When love was not meant for us

Chapter 3: To come across again

Alya felt one word as she and her family arrived at Mr. Haga’s place.

“EXPOSED.” 

She knew she was really showing some skin but when her mother found out all the dresses she owned were out of fashion, Mrs. Kim drove all the way to a clothes shop and bought Alya a dress.

Alya felt like her mother was taking revenge on her for not being excited about the party that was going to start in a few hours.

As she was standing behind her parents, at the front door of Mr. and Mrs. Haga’s house, she felt self conscious. She left the cardigan she had brought with her in the car. She wanted to show her mother she could dress well besides her collection of scrubs and white coats.

The dress her mother had bought for her was a satin cowl mini dress.

When she had said no to the dress the first time her mother had shown her, she had got a splitting hearing. 

“Oh come on. These are in fashion and the girls here wear them.”

“I don’t think this dress is right for my age. Girls younger than me wear them. I’m almost turning 27. Don’t you think I’m too old,” said Alya, trying to justify in every possible way she could.

“You’re always in those filthy scrubs and not giving a chance to let guys see how beautiful you are.”

“Is this why you haven’t got yourself a boyfriend all these years.”

Alya gave her mother the “what the heck” look.

Just because Alya refused to wear the dress her mother brought her, her mother was now talking about her love life.

“Also how will you catch Dr. Kim Dongwoo’s heart if you don’t dress up nicely every now and then?”

Alya gasped and asked her mother, “Excuse me! But how do you know about Dr. Kim Dongwoo?”

Mrs. Kim chuckled and said, “Honey, you’re my daughter. I see how you look at Dr. Kim Dongwoo. I also know about your one-sided crush on him. If you want him to love you back, then maybe try to ask him on a date. And wear something other than your work clothes.”

Alya couldn’t help but turn red on hearing her mother’s sudden proclamation. As much as she hated and wanted to prove her mother wrong, she couldn’t disagree with her mother.

Alya did in fact have a crush on one of her team members, Dr. Kim Dongwoo. But she never had the courage to confess her feelings.

Mrs. Kim knew she had won when she saw her daughter’s face which had turned the colour of a tomato.

“Wear this and add some heels,” she said as she walked out of the room.

Alya picked up the dress and sighed in defeat.

Alya thought the dress was a bad idea when she saw who had turned up to open the door.

It was Asahi and although it had been a long time since they even talked or met, she couldn’t help but turn a little shade of red.

Her parents hugged Asahi and were immediately tackled with another round of hugs from Mr. and Mrs. Haga.

Alya froze at the door because Asahi had turned to face her.

Asahi couldn't help but gape at Alya who was standing at the front door of his parents.

Alya was beautiful as always. He remembered his childhood crush on her. But why was his heartbeat increasing? His throat suddenly felt dry but he replaced his nervousness with confidence this time and said, “Hi. You look good.”

“Konnichiwa!” replied a flustered Alya and quickly dashed inside into the living room.

Asahi couldn't help but chuckle at Alya’s cute response.

This was the first time Alya had used Japanese. The Haga and Kim families always communicated in English. And back in high school, Alya was comfortable with speaking in English with her friends including Asahi.

Alya found her parents and Mr. and Mrs. Haga talking and eating already!

Mrs. Haga was probably too excited to meet her mother. Both of them exchanged a lot of recipes.

Alya quickly took a seat besides Mr. Haga so she wouldn’t have to sit near Asahi.

Asahi was next to take a seat just opposite to her so that they were facing each other.

Alya looked towards the elders and saw them chatting and eating. Watching them, it felt like nothing had changed. Everytime the Kim and Haga family met, they always cooked grandly and afterwards had a chat with a drink in their hands. Alya and Asahi grew up watching the interaction and closeness between their two families. But as Alya reflected, it was not the same for her and Asahi.

Alya remembered how Asahi and her had once shared what they wanted to do in life, their interests, music playlists and in case of Alya, her favourite books and authors over a letter once. Alya had written that she dreamed of becoming a surgeon, whereas Asahi quite shyly admitted that he liked music very much. And he wanted to make a career out of music. Whether as a composer, songwriter, choreographer. Asahi wasn’t sure if he should give a try in music but Alya encouraged him to follow his dreams. It was during the summer of their last year in high school, both of them had made big decisions for themselves. Alya was a hundred percent sure she would pursue medicine after attending the summer medical program for the second time. And Asahi tried out for an audition which led him to be scouted by many big music companies. 

Right after summer vacation ended, Asahi left for South Korea to train under his company. Alya completed her high school and also immediately left with her family to South Korea. Alya had always dreamed of studying at Stanford but she completed her studies in South Korea and was in her second year of residentship. Mr. and Mrs. Haga continued to run their restaurant back in California but they decided to shift to South Korea last year so that they could be closer to their son. Alya was in her fifth year in med school when she heard that Asahi had finally debuted in a boy group. He was mostly known by his korean name, Byun Hyuk and was one of the members of the boy group called SOL5. Alya came to know of K-pop only after coming to Korea and found out that it was huge. K-pop was taking the world by storm, it was becoming known outside of Korea starting with BTS domination. The reason why she knew about Asahi’s group was because one of her team members, Choi Eunkyung, was a die hard fan of SOL5. And it just turned out that her bias was Asahi. Because of her, Alya knew that there were 5 members, Choi Sungho who was the leader, Park Jaehyuk, Lee Kwangmin, Bae Seojun and Byun Hyuk. Their fandom was called sunlight because their group “sol” meant sun. 

Alya realised that she would never let the information out about how she and Asahi were friends back in high school. Or how her family and the Haga family were close. 

Alya and Asahi were finally noticed by their parents and scolded both of them for not having put anything on their plates. Both of their plates were empty and Alya kept trying to avoid eye contact with Asahi who was just sitting opposite to her on the table, and she could feel his watchful gaze.

Asahi passed the plate of pork ribs that his father had just finished cooking towards Alya when she politely refused.

“I don’t eat pork. Sorry.”

Mrs. Kim then proceeded to pass Alya chicken and Asahi put some pork for himself on his plate. Everyone proceeded to eat again.

Asahi felt bad after realising his mistake. He knew that they were no longer close like before. But they were friends back then in high school yet he had forgotten this vital information. Alya didn’t eat pork or beef, only chicken. But he had forgotten about it. 

Asahi remembered his high school days. He had entered mid semester but thankfully, Alya and her group of friends helped him out a lot. He soon was able to make his own group of friends, but the Amalgas would always include him too. Alya was the most kindhearted and helping person Asahi knew. He could tell from the friends she made and the profession she chose. Asahi admitted when he was first introduced to the Amalgas once in recess by Alya, it felt foreign. He was a foreigner himself but Alya’s friends were from all over the world. Later he found out from his friends that the Amalgas were not seen as popular in their high school and were labelled as the school nerds. That's when he knew what Alya meant about being called a nerd. One of her friends, Fareeha Hossain was Muslim so she did not eat pork. Alia was Indian so she couldn’t eat beef. Out of the Amalgas, Alya was the only member who chose not to eat pork or beef because she wanted to respect her friend’s religions and beliefs. She was the only person who stood up when the others wronged and bullied some of the foreigners in their school.

Alya was the quiet type, never to get angry, always spoke in a soft and kind manner. But one time the whole school had witnessed how ruthless Alya could turn if you provoked her. In their high school, Asahi had forgotten his name. Was it Brett or Ben? Anyways, their school had this notorious bully who liked to t*****e, tease and bully everyone. But after one incident, the Amalgas gained a new wave of popularity.

Brett must have been not of sound mind that day when he walked up to where the Amalgas were seated during lunch recess and started to create a scene. He started to bully everyone, commenting nasty things about their clothes, religion and countries. Asahi felt anger when Brett commented on Alya.

“Alya, the sweet and nerdy goody girl. Every teacher’s favourite. Or should I call you a pet?” said Brett.

Brett put his hands on the table and leaned closer to Alya who was paying no attention and just mindlessly eating her pizza.

“I heard that the boys in your country also wear makeup,” said Brett, laughing and the rest of his g**g also joined.

Alya didn’t even look at Brett’s direction, completely ignoring his existence.

When Brett knew he couldn’t get a response out of Alya, he moved onto another target. Fareeha.

“Don’t you feel freaking shame!” said Brett, pointing his index finger at Fareeha.

Asahi could see Alya literally burning holes at Brett with her eyes. She had stopped eating, her plate of food untouched.

“Get out of my country, you freaking terrorist,” Brett said in a loud voice and pulled Fareeha’s hijab from her head.

Poor Fareeha screamed in pain because Brett had also pulled her hair when he pulled her hijab.

Another member of the Amalgas, Caleb Adkins, a Canadian looked Brett straight in the eyes and said, “ That was too far bro.”

Brett squared up on Caleb and Caleb just pushed Brett lightly back and said, “Let’s not create a scene, shall we?”

“You scared or what?”

“Can’t fight back sissy,” said Brett.

Caleb Adkins calmly replied, “ You’re talking to the wrong person.”

Asahi saw Alya comfort Fareeha and told Alia to take her out of the cafeteria. Then he watched as Alya picked up the hijab Brett had thrown and walked to where Brett was.

Brett was talking with Caleb with his back towards Alya.

Alya lightly tapped on Brett’s shoulders to get his attention. And when Brett turned to face her, she caused a series of gasps and surprises.

Alya straightout punched Brett on his face, and as Brett held his face in pain, she quickly got him into a leg headlock and wrapped Fareeha’s hijab around Brett’s neck. She started tightening her hold and Brett tapped continuously in defeat. Alya let go of Brett and as Brett tried catching his breath, Alya lightly patted him on his back and said, “Word of advice, Brett. You can mess with me but not my friends.”

After that incident, everyone gained profound respect for Alya and Brett never messed with the Amalgas again.

After dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Haga started to open wine bottles and offered them to everyone. Only the elders were the ones to drink and Alya and Asahi politely refused.

“I am on call for friday and sunday. Sorry Mrs. Haga but I can’t drink,” replied Alya, returning the glass of wine.

“I have a show tomorrow,” said Asahi as his mother was about to offer him a drink.

“Whatever is comfortable for you guys,” said Mrs. Haga who then returned to join the rest in the backyard.

Alya left for the kitchen to receive a call and Asahi was left standing by himself in the living room.

Asahi quietly watched Alya from the corner of his eyes. She was pacing back and forth, immersed in a conversation over her phone. He watched as she ran her hand over her hair in frustration and gestured animatedly with her hand.

“Are you serious?” asked Alya, a few minutes after she had picked up Esther’s call.

She did keep in touch with her friends but it was over the phone only. Suddenly today she receives a call from Esther saying that Esther and Fareeha were in Seoul, South Korea. The others couldn’t make it but Esther was adamant that all of them should meet since it had been almost a decade. Esther said she couldn’t contact Asahi but she knew that Alya must be having some idea about him. And was wondering if Alya would invite him too.

Alya saw Asahi standing in the living room going through some magazines. She quietly moved to one corner inside the kitchen where she wouldn’t be seen or heard and whispered, “You do know about the fact that Asahi is an idol. He’s big here in South Korea. And he is almost recognized by everyone.”

“Why are you whispering?” asked Esther.

“Because Asahi is in the living room and I am here in the kitchen, trying to make myself unheard.” said Alya, peeping to see that Asahi was still looking at some magazines.

“You’re in Asahi’s house! Are you two dating? I knew it! Fareeha!” screamed Esther, and Fareeha came running along to join the conversation.

“Asahi and Alya are dating!” screeched Esther and Fareeha soon joined along too, screaming.

“I knew it! They had the chemistry from high school. We could feel their tension when we were back in high school.”

Alya sighed and shouted as soft as possible, “Stop it guys!” when Esther and Fareeha wouldn’t stop squealing.

Asahi looked over in the direction of the kitchen and found that Alya was no longer there. As he was about to enter into the kitchen, his heart sank upon hearing Alya’s conversation.

“You guys are overreacting too much. Please guys, don’t drag me into a scandal. I don’t want people finding out about how we were friends with Asahi back in high school. I’m at Mr. Haga’s house. My family has an important announcement to make so we came here over to the Hagas.”

“Don’t you think you’re being too mean Alya,” asked Esther.

“Does it mean that after all these years, when you and Asahi were living in the same city, you guys didn’t try to catch up with each other?” said Esther, turning sad.

Esther looked at Fareeha and both of them sighed.

“It is not easy as it looks Esther,” said Alya, running her hands through her hair.

Asahi knew it was not right for him to eavesdrop but he knew he wouldn’t get a chance next time.

“Asahi is an idol. He is a big star and celebrity. He has to be extra careful and vigilant. He can’t taint his image and reputation as well as his group’s.”

Asahi listened with a heavy heart but he knew that Alya was only speaking the truth.

“Shouldn’t you be knowing more about this? Esther and Fareeha,” asked Alya.

“You guys are fans of BTS.”

“Oh, sorry Alya,” said Esther, realising she had not given much thought.

“We’re meeting at a cafe here in Seoul. Just ask Asahi once about the gathering. We’re meeting again after a decade,” pleaded Fareeha.

“I get it when you said that you do not want to spoil Asahi’s reputation but just ask him once. For old times sake,” said Fareeha, adamant on changing Alya’s mind.

“Okay fine,” said Alya and sighed as she realised she had put herself in a tough position.

“I will ask once,” said Alya, pulling her phone away from her ear as she heard Esther and Fareeha scream over the phone.

“Thank you so much Alya!” screamed Esther and Fareeha who were literally jumping in excitement.

“Okay, I’m hanging up the phone. Send me the address and time for tomorrow’s plan.”

Alya leaned against the kitchen table and sighed. Asahi watched Alya in deep thought. He walked away quietly and went back to mindlessly flipping the magazine. Alya knew that what Esther said was right. They were all meeting after a long time. And Esther and Fareeha had come all the way from California to meet Asahi and Alya.

She pushed her body forwards by pushing her hands against the counter but stopped.

Should she just go by herself she thought? She knew she was being selfish. Ah! Why? Her! She angrily messed her hair up but walked right out of the door. Asahi looked up from his magazine when he heard the sound of heels clicking and saw a disheveled Alya who said nothing but pointed to the balcony with her index finger. Asahi felt nervous all of a sudden but followed Alya to the balcony. He waited with his hands inside his jeans pocket and watched as Alya crossed her arms.

“Esther and Fareeha are here in Seoul and they want to meet us. But I told her that she should not expect much because you are super busy,” said Alya, emphasizing on the last word.

“I told her not to feel bad-”

Alya was immediately cut off, “ I can come.”

“Where are we meeting?” said Asahi, with a mischievous smile.

Asahi watched as Alya faked a laughter when he knew he had taken her by surprise.

“Ha!” Alya laughed nervously.

“Esther said she would text me the address and time.”

“Great! Couldn’t the others come?” asked Asahi.

“I was told only Esther and Fareeha could make it. The others are busy,” replied Alya.

Suddenly feeling cold, Alya wrapped her arms around herself and Asahi noticed it. He went back inside and grabbed a blanket. He went into the balcony and was about to cover Alya with the blanket when Alya suddenly reacted by holding her hands up.

“Chakaman!” blurted Alya.

“I don’t think this is a good idea.”

Asahi watched as Alya, still in a defensive position with her hands up, suddenly turned her head sideways so quickly to scan the surroundings, it looked comical. Why was she acting like a spy all of a sudden?

“Psst!” Asahi couldn’t hold himself so he burst out laughing. Holding the blanket in his hands, he made his way inside into the living room and fell down on the nearest sofa.

He continued to laugh with his face buried in his hands and he had to wipe the small tears that were escaping from his eyes.

“Mianhe” said Asahi, still chuckling.

Alya walked inside with an embarrassed expression but she felt like she had to avoid the event.

“What if someone had photographed them?” thought Alya as she sat on one of the sofas.

“You do realize that you overreact sometimes Alya?” asked Asahi, feeling better after laughing his heart out.

Alya was taken aback because she did overreact sometimes. At least she felt like she didn’t but then her parents and colleagues at the hospital told her she did.

She remembered the time she had literally lost it once, in front of all the others at the hospital. She had accompanied the attending surgeon once for an operation but the patient couldn’t make it. She had to deliver the bad news to the patient’s family. And  when she was calmly telling them that their son couldn’t make it, she was also struggling to keep her emotions in control and could feel her tears threatening to spill out. She quickly made it out of there and cried her heart out. She did not realise where she was but Dr. Kim Dongwoo had reached out to her and had hugged her till the end. She remembered just clinging onto him and crying her eyes out. When she had finally stopped, she had realised she was in the paediatric section and had cried in front of the whole hospital. Throughout that day, she was comforted by a number of nurses and doctors. She was also scolded by the Chief for overreacting. She learnt to keep her emotions in check from that incident. As was required from her job.

“I’m not overreacting.”

“You never realise what people can do for money,” said Alya, shrugging.

“Are you worried someone might post a picture of us?” asked Asahi.

“This is what both our families do. Has become more of a tradition but our families hold dinner parties every chance they get but there is nothing stopping some people from posting fake news and creating a scandal just to get more coverage.”

“What if someone photographed the two of us over there?” asked Alya, pointing to the balcony.

Asahi looked over when Alya pointed out and sighed.

“That’s not for you to worry Alya. My fans do not know about my parents nor where they live. They probably think my parents are in Japan,” said Asahi, feeling tense.

“Can I ask you something? Don’t change the answer because I know you Alya. You’ll change the truth in case you think you’ll hurt my feelings. Just give me an honest answer,” asked Asahi, looking at Alya straight in the eyes.

Alya felt tensed but she nodded.

Asahi crossed his arms and asked, “Is this why you’ve been avoiding me Alya?”

“You’re scared of what will happen if people find out that we are friends or how both our families are close.”

Asahi saw Alya suddenly look away from him and look down at the carpet.

Asahi got up, clenching his fists and asked, “It was all lies, wasn’t it? Every time I dropped by your parent’s house when they invited me, you were never there. All this time you’ve only been avoiding me.”

“Were you aware? I used to always ask Mr. and Mrs. Kim if you were around but they always answered that you were out late studying at a friend’s house.”

Alya could clearly see Asahi’s visible anger and she knew it was directed towards her.

“You wanted an honest answer. My answer is yes Asahi or should I call you Byun Hyuk,” replied Alya.

Alya saw sadness momentarily flash in Asahi’s eyes but it was replaced by anger the very next.

“It doesn’t help when one of my friends is a diehard fan of SOL5. Or how her bias just turns out to be you.”

“I cannot just randomly let it out that I was friends with you back in high school or how close our families are.”

“If I do let it out, then there will be consequences which I do not want both of us to face. So it is better to tell everyone that I do not know about Byun Hyuk from SOL5.”

Asahi was about to talk when he was interrupted by his mother.

“Guys come outside. Mr. Kim is ready to give his announcement,” said his mother, who was pretending she hadn’t just walked on into their conversation.

“We’re continuing this conversation later,” said Asahi as Alya walked past him.

“How about no?” said Alya, as she looked back at Asahi for a moment and walked to where her parents were.

Asahi realised that he and Alya had a lot to talk and catch up on. But why were they bickering like 5-year olds?

Asahi walked to where the others were, circled around the campfire his father had set in their backyard.

“I must say that this is a sad news for both our families. But then nothing has hindered the friendship between the Kim and Haga family. We are always keeping in touch and continuing our tradition of family dinners,” said Mr. Jeon.

Alya watched as Asahi looked at her as if to say, “Not us though.”

She blatantly ignored his watchful gaze and listened as her father continued.

“We’re sad to say this but us the Kim families are moving back to where it all started. To California.”

Asahi looked over to see his parent’s reaction. Their faces expressed shock at first but then they started nodding in understanding.

Asahi felt a sudden pang of sadness and his heart felt heavy upon hearing the news.

“Looks like this is our last farewell then,” said Mr. Haga, raising his glass.

The others also raised their glasses except Asahi and Alya and gulped down the remaining drink.

“When will you guys be leaving?” asked Mrs. Haga.

“Next month. But only Olivia and I are leaving for California. Alya will join us later,” answered Mr. Jeon Seungmin.

“You do not want to go back Alya? You can stay with us and Asahi here if you like Seoul,” said Mr. Haga.

Alya looked over at Asahi before answering and found him staring at her.

“Oh no Mr Haga! It’s not like that. I need to complete my residentship here. And once I’m done, I’m thinking of doing my fellowship back in California.”

“So you’ll be staying here alone in Seoul. Your parents will not be here. How about stay with us if you are going to be alone?” asked Mrs. Haga.

“Oh don’t need to worry about Alya, Kanako,” said Mrs. Kim.

“She’s all grown up but her cousin, Haru from Busan has been staying with us. I have told Haru’s parents that Alya will look out for their daughter as she studies here in college.”

“Looks like there’s nothing to worry about then. Come and visit us as much as you can Alya,” said Mr. Haga.

“Thank you Mr. Haga. I will try,” answered Alya. She was lying.

“We should probably leave now,” said Mr. Kim looking at his wrist watch.

As everyone proceeded to head inside, Asahi grabbed Alya’s left arm to stop her from leaving and called out for her father.

“Mr. Jeon! Is it okay if I drop Alya in my car? There’s a park not far from here and I was thinking of taking Alya with me. Like old times,” said Asahi, smiling brightly.

“What in god!” thought Alya as she felt someone grab her and looked to see that it was Asahi.

“Sure. Alya you’ve got the house key with you right?” said Mr. Jeon.

“No! I mean yes I have the house key with me,” said Alya.

“Why was her father letting her go with Asahi?” thought Alya.

“This was k********g. How did Asahi get so good at lying? And was her father and mother out of their minds. When the two of them met, they were in high school. They did not go visit parks for old times sake!” 

Mr. and Mrs. Haga left to drop off her parents at the front door while Asahi and Alya stayed behind.

Alya glared at Asahi and said, “You can stop grabbing me.”

Asahi could feel Alya squirming and trying to escape his tight grip on her arm but he didn’t let go.

“How about no?” replied Asahi, giving her the same answer Alya had given him a few minutes ago.

Alya stopped resisting and followed as Asahi led her inside.

Asahi said nothing as he grabbed Alya’s bag, a blanket, and his parent’s car keys.

“I’m taking the car,” said Asahi as he pulled Alya out of the back door along with him.

Mrs. Haga who was watching them with a smile on her face simply replied, “Okay!” and took no notice of Alya’s pleading looks which she knew were being directed at her.

Before Alya was shoved inside the car, Asahi covered her with the blanket he had brought along with him.

“Hey!” Alya shouted as she was shoved inside the car and tried to open the door on her side but to her dismay, Asahi had set it on child lock.

She crossed her arms and sat on her seat sulking. As Asahi got into the car, she looked away from him, towards the window.

Asahi pulled out a mask from his jacket and put it on thinking Alya still acted like a child sometimes.

He started the car and drove to the nearest park. He knew no one would be there this late at night. And as much as Alya feared and thought, there were no reporters on his tail all the time.

“You do realise this is k********g?” asked Alya when she realised both of them were quiet for a while.

“I asked for permission from Mr. Jeon,” answered Asahi calmly.

“But not from me,” said Alya, a little too loudly.

“I’m still mad you know,” said Asahi, gripping the steering wheel tightly.

Alya did not like the fact that Asahi was pouring all his anger towards her. She got the fact that he was angry. And he had every right too also but he was taking it too far.

“Aren’t you taking it too far? Yes I avoided you purposely. But it was not just me. You weren’t allowed to visit much even when my parents called you to our house. My parents felt bad that you were here all alone and asked me to look out for you. But how could I? And when you could come visit us, you had to let the company know a few days beforehand. You yourself know better than me the rules you have to follow as a celebrity. What about the mask you’re wearing right now? Are you scared people will see you with me? You get angry with me because you found out that I have been avoiding you. You yourself know why? It’s because you’re an idol. A celebrity. And it’s just because I haven’t mentioned it, it doesn’t mean I haven’t noticed the subtle changes in you. You’re not the same Asahi I knew back then in high school ”

Asahi couldn’t help but get more angry at Alya’s sudden outburst. He hit the brakes hard and parked the car on the side of the road. Alya watched as a furious Asahi got out of the car angrily and went to the other side of the car to open the door.

Alya did not get out now that the door was opened but felt her arms being gripped and she was dragged out of the car. 

Asahi closed the door with a loud thud but immediately felt bad when he saw Alya flinching hard from the sudden action.

He knew that Alya was angry that he was showing his anger. He finally realised that although he was very angry, he was not right in showing Alya all his anger.

Alya saw Asahi come closer towards her and she leaned backwards, her back against the car.

She watched as Asahi calmly and lightly grabbed her hands into his. She couldn’t help but feel jitters at the sudden skinship and gulped once when Asahi made eye contact with her. She quickly looked away.

“Alya please,” pleaded Asahi.

“Give me a chance to have a normal conversation with you for once. Let’s just be ourselves. I’ll be Asahi and not Byun Hyuk. And you will be Alya. Not Dr. Kim Haneul.”

Alya looked at Asahi and saw the earnestness in his eyes.

She realised that arguing was not going to take them anywhere and they had to talk it out.

“Okay,” said Alya as she walked away from the car.

“Where are you going?” asked Asahi.

“The park! It’s a walking distance from here,” said Alya.

Asahi scanned his surroundings and realised that they were close to the park.

He watched as Alya sat on one of the benches. He jogged to where she was and sat beside her. 

“What do you want to say Asahi?” asked Alya.

“You did not bring me all the way here just for a visit to the park. We never did visit parks in high school.”

Asahi had forgotten what they were arguing about before and what they had to talk about. Instead as he watched Alya, he realised that he had just wanted her alone with him. That’s why he had dragged her all the way to the park here. But to his dismay, he knew Alya did not want to be with him. Even for a second because he was an idol. Alya had expressed what she had wanted to say. All these years and it was not just him who was bottling up feelings and keeping secrets. He was so angry a few minutes ago when Alya revealed why she was avoiding him purposely. But she had justified why she had to do what she did.

“About the reunion tomorrow?” asked Asahi.

“When is it?”

“Don’t worry. I changed the plans so you can make it. We’re meeting tomorrow at my aunty’s cafe. Esther and Fareeha were planning on dinner but I told them you had a show tomorrow.”

“Oh. Thank you,” said Asahi.

“Here. Give me your phone. I’ll put in my number,” said Asahi, extending out his left hand from his pocket.

Alya waved her hands and said, “Not a good idea. I’ll text Mr. Haga the time and address. Since you’ll probably stay at home tonight and not the dorms. Also your show is at night.”

Asahi felt sad for a moment when Alya refused to take his number but then realised Alya knew a lot about him.

As if reading his mind, Alya said “If you’re wondering how I know this information, it’s from my colleague, Choi Eunkyung. She runs your fan page account. She won’t stop with her fangirling at work also. And I’m the only person who listens to her. She doesn’t realise how awkward it is for me whenever she fangirls in front of me. I feel bad for lying to her. I used to be friends with her bias back in high school. But if I did tell her then she will obviously ask me to arrange a meeting so she can meet with you.”

“Alya, are you that scared about people finding out that we are friends?” asked Asahi. Alya used “was” but he was adamant on keeping their friendship alive. They were friends back in high school. It didn’t mean they couldn’t be friends now also.

“Even if people did find out then they’ll know us friends. From high school. It’s not like-”

Asahi was immediately cut off.

“We’re dating!” Alya said, nodding and chuckling.

“Do you think the media wouldn’t spice up the truth? Let’s say you let it out in an interview that Esther, Fareeha, Alia and I used to go with you in high school. But since the three of us, Esther, Fareeha and I are here in Seoul, one of us out of the three will be on the suspects of Byun Hyuk’s secret girlfriend.”

“I don’t want to imagine what sunlight’s reaction will be,” said Alya laughing.

“It’s not the truth. It’s fake news but the media always wants to spice things up or drag somebody innocent into a scandal.”

“I used to have a crush on Caleb Adkins. Can you say that out freely?” asked Alya, looking at Asahi.

Asahi turned his head in shock and blurted out immediately, “You did? You’re joking right?”

“No I’m not,” replied Alya, shaking her head from side to side.

“I thought that Caleb got married. He had sent me an invitation to his wedding in Canada but I couldn’t make it,” said Asahi, puzzled.

“Yes he is married. But I used to have a crush on Caleb. That was a long time ago. When we were in high school. But then after everyone drifted apart. We had to go our own ways,” said Alya.

“Did you attend his wedding?” asked Asahi.

“When was it?” asked Asahi to himself, thinking about Caleb’s wedding.

“Two years ago. Only Alia and I could attend his wedding in Canada,” replied Alya.

Alya thought back to the time Caleb had gotten married. She and Alia had attended the wedding and Alia because she liked to pull Alya’s leg, brought a guitar and gave it to Alya.

Alya had held the guitar and looked at Alia, confused.

She then realised the meaning of the guitar when Alia told her to sing Taylor Swift’s song, “Speak now.”

“Was she mad?” thought Alya, but then she realised Alia was joking because she was also one of the few people who knew about her high school crush on Caleb.

“I did not know you had a crush on Caleb back in high school,” admitted Asahi.

“The others used to say that it was pretty much visible to them. My one-sided crush on Caleb. What about yours Asahi? You never had a crush or what?” asked Alya seriously.

Asahi went into panic mode but he tried to maintain a cool demeanor on the outside because his crush was sitting next to him in a park right now. But he couldn’t say it. No one ever did know about his crush on Alya. It was what had happened from high school only. But as he looked at her sitting beside him, did he want her to know? What would she do if he suddenly confessed right now. Alya could feel Asahi staring at her so she looked up and said, “It’s getting late. We should get going.”

She stood up and started walking, not waiting for Asahi and made her way towards the car.

Asahi looked as the figure of Alya was retreating far away from him. He sat there, hands in his jacket pockets and thought that after all these years he still couldn’t get Alya out of his mind. He didn’t have other girls in his mind at all. It was always Alya. He realised that maybe it was more than just a crush. All these years and the only person he wanted to himself was Alya.