Chapter 16

“Before the sun comes up, the music turns up tonight, brush off your all day stress – Freely.”

They were helping the part timers clean the path way up the ski slope.

The snow was gradually melting.

So to cater to the still available skiers, they put in artificial snow at the bottom parts of the mountain.

Mongrel-boy was busy fussing over the Workaholic Whirlwind, while the Siamese Kitten was busy fussing over him.

"Why do you keep your head like that.”

“Like how?”

“Shaved," Yuki rudely pointed to Young K's head. "I can see stubs, so I know you do have hair.”

Young K has been in Hakuba long enough to understand and speak simple Japanese.

“I have a feeling you’ll be megawatt shiny if you grow your hair,” Yuki continued. “Blond or or burgundy would really suit you.”

Young K gave an exaggerated sad smile.

“I have no choice but to keep it this way.”

“Why?”

“I have a skin disease and some say it’s contangious.”

“Oh..!" the Siamese Kitten's eyes grew wide. "Poor you.”

And that was the last he saw of Yuki that day.

***

“What did you do,” Momo grinned but full of curiousity.

“Did what?”

“I saw Yuki running for her life from you.”

Young K grinned. They were back to his comfortable English.

“She asked me why I’m bald and I told her I have a contagious skin disease.”

“That’s mean,” she laughed.

“Where’s Skinny Naoki?”

Momo grinned at his description of her male admirer.

“Tired and went to rest.”

“Good. Leave them be,” Young K stabbed his shovel somewhat forcefully. “So, what else needs to be done?”

Momo has been really grateful for Young K’s presence.

Both at the hostel and the ski centre.

She knew her colleagues have been taking advantage on her.

But she needed the job to save for her college money.

And being busy meant she was able to spend less time in Yuki and Naoki’s company.

Which she prefer.

But work can take a toll on her.

At times making her too tired to study at night.

So, Young K’s help was really appreciated.

“Nothing, we’re done here," Momo smiled at her saviour. "The workers will finish the rest.”

“Chincha? I mean, honto ne?”

“Hait.”

“Ok, let's go get some coffee then,” Young K grinned, looping his long arm around her tiny shoulder. “It’s getting cold.”

***

“Mongrel boy seemed to really like you.”

“Mongrel boy?”

“Naoki,” Young K answered, purposely omitting any kind of salutations.

“What is mongrel?”

“Kinda of a dog. Strays mostly,” Young K shrugged.

“Naoki-kun? You call him Mongrel-boy?” She laughed. “He can be like a dog, no? With his hair over his eyes all the time. I wish I can cut it for him.”

“No..!”

“No?”

“No, he can go cut it himself.”

Momo looked at him, with narrowed eyes.

Somewhat understanding him but not really certain, she smiled to placate him, “ok.”

“Ok?” Young K asked her.

At her nod, he sighed in relief, “ok. Not ever, wakata? Even after I leave.”

She looked at him sharply.

That was the first time he ever mentioned about leaving. And it somehow caused a panic in her. Yet, it reminded her he was still a guest after all.

She looked down at her paper coffee cup in silent.

Realising his mistake, Young K nudged her softly.

“Not any time soon, ok. I’m not leaving yet. You’re still stuck with me for a while.”

She just shook her head to purposely dismiss him

And they went back to their companiable silence. Though the mood was somewhat pensive.

It was getting dark and they were sitting by the side of the ski centre building admiring the vast ski slope at a closer distance then their usual spot at the hostel.

Young, she’s too young for you, he suddenly thought.

And you can’t date, not allowed to.

Don’t lose yourself in this comfort.

You do need to leave one day.

If you start something, what will it do to her when you leave?

What will it do to her when she finally realise who you are?

What will it do to you?

He brushed all the brooding thoughts away and focused on Momo instead.

He has grown to love her pronouncing this particular word til now.

But he knew he had to correct it for her sake.

So he nudged her again, trying to take her thoughts away of him leaving.

“Agassi,” he smiled.

“Hmm..?”

“Repeat after me…Eng-ge-Lish.”

“Eng-ge-rish?”

“Nope. Eng-ge-Lish. L L Lish.”

“Eng-ge-rish.”

“Try again.”

“Eng-ge---Lish. L L Lish, English!”

“Yeah!”

Momo repeated and started laughing uncontrollably at her success.

Making Young K grinned at her fondly.

Leaving her can be later.

His real world can wait.

Wait a lot while later.