll wait for you. Go for it, okay! Your wish has been heard. I’m going inside now and need to fix my things. ~closed her door immediately~

Me: Okay ~walks back to his room and before he enters he looked back at Zee’s door and saw that it was already closed~

***Her POV; “Now that he found her why am I feeling sad? This is what I wished for, for him right.” ~wonders and smiles~ “There are things and people who are not meant to stay in my life.” ~half smiled~ “I just hope she will consider his feelings this time.” ~teary~ I went back to bed feeling sulky and thinking of the possible things that might happen. ~sigh~ I am supposed to be happy for him. I should be happy for him.

***His POV; I was preparing to see her but my mind was thinking of Zee. "Why do I worry about how Zee would feel?" ~Argh~ I have finished preparing and went to our meeting place. And as I got there I was amazed how beautiful this island is. It captures my heart. “I am starting to fall in love with this island.” ~smiles and breath~ From where I was standing, I saw Byul sitting on the 4th stone bench. She was wearing a pink floral romper and a white rubber shoes. As soon as she saw me she smiled as if nothing happened. I waved my hand and walked towards her.

***Byul’s POV; I went to Fuerza San Andres earlier than expected to wait for Chany. While waiting, I roamed around trying to check on the place. It was old but the view up here is amazing. Minutes later I went back down and sat on the stone benches to wait for him. “I was excited to finally meet him again after all, I still love him. I went here for him to realize my worth. ~smiles~ Thinking that he followed me here means that he truly loves me.” I saw Chany on his way up. He was looking different as if he was trying to think about something else. I sat back down and tried to think hard if something happened to him. I texted a few friends back in Seoul to check if they knew something but all they said was nothing happened to Chany and he was looking for me. As I sat there I wondered why.

Chanyeol reached the top area of Fuerza San Andres that overlooks the towns and had the most beautiful view of the island.

Chany: Byul! ~he waved at him~

Byul: ~she waved back at him and smiled beautifully~ Chany! ~excited~

Chany: How are you?

Byul: I miss you so much. ~hugged him tightly~

Chany: ~in doubt to hug her back~ Oh, I miss you too.

Byul: Did you travel from Seoul all the way here to find me?

Chany: Yes!

Byul: Really? Awwwww….. You're so sweet Chany. ~smiles~

Chany: ~smiles~ how are you?

Byul: I’m okay. I was stuck on this island for 2 weeks already. I thought you wouldn't look for me.

Chanyeol was lost in his words and just kept on smiling as his response to Byul.

Byul: So can we go on a date? I mean no paparazzi. Peaceful.

Chany: So are we back together?

Byul: Yes! ~smiles happily~

Chany: Ah… Uhm… I… ~hesitant~ Okay.

Byul: So can we go on a date now? Please????

Chany: Fine but I need to go back to the hotel before 7 tonight.

Byul: Why?

Chany: I promised to meet someone.

Byul: Who?. ~wondering who it was~

Chany: Someone you don’t know. Let’s go. ~smiles~

Byul: Okay.

Byul and Chany went on a date on the island as she planned. She brought him to places he has been before with Zee. And he was reminded of his memories with her.

Byul: Can we go there? ~pointing directly at the direction of the sand bar~

Chany: ~looks~ okay.

Byul: Wow this is beautiful. I have been here a few times but I haven’t crossed that sand bar because.... ~gazing at Chany~

Chany: Because? ~curious~

Byul: Because I wanted to cross it with you.

Chany: ~looking around at places where he first saw Zee and smiles. Its as if he was not paying attention to Byul~ this place is all about her.

Byul: Who?

Chany: Mmmmmm… Nothing. I went here a few times to check if I can find you here.

Byul: Really?

Chany: Yeap.

Byul: Anyway, can we cross now?.

Chany: Mmmmmm… okay!

They are halfway from crossing the sandbar when Chanyeol glanced at his watch. It was almost lunch and he asked her to go back to the city. They went to the local Italian restaurant for lunch. She was looking all over the place as if trying to check if everything was clean.

Chany: What do you want to eat?

Byul: Do they have other restaurants on this island?

Chany: They don’t.

Byul: Oh. Okay! Have you eaten here?

Chany: Yes. A few times actually. ~smiles~

Byul: So what do you suggest?

Chany: I’ll just order everything I know you can eat.

Byul: Okay.

Byul was surprised by how Chany talks to her. After lunch Chanyeol invited her to check on the local shops located in the city. It's as if he was his tour guide from the island.

Byul: You surprised me.

Chany: Mmmmmmm… what?

Byul: I mean you already know a few locals and places here.

Chany: ~smiles~ because someone taught and guided me well about this island. This island is…. ~smiles happily~

Byul: This island is what?

Chany: This island is beautiful. Where are you staying anyway?

Byul: I actually don't stay on this side of the island. I actually rented a boat to come here. ~smiles~

Chany: Where?

Byul: I am staying in Sunset Cove Beach & Dive Resort in Alad.

Chany: I actually visited that island but maybe I was also on the other side. No wonder I can’t find you here

Byul: Yeap. I heard you say something about this island. What is it?

Chany: Nothing.

Byul: Come on.What?

Chany: I think… I think I have fallen in love… ~smiles~ on this island.

Byul was surprised by what Chanyeol said. But she kept telling herself that it was really the island he fell in love with. Chanyeol brought her to a local restaurant where Zee and him usually ate for afternoon snacks. They went back to the city and went straight to Aling Belen’s canteen and Chany ordered their usual foods.

Chanyeol: Magandang hapon po Aling Belen. ~sounded funny~

Aling Belen: Uy, Hello Pogi. How can I help you? ~smiles~

Chanyeol: Aling Belen, can we have 2 of each halo-halo, footlongs, burgers and one french fries per flavor - barbecue, cheese and sour and cream. I’ll have cold coffee and one soda. Please. Salamat po.

Aling Belen: Where is Zee?

Chanyeol: She’s at the hotel.

Aling Belen: Pogi, sino yan? Gelpren mo? ~chismosa mode~

Chanyeol: ~smiles~ Yes.

Aling Belen: Ang sungit ng gelpren mo totoy.

Chanyeol: She’s not familiar with the island. Sorry. But she’s nice. ~smiles~

Byul: ~she looked at Chany. Surprised by his answer~ Do you understand what they say?

Chanyeol: Yes. I told you I had a great teacher.

Byul: Okay. Did you order everything they sell? ~curious~

Chany: I almost did but no. ~smiles~

The food is served by Aling Belen.

Aling Belen: Enjoy your food!

Chanyeol: Yes po. Salamat po.

Byul: Are we eating all these?

Chany: ~took a bite on his burger~ Yes!

Byul: Do they have tissue? Knife? Fork?

Chany: They don’t. It's better to eat using your hands. Try it.

Byul: It’s unhygienic Chany! ~sounded annoyed~

Chany: Then wash your hands. ~continued eating~

Byul: Argh! ~irritated~

***Her POV; I am done fixing my things and I’m ready to go tonight. I wonder how he is doing. “Did he ask her? Did he propose to her? Are they back together?” Anyways, I went up to the rooftop for my last lunch and merienda. I asked Kuya bong to cook my ever favorite chopsuey, lomi and yang chow.

Me: I am going to miss your cooking Kuya Bong. ~smiles with teary eyes~

Kuya Bong: Ma-miss ka din namin mam. Balik ka dito ah. Mag-party tayo ulit. ~smiles~

Me: Oo naman kuya.

Kuya Bong: Isama mo si Pogi ah.

Me: Di tayo sigurado diyan kuya.

Kuya Bong: Bakit mam?

Me: Busy yun sa work.

Kuya Bong: Ganun ba?. Edi kapag hindi na siya busy. Basta antayin namin kayo.

Me: Sige po. Sabihan ko siya.

As I was waiting for my food to be served I went up to the upper deck of the rooftop restaurant and sat on one of their nipa hut dining areas and slowly looked around, “ito yung isang lugar na ma-mimiss ko talaga. Aaaahhhhhhh.. ~crying~ Ang daming nangyari saken dito. Ang dami kong taong nakilala at naging parte ng buhay ko dito. Ahhhhh ma-mimiss kita Romblon.” I went back down to the rooftop patio as I heard the receptionist calling my name because my food is ready. I kept looking around but still no signs of him. I ate my brunch and read a book when I suddenly thought of writing him a letter in case we can’t see each other before I leave. But he made a promise right? “I should wait?” I heard someone coming up and I immediately turned my back to look who it was only to find out it was the manager. I finished my lunch late and went back to my room to rest.

***His POV; I am with the woman who made me travel for one whole day but I was thinking of a woman who made me stay on this island even without any reasons for staying. “Zee please wait for me.” ~I whispered~

***Byul’s POV; Is it possible that he met a woman and he’s into her? I can’t and I shouldn't let it happen! Chany is mine! The whole time I knew he was not paying attention to whatever I was saying but I know that it will still be me and him in the end. I asked him if we could have a drink.

Byul: Can we have a drink?

Chany: ~glanced at his watch again~ it's getting late and I am meeting someone.

Byul: Please???? Just two bottles each, pleaaaseeee.

Chany: But it's 5:00 in the afternoon.

Byul: Promise it won’t take long.

Chany: Okay! Just two bottles.

Byul: Just two. Promise. And I succeeded.

They went back to the local Italian restaurant because they are the only restaurant that serves the drinks she preferred.

Byul: Can we have 4 bottles of beer please?

Waitress: Mam, if you order 1 bucket you have 1 free bottle and it’s cheaper.

Chany: Just 4 bottles.

Byul: No, we're taking one bucket. ~smiles~

Waitress: Okay mam.

Chany: ~glanced at his watch again and said~ just one bucket okay!

Byul: Yes.

As time passed by, Chanyeol didn’t didn’t notice that Byul keep on ordering hard alcoholic beverages. Chanyeol was not able to track time as he was already getting drunk and forgot his promise to Zee.

***Her POV; I woke up at 6:30 in the evening and went down to the reception area. Still no signs of Chanyeol. I asked the manager for a small paper so I can leave a note for him.

Me: Pwede po makahingi ng paper? Kahit maliit lang po.

Manager: ~handed a bond paper~ Ito bhe oh.

Me: Salamat po.

Manager: Iwan ka sulat kay Pogi?

Me: Note lang po siguro kasi hindi na ata kami mag-aabot kasi wala pa ata siya. Bahala na.

Manager: Oo wala pa kanina pa umailis.

I sat down in the lobby, thinking of what to write. Should I write a letter or just a note?

CY,

I have always wished, dreamed and prayed for this chance to happen. To meet you in a place like this unexpectedly. And I guess my prayers had already been answered and granted. I remember a quote I read online;

“Sometimes you meet someone, and it’s so clear that the two of you, on some level, we 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.”

Thank you Chanyeol. I hope everything will be okay between you and her. Even if we didn't see each other before I leave, maybe one day we’ll meet again. Take care and God bless.

Always and forever,

Zee

Zee handed her room key and letter for Chanyeol to the manager and bid them farewell. She went straight to the port as she heard the honking of the ship coming.

Zee: Babye po and salamat po ulit.

Hotel Staff: Walang problema mam. Salamat din po. Ingat kayo.

Zee: Kayo din po.

Manager: Mam, balik ka dito ah.

Zee: Oo naman po. Mag-party tayo ulit. ~smiles~

***Her POV; I tried to look around and check on the faces of people passing by at the port and none of them was him. I was walking on the path to the ship when I suddenly looked up and whispered “Thank you for making me feel loved again. If I meet him again then it’s not a coincidence anymore. It’s fate.” I took my last look at the port gate before I boarded the ship but still no signs of him. “Where are you?” ~sigh~ “I will miss you CY.” ~smiles sadly~

The ship will depart from the port at exactly 7:30 in the evening. No signs of Chanyeol was seen. On the other side of the street where the local italian pubestaurant was located, Chanyeol and Byul was still having a drink.

Chany: I need to go. ~drunk glancing at his watch~

Byul: I can take you to your hotel.

Chany: No. I can manage to go back. You should go back to your hotel now it's getting late.

Byul: But my hotel is quite far from here. Can I sleep at your hotel room instead?

Chany: No. I can have you check-in to another room. ~paid their bills and was in a hurry to go back~

Byul: Chany, wait for me?! ~irritated~

***His POV; I can’t clearly see the time but I hope she’s still at the hotel. ~walking fast as if he has no companion walking with him~ as I reached the hotel I asked the manager;

Chanyeol: Hi, is Zee still here?

Manager: Oh hi sir. Pogi. Are you drunk?

Chanyeol: Is Zee still here?

Manager: No no no. She left already. One hour ago.

Chanyeol: s**t! ~slapped the table and turned his back and was disappointed~ Sorry but thank you.

Manager: No problem sir.

Chanyeol: Oh, I need another room for her ~ pointing at Byul~ Can you assist her? Put everything under my thumb. Thank you.

Manager: Okay sir pogi.

Manager: But the ship is still there. Maybe you still have time to say goodbye.

Chanyeol: Thank you.

I ran fast to the port trying to find Zee in a sea of people departing and arriving at the port. I am feeling hopeless and just shouted her name “지 어디야? 지 어디야? 지 어디야ㅑㅑㅑㅑ???” Everyone was looking at me like a crazy Korean guy in korean drama. I went near the departure area and saw nothing. I uttered her name from time to time hoping that she’ll hear me “Zee Zee Zee.” Then I heard some call me, “Chanyeol!!!” I turned my head to the direction where I heard someone called my name and I saw her smiling happily and waving at me. “I'll make her stay.” ~determined~

Zee: Chanyeol!!!! ~waving happily~

Chanyeo: Come here, quick!

Zee: Yes

Chanyeol: Come here, quick!

***Her POV; I was walking at the bridge going to the ship when I heard someone calling me and speaking in korean. At first I don’t want to look back because I was thinking I was hallucinating because I was thinking of him. When I turned my head and saw him waving his hands, my heart beat faster and I called him. He was calling me and I ran as fast as I could. I could feel my tears falling from my eyes because I was happy to see him for the last time. I was running towards him with my arms wide open and saw him smiling happily as he opened his arms to hug me.

Me: Chanyeol!!! ~crying~

Chanyeol: Why are you crying? ~teary eyes and laughing~

Me: ~sobs~ be.. becau… because I thought I will not see you before I leave.

Chanyeol: Who said you’re leaving?

Me: Me! ~surprised~

Chanyeol: Can you stay for a couple of days?

Me: What? I…. I have work and class.

Chanyeol: Please???? Mmmmmmmm… 2-3 days. Please???! ~feeling paawa talaga~

Me: I’m sorry I really can’t. But I am happy to see you before I leave.

Chanyeol: Me too. I made a promise right.

Me: Thank you!

***His POV; I saw her crying as she ran towards me. While watching her it feels like everything around us is in slow motion and I caught myself smiling happily and my heart beats fast.

***Her POV; As we were talking, Chanyeol carried my bag and asked me something.

Chanyeol: How could you carry this? I mean it's too heavy.

Me: I don’t know. ~ shrugged her shoulders~ or maybe I was too strong like a carabao as we Filipinos say it. ~flexing~

Chanyeol: ~laughing~ this is the reason why you remained short ~laughs again~

Me: Yaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!!! ~hits him hard~

Chanyeol: I was just joking. ~laughs~

Me: Ewan ko sayo! You’re just too tall so I look too short. ~smiled~

Chanyeol: Fine. Whatever you say. ~smiles~

Me: It’s goodbye for now Boy Sawi. Oh you’re no longer hurting because you met her. Sige I’ll call you Boy Hyper as always. ~smiles~

Chanyeol: ~smiles~ and you will always be my Girl…..

Me: What?

Chanyeol: How do you call someone who always cry? In your language I mean.

Me: Iyakin.

Chanyeol: You will always be my Girl Iyakin ~smiles~ I’m going to miss you Zee.

Me: Me too.

We heard the last call of passengers from the crew. He walked with me to the boarding area.

Chanyeol tightly hugged Zee for the last time and whisper; “.나는 당신을 그리워 할거에요. 다시 나는 당신을 바라 볼래요.” (I will miss you. I want to see you again.) She just smiled and bid him goodbye.

***Her POV; I was walking inside the ship looking for my room when thoughts coming like a flash of light. “Nagkabalik na kaya siya sa hotel? Nagkabalikan kaya sila? Nag-yes na kaya siya? Naiiyak ako ba’t ganun? Baka nga nagkabalikan na? Bakit bothered ako diba?!” ~sigh~ I am in the middle of nowhere but I left my heart and mind in Romblon. “Did he get my letter?” ~hopeful~

The manager assisted Byul to her room. When he was about to go down he remembered Zee’s letter for Chanyeol.

Manager: ~knocks on the door~ Good evening sir. Pogi.

Chanyeol: Good evening. ~smiles~

Manager: I have ushered your friend upstairs and make sure she’s resting well.

Chanyeol: Thank you.

Manager: She left this for you. ~handing him the letter~

Chanyeol: ~eyes suddenly wide open and looking excited~ really? Thank you

Manager: Welcome. Rest well sir.

Chanyeol: Thank you so much. ~smiles~

***His POV; I was able to keep my promise to meet her. But I don’t even know where to contact her. I went out to my patio and sat on the floor with her letter on my left hand and a beer on my right hand. “Are we staring at the same sky now? I hope the waves are okay because you will surely get scared. I’m sorry. I was late. Please be safe Zee.” I checked on my playlist and clicked shuffle, the song started playing, Soulmate by Zico feat. IU. As I read her message I could feel her emotions while writing it. I couldn’t help my tears from falling because I am starting to miss her. “Ahhhhh… I have never imagined someone. A stranger… a stranger who will play a big part in my life. The very first person to remind me to love myself before I want everyone else to love me back.”