LOVE WAS RED

CHAPTER 9

Every Friday morning, Saran, Banks and Yok would go to boxing class for two or three hours and then have an elaborate breakfast at a nice hotel.

So on Friday morning, with boxing gloves draped over their shoulders, Saran and Yok first went to a juice bar, and got themselves a strawberry and banana smoothie before joining Banks at the boxing gym.

"So what are you doing this weekend?" Yok asks, taking a sip of his strawberry and banana smoothie.

"I will go visit my parents," Saran answered.

"And I will be busy planning my birthday party."

Saran gazes at York with narrowed eyes. "Thanks for reminding me, I just remembered that I have not bought a gift yet."

"What are you getting me?" Yok was curious.

"I can't tell you, it's a surprise."

"Just get something nice," Yok warned his friend.

"Yok," Saran as they walked along to the Gym.

"Yes."

"What would you look for in a lover?"

Yok was thoughtful for a moment as he held the smoothie straw between his lips. "He would have to be something special."

Watching his grin, Saran asked: "Is that a joke?"

"No, I am serious. And he would have to be handsome, rich and generous. Kind to children and must love animals."

Saran giggled. "And sexy too?"

"Oh yes, he must be sexy."

As the two friends finished their smoothie in silence, each occupied with their own thoughts, Yok noticed that a nice car was following them.

"A car is following us," Yok whispered to Saran.

Saran turned and saw a car driving really slowly behind them. "Yes, I can see that."

"What do we do?"

"Let's just keep walking." Saran suggested.

They kept walking without stopping.

The car stopped and the driver, who was wearing an expensive-looking suit, got out of it. He started following them on foot.

"Okay, he is out of the car and now he is following us," Saran whispered to Yok.

"What?"

" That is very weird."

Yok stopped walking and turned.

"Good morning," the young man greeted.

"What do you want?" Yok demanded.

"I would like you to direct me to your heart," was his direct reply.

"What's your name?" Yok demanded again.

"Dan."

"Well, Dan, I don't give strangers directions to my heart and, besides, there is no room for you anyway."

Dan laughed.

"I think he likes you," Saran whispers to Yok.

"Shut up," Yok whispers back.

"But I would like to get you better," Dan was looking directly at Yok as he said it.

"No." Yok shakes his head.

"Can we be friends?" Dan suggested.

"Why do you want us to be friends?"

"With your sassy personality, I think you would make an amazing friend."

Now Yok laughs.

"I know you are not looking for a genuine friendship," Yok shakes his head disbelievingly.

" I'm going to a meeting this morning but I would like to stay in touch. Can I have your line?"

"No!"

Turning, Yok grabs Saran and they walk away.

"He smells really good," Yok admits to Saran.

"I noticed that too. He likes you," Saran teased.

"Shut up." Yok rolls his eyes.

As they entered the gym, a smiling Banks was waiting for them.

Later, Saran came out of his condo building and walked towards his hatchback as he pressed the unlock button. He placed his holdall bag on the passenger seat, but before he could get behind the steering wheel he saw Kit.

And he had with him a large bouquet of pink roses and pink flowers.

They stood and stared at each other for a long moment before Kit moved closer. Saran turned and opened the car door.

But Kit stopped him with these words:

"I am sorry for what I did to us. I am sorry for causing pain by leaving you…."

Saran felt emotions tremble within his chest.

"I'm sorry for hurting our love. I am so sorry. And I will say it as many times until you forgive me. I am willing to wait for your forgiveness even if it takes forever." Kit went on as he moved closer to Saran.

Saran looked at the beautiful bouquet of flowers for a moment then said this to Kit:

"Let's forget everything. Let us forget about our love. The times we spent together, the happy moments when we smiled at each other. Let's forget about it all," Saran's voice deepened as he went on.

"We must forget about the gifts that we exchanged with love, the night when you confessed your feelings for me and the night……when you told me you were leaving. We must forget the time when we visited Seoul and walked through the snow which felt like we were in a romantic Korean drama. We must forget everything."

Saran closed his eyes like it would minimize pain as tears fell down his cheeks. While Kit looked on with surprise.

"Let's not meet again."

As Saran said it, his fingers tightened on the car key fob.

"Saran …" Kit whispered.

Saran got into his car and drove away.