Sunayama beach, Miyakojima Island, Okinawa, Japan – July 3, 2016

LEE JIYEON | AYAKA

      We already arrived at the beach and I should say that this place is breathtaking! The blue ocean is so majestic and the dazzling sunlight is making the sand sparkle like a thousand tiny jewels. The waves are crashing against the shore and the seagulls are screeching as the winds are blowing lightly. Being here just feels relaxing and calm.

      “This place is really magnificent! Good thing aunt Yeonhwa asked us to go here,” I looked back and saw Kai smiling at me.

      “Yeah, it’s time for some fun and relaxation.” I muttered.

      We entered the hotel and went to the front desk to check in.

      “Good afternoon ma’am, how may I help you?” the woman asked in Japanese.

      “Uhm, I’m here for the reservation of Son Yeonhwa.” I exclaimed.

      The woman nodded and smiled at me, “You must be Ms. Ayaka Lee. We are pleased to have you here. This is the key to your rooms. Have a nice stay!”

      I nodded and got the keys. Kai and I were led by the bellman to our room and they were the ones who got our things in our room.

      “Kai, here is your key.” I told him as I tossed it to him.

      I looked at my key and saw that I’m on room 1104 while Kai is on 1107 which is two rooms away from me. Well, mom said she was asking for a room that is beside each other or at least across each other but since the hotel is fully booked, this is the only rooms that she got for us. But that’s fine, since I know that Kai will just bother me if he’s staying just beside my room or across it. It’s better this way.

      “So what are we doing after we unpack?” he asked before going inside his room.

      “Uhm,” I pondered, thinking of what to do later, “Well, we can watch the sunset, or eat by the seaside. We can do range of things but for now, let’s rest.” I exclaimed and went inside my room.

      As I opened my room, I was really impressed by my room. It’s a simple room with this old-theme going on with it. There’s a huge green sofa and lots of painting inside the room and as I went on, I saw a queen-sized bed covered with white beddings.

      “Waah!” I squealed as I ran towards the bed and laid down on it, “This is what rest feels like,” I whispered into thin air.

      I quickly fixed my things so it doesn’t look like my room has been hit by a thunderstorm. Then after that, I decided to search for things to do here in Furuzamami. I couldn’t make up my mind so I decided to just go with the flow and do whatever we feel like doing. I quickly dressed up and changed my clothes. I’m wearing a simple lavender floral dress, straw hat and strap on wedge. After dressing up, I went out of my room to go to Kai’s so that we’ll be able to start our adventure here. I knocked on his door but he wasn’t answering.

      “Kai?” I called but no one answered.

      Since I am impatient, I decided to use the spare key and opened the door. I went inside the room, I noticed that he haven’t fixed his things yet. And as I was looking around, I saw Kai, sleeping on the sofa and his arms are covering his eyes. I guess he’s really tired after a long trip.

      “Aigoo, he didn’t even have the time to remove his shoes and sleep on the bed.” I muttered to myself.

      I quickly fixed his things first and placed his luggage on the side. Then after that, I slowly removed his shoes and socks then I placed it beside the sofa so that if he searches for it, he will be able to find it easily. I don’t want to wake him up so I decided to just leave and enjoy myself first. I was about to leave when I went back and took a picture of him.

      “You look so angelic when you’re sleeping,” I laughed cheekily.

      I took my phone back to my pocket and stared at his face.

      “You just don’t look angelic, you also look extra handsome.” I whispered.

      I stared at Kai’s beautiful lashes and nose. I can’t help but to muse at his handsomeness. If he wasn’t such a jerk when I first met him, I would’ve fallen in love with him. But it’s better this way. I smiled and looked at him one last time and finally left his room. I decided to go to the nearest cocktail stall by the seaside and ordered some drinks. Well, this is what I mostly do whenever we’re at the beach. I would always drink cocktails or juices because they are fresh. As I was drinking my juice, I remembered Kai’s sleeping face. I don’t know why, but I just did. I couldn’t help but to smile whenever I remember his sleeping figure. I love how he wrinkles his nose unconsciously and how he snores quietly. I opened my phone and searched for his photo and when I saw it, I couldn’t help but to stare and feel this unusual feeling in my heart.

      “He sure looks innocent when he’s sleeping but he’s nothing but a nuisance when he’s awake.” I murmured as I sipped from my juice.

      Ever since that time when we reconciled, I have this weird feeling whenever I think of him. My heart always beats fast or my face would heat up. Just like right now, my face is heating up while looking at Kai’s photo. Maybe I should go to the hospital and check if this is normal.

      “Alone?” I was startled when someone spoke from my side.

      I looked at the guy beside me and he was wearing this friendly smile. He’s speaking in English but I’m quite sure that he’s not a foreigner. I guess he’s Japanese or maybe a Korean just like me but I’m sure that he’s an Asian.

      “No,” I answered.

      “You’re with him?” he asked as he pointed at my phone, referring to Kai.

      “Well yes,” I lied.

      “Your boyfriend?” he asked but I just smirked back at him.

      “Fiancé,” I corrected.

      Well, I’m an engaged woman and I don’t want to flirt with anybody else.

      He smirked and shrugged, “Well, I don’t see any ring.” He shot back at me staring at my hands.

      I looked at my fingers and now that he said it, I actually don’t have any rings. I mean, if I am engaged, I should have a ring! Why didn’t I think of this before?

      “W-well… Ugh…” I stuttered.

      “Honey,”

      I was surprised when someone placed a hand on my shoulder and called me, ‘honey’. No one ever called me that before, well, except from my mom and dad. I turned to my side and saw Kai standing beside me. When did he get here?

      “So you’re her fiancé?” the guy asked.

      “Can’t you tell?” Kai sneered as he dragged me away from that guy.

      We walked endlessly and seriously, I don’t know where we’re going.

      “Yah, where are we going?” I asked.

      “Tss,” he hissed as he stopped, causing me to bump in his hard back.

      “Aaw,” I muttered as I caressed my head.

      “Should I put a sign on you or something?” he mumbled, “Can’t they tell that you’re engaged? Those dickheads just don’t know how to distance their selves from my girl.”

      My girl. Did he just say that? I couldn’t help but to stare at him and wonder if he really meant what he just said or if he’s kidding again. My heart beat started beating faster and I couldn’t feel anything but happiness after everything that he said. It’s happening again. Why am I feeling these things? Wait… am I supposed to feel these things?

      “Haha,” I laughed awkwardly as I punched him playfully, “You almost got me there,” I muttered as I coughed gauchely.

      “Anyway, let’s do some fun things and forget about that bastard.” Kai muttered, “What do you think are the fun things to do here?” he asked.

      “I… Ugh…” I stuttered.

      I don’t know why I’m stuttering right now but I just can’t move on from what he said. I mean, he just said that I’m his girl. Did I hear him right or am I just hearing things?

      “Why don’t we ride those? I have been longing to have those.”

      I was snapped out of my trance when Kai started talking, “W-what?” I asked.

      I looked back at him and saw him walking towards the bike station. What the heck?! I can’t ride those!

      “Come on Ayaka, let’s ride this and explore the place.” He smiled while trying one of the bicycles.

      I went close to him and crossed my arms, “The problem is,” I breathed, “I can’t ride them.” I muttered.

      “Really?” he asked and I nodded.

      “Well, mom doesn’t let me even though it’s a normal thing here in Japan. I also asked my brother once to teach me how to ride bicycles but he doesn’t like me to ride these too since he said that I might be caught in an accident.” I told him.

      “Then I’ll just let you ride it with me,” he smiled.

      “What?!” I asked, surprised.

      “But I’ll teach you how to ride these when we have extra time.” He muttered.

      “I’m afraid,” I exclaimed.

      He smiled at me and held my hand. I don’t know why but that familiar feeling crept into my heart, once again. My heart was beating fast again and I felt my cheeks are burning. Argh! What is really wrong with me?!

      “Don’t be afraid! If ever we fall, I’ll catch you.” He exclaimed and winked.

      Kim Jongin, stop those flowery words please! He dragged me inside the station and a man greeted us warmly.

      “Welcome,” the man greeted us in Japanese.

      “You know what to do,” Kai smiled at me.

      I just rolled my eyes at him and talked to the Japanese man.

      “Uhm, we want to rent a couple bicycle.” I smiled.

      The man just nodded and told us the cost. He said that we will be able to use the bicycle for the maximum of two hours.

      “You guys look good for each other. I hope for your long relationship,” the man exclaimed as he handed us the couple bicycle.

      “Ugh… No! We’re not couples,” I reiterated.

      “But you seem like so,” he smiled.

      “What did he said?” Kai eventually butted in.

      I quickly turned to him and smiled awkwardly, “N-nothing,” I stuttered.

      “Alright then, come on!” Kai exclaimed as he led the bicycle outside the station.

      We went outside and Kai was putting on his protective gear while I was copying him but since I’m a first-timer, I don’t know how to put it on.

      “Argh,” I exclaimed, irritated.

      Kai laughed at me and pulled me towards him, “Come here,” he muttered.

      I was surprised with what he did, causing my heart to erupt once again. He started fixing my helmet as well as my gears. I stared at him while he’s fixing my gears and when he’s done, he cupped my cheeks and smiled at me. He really has beautiful eyes and nose. He stared back at me and pinched my cheeks, “Pretty,” he exclaimed.

Romans 12:9 - Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.