The Perfect Strangers

Chapter 6: Location Unknown

***Her POV; I was at the cafeteria sitting on the same spot where I had my first dinner on board. The same spot where I saw him. I had the same meal like last time and one cold coffee to complete my dinner. No one was sitting on the spot where I first saw him. So I decided to transfer. I was looking outside trying to check the view from this side but all I could see was a complete pitch black background. The waves are high due to the weather. It was scary! I finished my dinner and went back to my room to rest. Or should I say to pretend to sleep. Every deep waves are equivalent of 10 times of my prayers. “Anlalim Lord, please no more deep waves. Please calm the sea Lord.” ~sounded so scared~

I survived the deep waves and was able to sleep soundly before we docked at Batangas Port. My alarm rang at 5:30 in the morning, as I got up I pulled my window curtain to the left and saw that the sun was about to rise. ~smiles~ “Back to reality.” As I disembarked the ship, I was feeling like I left something in Romblon. But I was not entertaining the idea and just kept on walking and rode a bus back to Manila.

***His POV; I got up early and went to the rooftop and ordered our breakfast. I even prepared our favorite 3 in 1 iced coffee ~smiles~ I went back down and knocked on her door to tell her that breakfast was ready. ~feeling excited~ As I knocked on her door the receptionist called me.

Receptionist: Kuya, Ate Zee left last night. No occupant inside.

Chanyeol: Oh shoot! Sorry I forgot.

Receptionist: Are you looking for your friend?

Chanyeol: Yes!

Receptionist: She’s upstairs room 409

Chanyeol: Thank you.

Receptionist: Welcome.

As he nearly approached Byul’s room he could hear her from the outside talking to someone. “I already met him. He was being distant. Are you sure nothing happened to him? You told me he was preparing something when I left him. What is it?” ~Byul having a conversation with someone over the phone~ Chanyeol knocked on her door.

Chanyeol: Byul.

Byul: Yes!

Chanyeol: Can we meet at the rooftop?

Byul: Yes. ~running from the bathroom~ wait. Chany…

She opens her door but found nothing only Chanyeol's footsteps were heard.

***His POV; I sat on the same spot where Zee normally sat whenever we're having breakfas. Overlooking the vast horizons of the sky, sea and mountains from the nearby island. It was beautiful indeed and she loves seeing this everyday as if she was trying to take a photo ofiit and saving it to her memory. ~smiles~ She really is someone who enjoys the simple things in life. ~teary~ “I miss you Zee.” ~he whispered~ I heard Byul’s footsteps and I waved to her to come sit with me.

Chanyeol: ~smiled and greeted her~ Good Morning.

Byul: What’s this?

Chanyeol: Tapsilog, Tocilog and Lomi.

Byul: I can’t… I can’t eat these. Excuse me. ~calls the receptionist~

Receptionist: Yes mam.

Byul: Do you have bread? Ham and egg? Cereals?

Receptionist: Yes mam.

Byul: Please give me ham and egg and toasted bread with butter and orange juice.

Receptionist: Yes mam. Sir pogi your gelpren is maldita ah.

Chanyeol: Sorry. Please give her what she asked. ~smiled~

Receptionist: Okay sir.

Byul: What did she just said?

Chanyeol: Nothing.

Minutes later I was watching Byul as she eats her food. I asked her to try the food I ordered for us and I took the chance to tell her why I went here.

Chanyeol: I arrive last week, Friday morning without knowing someone. I only went here because your friend told me you’re here. I was clueless about this island. And I don’t know how and where to find you.

Byul: But you’re here now and we’re together.

Chanyeol: Yes, I survived because I met people who helped me and accompany me to places just to find you.

Byul: So are you mad that you came here to find me?

Chanyeol: At first yes, but as the days passed by I started to enjoy my stay.

Byul: Okay! So what are you trying to say?

Chanyeol: The day you asked for breakup was the day I was going to propose. ~puts a small pink jewelry box and gave it to Byul~ I wanted to ask you to marry me. And spend the rest of your life with me. I even prepared my proposal speech for you ~Byul cuts her off~

Byul: ~opened the jewelry box and saw a white gold ring with diamonds all over it. She took it out and wore it and said~ Yes! I will marry you.

Chanyeol: Listen to me Byul. As I kept on searching for you, I happened to meet a girl. A woman rather.

Byul: ~she stopped and looked at Chany in a way that she’s trying to make him feel guilty~ So you’re saying you had a change of heart because of her?

Chanyeol: No.

Byul: You don’t know her Chany. She will just use you.

Chanyeol: I know her Byul. Even for a short span of time I can say that, I know her.

Byul: How sure are you that she’s not after what you have?

Chanyeol: Because I know she’s not like you.

Byul: What about me? ~sounded angrily~

Chanyeol: Do you really want to know?

Byul: Yes!

Chanyeol: You’re high maintenance.

Byul: And what is she like huh?

Chanyeol: She’s intelligent, kind, hot tempered, stubborn, goal getter, scared of waves, scared of chickens. But she enjoys the simple things in life that I don’t get to experience. Typical. Most of all she saved me.

Byul: Are you cheating on me?

Chanyeol: I wasn’t cheating okay. Remember we broke up.

Byul: Is she that someone you are supposed to…

Chanyeol: Yes! She left the island last night and I almost forgot my promise to her. Byul, you know I have loved you more that I have loved myself. I gave you everything you asked for. And I was even willing to give up everything for you. But you just threw everything away and hid in this island. Because I can’t admit publicly that we are in a relationship.

Byul: So you’re regretting that you followed me in this island?

Chanyeol: I don’t. Really I don’t regret anything I have done. I was actually thankful I came into this island. Here, I get to experience how to he normal.

Byul: Then do you love me??

Chanyeol: You and me are over. For the past few days I was here, I was thinking hard about us.

Byul: Do you like her?

Chanyeol: Yes! I like everything about her. She was the first person who treated me like I was the normal Park Chanyeol.

Byul: Why? Did I treat you differently for the past 3 years?

Chanyeol: Yes Byul. To you, I was always someone you can brag about because of fame. I want you and our relationship hidden because doing that is my way that I can protect you and I know that no one will harm you. But you always asked me to put everything about us in public.

Byul: I never meant it that way Chany.

Chanyeol: But that’s how you made me feel.

Byul: What about her? I mean why do you like her?

Chanyeol: I am most thankful for her when she taught me how to love myself. One thing I forgot because I was too busy loving you.

Byul: I’m sorry.

Chanyeol: She was special in every way she does and so are you. I’m sorry Byul. I didn’t mean to be harsh about my words.

Byul: I can’t say I’m okay Chany. But I feel sorry for what I did. I was too selfish and was always the receiver in our relationship. I was confident that you won’t leave. I’m sorry Chany.

Chanyeol: Don't feel sorry. You don’t have to be. The things I did for you, are my choices.

Byul: Can we… Can we start all over again? Second chance?

Chanyeol: For now I can’t say yes.

Byul: Do you need time for yourself?

Chanyeol: Yes.

Byul: Okay. But can you promise me you’ll tell me if we can still….

Even before Byul said her last words to Chanyeol, he said; “I will. Thank you for understanding me.”

Byul and Chanyeol decided to part ways on that day. Byul accepted that Chanyeol had a change of heart but she will still wait for him. No more dramas. No hate. Chanyeol decided to go back to Korea later that night.

***Her POV; “I am back to the ever noisiest city in the Philippines. This is my reality. This is my life. Far from the island life I had for the past few days.” ~sigh~ I got home at around 12 noon and was still tired. “Thank you Lord, I survived those deep waves.” I lay on the floor and stares at the ceiling trying to think of him. My thoughts are always and about him. “What are you doing Chanyeol?” ~smiles~

***His POV; I was getting ready and packing up my stuff before I leave. I had my last afternoon snacks at Aling Belen’s canteen and my last lunch at the hotel. I roamed around the local shopping center and bought souvenirs for the boys. I found a cute bracelets which the seller can put a name on it. I bought a lot and had their names on it and I had one for Zee. “I will give this to her someday.” As I wait for my departure time, here I am sitting on a marble bench watching the sunset. “Thank you because Byul and I met again. Most of all, I thank you for letting me meet Zee. I hope that someday I’ll get the chance to give this to her. ~referring to the bracelet and smiling happily~ “Where are you Zee?”

Chanyeol captures a photo of the sunset from his view. It was beautiful. Orange, pinkish, dark blue, violet, reddish and a bit yellowish shades all in one photo. He posted it on his i********: account without tagging where he was. But he captioned it with “이 섬에서 당신을 만나는 것은 훌륭한 경험입니다. 감사합니다. 다시 만날 수 있기를 바랍니다.” ~ Meeting you on this island is a wonderful experience for me. Thank you. I hope we can meet again.~

***Her POV; On a rainy afternoon in Manila while having coffee and listening to Love Is a Song by DJ Soulscape. I was updating my i********: account and decided to search for his name to check if he made an update. And I was right. So they really got back together. Good for him. ~sips my coffee~ As I tried hard to make myself believe that I am happy for them, my tears started to fall. I couldn’t help it but I cried that afternoon. No one can hear me because it is raining hard. “I am happy for you.” ~uttering words as she sobs~

***His POV; I got on the ship in the evening and sat on the same spot where she sat when she saw me at the cafeteria. The waves are calmed. I tried ordering the same dinner she had before and it tastes good. After 10 hours ship ride I was bound to go to the airport for my 9:00AM flight going to Korea. I called my manager and asked him to pick me up at the airport.

Chanyeol: Oh hyeongnim. ~laughs~

Manager: How are you?

Chanyeol: Can you pick me up at the airport tomorrow?

Manager: Yes of course. What time is your arrival?

Chanyeol: My flight will depart from Manila at 9 in the morning and I’ll be in Incheon Airport around 1:00 in the afternoon.

Manager: Okay. I’ll take note of that.

Chanyeol: Thank you and see you.

Manager: See you. Take care.

Chanyeol: Bye.

Manager: Bye

I arrived in Korea the following day. I was still hoping that I will meet her. Maybe not now but someday when the heaven allows us too. I saw my manager and thank God that no fans were around when I arrived. Upon reaching our dorm, I gave my gifts to everyone but there’s one more gift that I haven’t and cannot give.

Everybody were happy upon receiving their souvenirs from Chanyeol when Baekhyun threw the bomb that made everyone curious.

Baekhyun: So what’s her name? ~smiling because he was trying to tease Chanyeol~

Suho: Oh I thought?? ~surprised~

Sehun: Hyung!!!! You’re cheating! ~exaggerates his every word~

Kai: Hyung, why? Why? Why??!!!! ~exaggerated like Sehun~

Kyungsoo: I’m disappointed ~being the serious actor~

Lay: What’s happening? ~innocent~

Minseok: Chanyeollieeee!!!! ~teasing him~

Jongdae: Whhhaaaaaatttt????? ~shocked~

Everyone in the dorm was shocked because of Baekhyun’s question. They were all asking him to explain.

Chanyeol: Yahhhhhhhh!!!! I didn't cheat okay! I was not a womanizer either.

Minseok: Then what is Baekhyun talking about?

Baekhyun: I called him during his sweet escape in the Philippines and he unexpectedly cancelled my call.

Sehun: Why hyung why???? ~curious habang nagsasalubong ang mga kilay~

Baekhyun: Because he was busy eavesdropping to the girl next door.

Suho: Yah yah yah!!!!

Kyungsoo: Hey you’re not supposed to do that Chanyeol.

Chanyeol: I know! But I was listening to her thoughts and the music she was playing that night.

Lay: So, did you get along well?

Chanyeol: Yes! Though we have arguments.

Kai: Omo someone argues with you??? ~laughs~

Chanyeol: Yes! She argues as if she was going to hit me. ~laughs~

Sehun: Oh hyung did you find your match?

Jongdae: Is she? ~looking and sounding excited~

Chanyeol: Yeah, I guess she was my match.

Baekhyun: Does she know who you are?

Chanyeol: Yes!

They all sighed as if the girl their friend met will be just like the other women who would like to get her spotlight through him.

Chanyeol: Hey! She’s not what you think she is. She knew Who I was but she never treated me like I was an EXO member Park Chanyeol.

Suho: Then how did she treats you?

Chanyeol: She treated me the way I want to be treated. Like a normal person.

All Members: Wow. Really? How?

Chanyeol: She questioned the amount of love I have given her. She made me realize the things I haven’t thought and considered while in a relationship with Byul. She even swore at me in her language.

Baekhyun: I hope one day we can all meet her.

Chanyeol: We can all meet her by chance.

Sehun: Don’t tell me you didn’t get her number?

Chanyeol: No.

Kai: Social media?

Chanyeol: No.

Kyungsoo: How about email?

Chanyeol: No.

All the members: Boooooooooo Park Chanyeol!!!!!!

***His POV; As they left me my room, I suddenly asked myself, “why didn’t I remembered to get any of those informations when we were together for the past 3 days? Why?” ~argh~ I could hear Baekhyun singing Girl Problems with the rest of the boys trying to tease me. As I was checking my messages I saw a name that catches my attention. I was not following her but she was one of my followers. When I opened it, I found a lot of messages and she even sent me songs to listen too. And I read them one by one until I fell asleep. I remember I was smiling the whole time I was reading that person’s messages and I knew that even if that person doesn’t say his/her name, I am still getting this gut feeling that I knew the person who sent me these messages. I replied to that person’s messages; “Zee is this you?” ~hoping~ “Please let it be her. Please.”

***Her POV; A notification popped on my screen while I was busy checking my flight schedules for the next few weeks. “Ang galing din talga tumayming ni kuya eh oh. Pampa-good vibes.” I Tried to check on my notification but it was really him who messaged me. “Fudge!” ~naiyak sa sobrang saya~ But I was taken aback. I was thinking hard if I will reply to him. “Alam ata na marupok ako pagdating sa kanya. What if ikakasal na tapos si ate girl na lang ‘to? Oh ambisyosa ako diba!” Pero siyempre I am excited to talk to my friend so I replied to him; “Hello” ~landi ko sa part na ito~

***His POV; one notification from someone. When I saw her name I immediately opened it and she was still online.

Me: How are you?

Zee: Good.

Me: Are you busy?

Zee: Yes! Sorry I have to go. Bye.

She seemed to be in a hurry as if she didn't want to talk to me. Did I do something wrong? Since then, I always waited for her to go online until finally, I got the chance to talk to her and I asked her;

Me: Are you trying to avoid me?

Zee: No. Why?

Me: Because it feels like you’re trying to avoid me.

Zee: Is there a reason for me to avoid you?

Me: Nothing.

Zee: How are you and her?

Me: We’re okay.

Zee: Good to hear that. ~Ansaket good daw eh~

Me: Have you eaten?

Zee: Yah! Why are you asking too many questions? You have been talkative since then!

Me: ~laughs~ but hey I missed you so much

Zee: Wushu! Marupok ako Chanyeol tumigil ka!

Me: What?

Zee: Hey talk to you later need to go back to work.

Me: Hey, can we meet on August?

It was a happy day for me. Finally our communications are back. But I hope to see her. “I’m claiming it. I will see her in August.”

***Her POV; “I wasn't expecting that he’s online but I am happy to talk to him again. Too bad that I have to lie to him that I was busy. Feels like he was just in the other room replying to all my messages.” ~kilig~ “Ang makasalanan ko na Lord.” I am preventing myself to like him more deeply. He is someone I can’t fall in love with. He is unreachable.

Months had passed but there are still no signs for Zee and Chanyeol to meet again. They continued to move on with their lives, Chanyeol as an EXO member, a model, a musician, a composer, producer and etc. while Zee continued to be a flight attendant and soon to be a lawyer. Both of them are too busy with their own careers.

***Her POV; my boss gave me my first out of the country flight. It was a dream come true for me. I am going to Seoul this weekend and I am excited. After all, I have always dreamed of going there. Though my purpose is work, but I will try really hard to enjoy and make the most out of it. “Before I flew to Korea, I submitted my term papers to my professors just in case I stayed a bit more. ~feeling relieved. Mukhang papasa naman na ako. Siguro, hahahaha.) My itinerary for Korea has been planned a long time ago. 10 years to be exact. Kahit na matagal na yun I am still love with the idea na maglaro ng snow. Mag-ski na feeling ala pro. Mag-swimming sa indoor pool on a winter time tapos lalabas kang nilalamig. Kakain ng ice cream. At marami pang iba. Yung feeling ala kdrama yung scenes mo sa pictures and videos. Ahhhhhh Korea, here I come? Pero siyempre wala akong dalang coat or winter clothes dahil naalala ko summer sa Korea ngayon.” ~excited. Then I suddenly thought of him. smile~ “As if Zee. South Korea is sooo damn big. And who knows maybe he’s not there too. Maybe he’s somewhere out there touring, shooting commercials, attending some European fashion week and etc.”

***His POV; it's been two years and I still remember how we first argue about love. Most of the time, I am imagining how, when and where are we meeting? Just by thinking about it excites me even more. ~looks at the bracelet he bought with Zee’s name on it~ My normal life would always be here at the studio practicing with my co-members, recording, composing, playing instruments, looking after Toben, bonding with my family from time to time, attending my sister’s wedding and visiting other places with my friends while people trying to snatch a photo and videos of me. “This is my life. This is the life I don’t want to give to someone I will love. Her privacy with me is my greatest gift to her.”

***Her POV; I’ll be in Seoul this coming week of my birth month and I have promised him that if I visit Korea, meeting him is a must. As I was preparing for my trip next week, I messaged him regarding my flight details.

Me: Hey! Still busy?

Baekhyun: Yeap!

Me: Call me when you’re done.

Baekhyun: Yes mam!

Me: Thank you.

30 minutes later, Baekhyun is calling Zee.

Zee: Oi!

Baekhyun: Oi ano? ~trying to sound firm~

Zee: Tigilan mo di mo kaya. ~laughs~

Baekhyun: Fine fine fine. So what now? Are you coming on my event?

Zee: Wow, you’re tagalog is improving ah. Yes. I’ll be sending you my flight details.

Baekhyun: For what?

Zee: Can you pick me up? ~sounded like a little girl asking for a favor to his older brother~

Baekhyun: NO!

Zee: Please????

Baekhyun: NNNNNOOOOOO!!!!!

Zee: I’ll buy two of each album version but you have to write a beautiful message for me. Promise. Just pick me up from the airport.

Baekhyun: Why me?

Zee: Because you’re the only person I know who can take me to my accommodation safe. ~talks in a fast manner and sounded convincingly~

Baekhyun: When is your arrival?

Zee: YES!

Baekhyun: I haven’t answered yes.

Zee: Please. I will cook and clean your house. Please…. Deal??

Baekhyun: Mmmmmm… Sinigang????

Zee: Yesssss!!!!!

Baekhyun: What time? I’m waiting.

Zee: Oh oh I’m leaving Manila at 7:00 in the evening and I’m arriving at Incheon at 11:00 in the evening.

Baekhyun: Did you really took a flight schedule this late?

Zee: Yes! Because I want to see you my friend. ~laughs~

Baekhyun: Oh, just don’t forget my mangoes.

Zee: Seryoso ka?!

Baekhyun: Yes!

Zee: Fine fine fine. But you have to pick me up okay?

Baekhyun: I promise.

Zee: Thank you one million times. No one billion times. Sige one trillion times. Hahahahaha

Baekhyun: Stop it. ~laughs~

Zee: By the way how was your practice or training for the album?

Baekhyun: It was good though but tiring.

Zee: Everything will pay off one day. So chill tropa.

Baekhyun: Do you want to hear the track I am going to release? But you have to keep it a secret okay.

Zee: Yes! ~sounded really happy~ My lips are sealed.

Baekhyun played UN Village instrumental to Zee as they talked and asks her of her opinion about the song.

Baekhyun: How was it?

Zee: Did you… I’m speechless Baekhyun. It was amazing. Is it really you?

Baekhyun: Yes! ~feeling proud then laughs~

Zee: I was surprised. I was expecting ballad but you made this. Congratulations my friend. This will surely become a hit in the next few weeks and months. I am so proud of you.

Baekhyun: ~laughs~ Thank you, not for the congratulatory message but for liking the music I made. It really meant a lot to me Zee.

Zee: You are always welcome my dear friend. Oh it was getting late. I still have work tomorrow before I flew to Seoul. Thank you Baekhyuniee.

Baekhyun: You are always welcome. Bye.

Zee: Bye.

***His POV; I was on my way to the restaurant where the rest of the boys and I usually had dinner. This is our first dinner since I arrived in Korea. While driving the song that was playing on the radio was Dream by Eric Nam. I was singing along and remembered her playlist. “This is one of the songs she played at the patio.” ~smiles happily~ I wonder what is she doing now? If she’s in Romblon she’d probably eating at the rooftop while talking to the staff. If she’s in her real life she must be having dinner with her co-workers. “I miss them too.”

***Her POV; I was happy to finally meet my friend after years of not seeing each other. I was always happy of what he and his group achieved for the past years. “Should I tell Baekhyun that I met Chanyeol in Romblon? Anyways, Baekhyun knew how much I adores Chanyeol but he never encouraged me nor allowed me to meet him even once. Maybe because he’s committed and he was always that father and a brother to me who always tells me that I am not allowed to date.” And I was following his orders. “Baekhyun is the big brother I wished I have. That’s why I was used to have him around even if he nags too much about my past relationship. I guess that’s what a brother will do to his younger sister.” Hahahahaha!

After a week, it is Zee’s flight going to Seoul and she’s so excited. Before Zee left Manila she called Baekhyun reminding him of her flight details.

Zee: It’s me.

Baekhyun: I know its you. ~laughs~

Zee: Please don’t forget to pick me up later okay!

Baekhyun: I’ll check my schedule. ~teasing her~

Zee: Yaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!

Baekhyun: ~laughing hard because of Zee’s reaction~ What will you do if I didn’t pick you up.

Zee: You’ll see me at your front door. ~laughs~

Baekhyun: Why?

Zee: Because I haven’t booked my airbnb yet so I’m staying in your place for a week.

Baekhyun: Wow! So I get to have a maid for a week.

Zee: Gandang maid pero mukha mo hindi!!!

Baekhyun: Mukha mo Zee! ~laughs~

Zee: Have to go Baek. See you in a few hours.

Baekhyun: See you maid. ~laughs~

Zee: See you boss. ~laughs~

Baekhyun: Okay! Have a safe flight. Take care. Bye.

Zee: Thanks. Bye.

***Her POV; “Lord sa Korea pwede na ma-in love? Charoot lang Lord. If it’s really for me it is for me diba.” ~smiles~ “Pero what if magkita ulit kami? Lord baka himatayin ako sa inggit sa wife niya.” I was walking towards my boarding gate to meet my colleagues while listening to You Are The One by XIUMIN and the only lyrics that I kept on singing happily are: “YOU ARE THE ONE!” and “YOU ARE MY DESTINY pero paano ang destiny kung kasal na nga. Manahimik ako diba. ‘Wag akong nangugulo. But if I meet him again Lord, aksidente nanaman ba?” ~sigh~

***His POV; while driving, my thoughts are with Zee. (BGM: Location Unknown by Honne feat. Georgia) Of all the people I have met My entire life I have only a few whom I want to meet again and again, but this woman is different. It feels like I want to be with her all the time but whenever I wished and hoped to meet her my chance is getting lower. “What if she already have someone that’s why she was trying to avoid me. What if I met her again? Should I consider it as an accident again?” ~sigh~