Chapter 2

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“What is the meaning of Hajime?” I probed, twiddling with my pen.

“Beginning. It is a Japanese word. Mdm Kim chose the name herself. She said that this word signified a new life ahead for all our guests.” The young lady replied.

“Your boss is Mdm Kim. The cafe is Hajime. What is your name then?” I scribbled. I had forgotten to ask for her name throughout the night.

I had stayed in Hajime overnight, with the company of the beautiful young lady.

“I have no name. No one has ever asked me for one or has given me one, I think.” On her face, there was this look of bewilderment. However, gradually, I noticed the sadness hidden behind her dark and enticing eyes.

“I shall give you one then. You shall be called Lee Yeong Ae.” I wrote down happily.

“Lee Yeong Ae. That is a pretty name. Any special significance?” She questioned as a huge grin formed on her face. I could tell that she was feeling more than delighted to have her own name. I smiled.

“Yeong means forever and Ae means love. So it means forever love. As for Lee, I have this surname. So I shall give you the honour of sharing the same surname as me.” I could feel my cheeks redden as I wrote all these mushy words.

Lee Yeong Ae.

The truth was I wanted her to share the same surname as me as that would mean that she would become my future wife. I had been sliding into love without even looking for a handhold. I had been falling in love with her since the moment I set my eyes on her. She was a really special and significant girl to me.

“Lee Yeong Ae. I love it. Thank you, Lee Hong Ki!” She hugged me tightly.

Hearing her call out my name had already made my heart palpitate harder and faster than before. With her wrapping her arms around my neck, I thought I was going to suffocate, since I could not breathe normally. Her scent appealed to me.

Through the corner of my eyes, I spotted Mdm Kim smiling at us. However, her smile was not of happiness but rather of melancholy. I failed to take much notice of it since I was really in buoyant spirits spending time with Yeong Ae.

For the next few days, I helped out at the cafe as well. Of course, I spent more time with Yeong Ae.

We had gotten much closer than before. To me, Yeong Ae was just the perfect girl for me. I could feel that she had developed feelings towards me as well.

“Hong Ki!” Yeong Ae called out to me as she slumped onto the same cushion seat that I had sat when I first came.

“Yes?” I wrapped my arms around her slim waist and she laid her head on my chest. All these intimate movements were comfortable and natural to both of us. This was one of the reasons why I thought Yeong Ae loved me too, since she did not reject any of these intimate interactions.

“Now I understand you better, but I seemed to lose understanding of myself further. Why can’t I remember anything about my past? My memories start from when I first started working here. This is so weird. I wanted to share my memories with you too, but…” Yeong Ae had been feeling dejected these few days. She pursed her lips together again. Tears were forming in her eyes. I detested seeing her in this way. My heart ached really badly.

We had been chatting to understand each other better. However, Yeong Ae had totally no impressions of her past. All she could remember was the interesting experiences she had with her guests in the cafe, as well as, Mdm Kim’s kind and gracious treatment towards her.

“Yeong Ae, maybe you had been hurt and had been suffering from memory loss ever since. I think Mdm Kim helped you up then. That should be your story.” I cajoled, writing as fast as I could on the paper.

“That is so hard to believe! I feel like digging up my forgotten past but yet I am scared that my past might be too frightening. I am in such a dilemma. I have never thought about my past…” Her voice trailed off as she turned to fix her gaze on me.

“Maybe I should just stop thinking about it. Afterall, you are here with me now. That is more than enough for me.” Yeong Ae nestled in my embrace.

I caressed her hair lovingly. I desired so much to press my lips against her.

“Hong Ki, you will never forget me, will you? Let’s just say, if one day, I forget you as well. You will still run up to meet and tell me our story, won’t you?” Yeong Ae whimpered in a shaky voice. I could tell that she was trying to not cry.

I made her face me by lifting her chin upwards. The next moment, I found my lips against hers. I could not speak words of reassurance to her. Writing encouraging words would be too slow and not romantic. I chose to use actions to prove to her.

We kissed passionately and I found myself wanting to speak more than ever.

I wanted to confess to her. I wanted to shout out the most sacred and important three words to her personally.

“I love you, Hong Ki.” I heard her mumble.

“I love you too!” I chose to break the kiss and pen my declaration of love for her rapidly.

She grinned and kissed me again.

All was wonderful and near perfection.

The only tainted regret was my inability to speak.

Later on, Yeong Ae proceeded to work, with her brilliant smile. I strummed my guitar gently as I stared at Yeong Ae. I was still enthralled by her beauty and personality.

Then, I was approached by Mdm Kim.

“Hong Ki, I am really glad that you have given her a name and also showed her love. I am thankful for that.” Mdm Kim started off with a polite smile.

I could only nod my head. It was so strange of her to suddenly approach me.

“Hong Ki, Yeong Ae is a really pretty name. The love you two share is really amazing and delightful.” She continued. In her eyes, I saw a hint of sorrow. I was pondering what was wrong with Mdm Kim and the love Yeong Ae and I shared.

“You have always wanted a heavenly voice, didn’t you?” She focused hard on my nonchalant face.

I nodded my head.

“Good. That is my main point.” Mdm Kim inhaled a deep breath.

“I am actually here to help you fulfill your wish or your inner and deepest desire. You can say that I am like the fairy godmother in the Cinderella fairytale. However, there would be a condition. You have to give up your most beloved possession in order to receive what you have always desired.” Mdm Kim explained.

I could swear that my eyes widened and my mouth dropped wide open. I could not register her words properly.

“Are you insane?” I scribbled.

“No, I am totally sane. That was the initial reaction from all those who received such deals. She was the only one who did not show shock or surprise. She merely cried and accepted the deal readily.” Mdm Kim pointed to Yeong Ae.

“What was her deal?” I penned the question down.

“I cannot reveal the details of the deal. All I could say that she made a deal. Now, I am offering you a deal as well. You will be given a really mellow and heavenly voice which could help soothe the fatigued hearts of people. You would be able to sing out songs with such powerful emotions that people will tear. People can find hope from your joyful voice when you sing cheery songs. In exchange, you have to sacrifice your love who is Yeong Ae. She will not remember anything about you or the love she has felt towards you. You two will never see each other again. Her memories of you will be wiped clean.” Mdm Kim’s agony could be detected.

“Will I remember her then?” I questioned.

“Yes.” Mdm Kim replied straightly.

“You have today to think. You are not allowed to hint Yeong Ae about our deal at all. It is your choice. Believe me. I really have the powers to give you what you want. Hajime means beginning. When one door closes, another opens.” Mdm Kim retreated back to the counter.

I stared down at all the papers I had written on these few days.

Most of them were conversations with Yeong Ae.

A voice or a love?

I pondered hard as Yeong Ae worked hard.

A voice or a love?

This was the toughest decision I had to make ever.

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CHEERS! =]

th1rd3ye/crunch