In a well-known radio station in Seoul, Korea, twenty-five year old Kim Jejung sat with the talk show host, Jang Keunsuk. As always, he fiddled around with a small black & blue silk pouch. Whenever he opened the pouch, a sweet smelling floral scent wafted into the air. Inside were various dried pink rose petals. He smiled as Keunsuk asked the common question, “So, Jejung, an eighteen year old girl from Hong Kong named Mei wants to know who your first love was? Can you tell us? Don’t leave out any details.”

“Ah. The dreaded question of anyone put on the spot. I’m afraid that that is for me to know only. All I can tell you is that she was the most beautiful girl with the brightest eyes that would make any boy fall for her.” Jejung said, with a smile, picturing the said girl in his mind.

“I have noticed that you always carry this pouch that you are playing with right now. I’m sure that everyone has seen it & wondered what it holds. It smells so good.” Keunsuk said.

Jejung was always asked this question & he always replied in the same way, “This is for me to know only. Why I carry this pouch is a secret & I don’t plan on telling the world what it is until I figure it out myself.” Confused & scratching his head now, Keunsuk replied, “You always give the same answer. I should have known but it would have been nice if you finally told me, buddy.” He shook his head & said mockingly, “One day, we will know. I will beat it out of you if I have to.” & with that said, he gave Jejung a playful shove that almost knocked him out of his seat.

“Hey, man. Don’t mess with the clothes.” Jejung said, & shoved Keunsuk back playfully, “Yeah, right. For your information audience, Jejung is wearing an outfit that costs less than thirty dollars. He is one of my good & annoying little friend! That is why I know this & plus, I went with him to get this ensemble with his mom.” Some shuffling & muffled sounds was heard as Jejung tried to wrest the mike away from Keunsuk. Keunsuk finally gained control again, & made amends by saying, “I just want you guys to know that Jejung is a good boy who is very humble. I’m very proud of his achievement.”

“Okay. Fine, I forgive you after that speech. I was about to give out some embarrassing secrets about you but I will save you from the humiliation. Although, I would take this time to tell the audience that my dear friend would like to sing you a song.” Jejung laughed when he saw the horrified look on Keunsuk’s oval-shaped face. Keunsuk looked at his boss & fellow workmates & dj. They had their hands on their mouths, trying to not make too much noise from laughing. His boss motioned him to sing. Another dj held up a sign that said, ‘We have been getting non-stop calls & email, cheering you on so you have to do it, bud. Go for it.’

With that nudge, Jejung chose a song for him to sing. Keunsuk reluctantly started singing into the microphone. At the same time, he was shooting daggers at Jejung with his big, dark brown eyes. Meanwhile, all Jejung could do was grin widely. It was after all his fault since he brought up the question on love. Once he thought about that word, a sad frown appeared on his oval-shaped face, “Fill my heart with soul. Let me sing forever more.” Keunsuk sang, “You make me want to sing about your love & never be apart from you forever.” Jejung whispered softly, & for the first time that day, he allowed himself to go back down memory lane & remember the girl that had always believed in him.

*Flashback*

“Jaejoong Oppa. Sing me that song again.” A young six year old girl smiled & sniffed. She used her small dirty hands to wipe away her tears away as the eight year old boy sang. The girl giggled as the boy made a dramatic bow & plucked a pink rose to tie it into her half-ponytail. He then finished the song & kissed the top of her head & then her hand.

“Don’t cry anymore. You are safe now. Why don’t you come home with me to the treehouse & let me wash you up & put some ointment on your bruises?” The boy then took off his black zip-front drifter cardigan sweater & placed it around the shivering shoulder of the girl. It was a cold night but still, the boy didn’t care. All he cared about was the well-being of the young girl. He put out his hand to help the girl up from the curb of the street, “Here, put your head on my shoulder & hold my hand, Miyoung. Let me warm you up a bit.”

The girl smiled & softly whispered, “Thanks Oppa.” Hand in hand, the young boy & girl made their way down the dark street with only the stars winking down on them as their light, “Look at that star. It’s a shooting star. Make a wish.” Jaejoong said. Miyoung closed her wide, brown, almond-shaped eyes tightly & clasped her hands together & wished out loud, “I wish that Jaejoong Oppa will become a famous singer & let him always be happy.” His hazel brown, almond-shaped eyes started to get watery as he heard those words. All he could do was smile & pray that he would make her proud & fulfill her wish & that he would do it with her by his side, letting him protect her.

The girl finished her wish & looked up at the boy with adoration in her eyes & once again, they made their way down the street.

*End of Flashback* 

The note to the last of Keunsuk’s song ended & Jejung came out of his trance. He thought, ‘I’m famous now but how can I be happy when I don’t know what has happened to you.’

CREDIT:

CREDIT POSTER & BACKGROUND & DESIGNER: suhonie