Chapter 8

“Hold out your hand, Color me like that red sunset, So I won’t lose myself – Colour”

Young K stayed at the Aihara Youth Hostel the next few days.

At most times, he kept to the confines of his room.

He did not want to make himself too conspicuous.

He has even started to eat in Okasan’s kitchen, not at the counter.

Mainly because he did not want to impose himself too much upon the family.

He only felt it safe to sit outside at the balcony at night when Momo was free to.

He hardly get to talk to her in the mornings, as she rushed through her chores before going off to school.

So he really looked forward to having their small talks at nights – mainly on random trivial things.

Talking to her helped him forget his worries and drove away his loneliness.

***

“How long have your family had this hostel?”

“For as long as I can remember.”

***

“You go to college, Brian-san?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Aah.. what you study?”

“Business Management.”

Pursuing his higher studies was one of the conditions his parents imposed when he decided to choose music and entertainment as his career.

***

“What kind of music do you like?”

He was trying to dig if she has heard of the band.

“All kinds. Mostly Japanese and English.”

“Who do you like?”

“Uhmm… if Japanese, I like Monkey Majik and Radwimps. If Engerish, I like Cold Play.”

“I know Monkey Majik and definitely Coldplay. But I’ve never heard of Radwimps.”

“You haven’t? They do great anime OSTs.”

“Like Monkey Majik?”

“Yeah, you know, huh? You like anime?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Which one?”

“One Piece.”

She laughed.

“Typical.”

“Hey, it’s a masterpiece! Totally epic.”

She smiled at his enthusiasm.

“Yes, I agree, it is.”

***

“All the music you listen to, they’re all bands.”

“Yes, I like real musician. All started with this 90s Japanese band, Bz.”

Her answer both thrilled and worried him.

“Do you listen to Korean bands?”

“No, not really?”

After a while Momo frowned, giving her familiar tilt of the head.

“Do they have bands? I thought Koreans only have dancing boys and girls.”

Young K could not help but to laugh at her statement.

“Yes, we do have bands, just not crazily popular like our dancing boys and girls,” he grinned.

***

The conversations went on the following night.

“You speak really good Engerish, Brian-san, for an Asian.”

Tonight they both had hot mugs of tea in their hands.

Though covered, it was still quite chilly sitting at the balcony.

“I was in Canada for 4 years in high school.”

“Aaah, so desuka,” she nodded. “you go school with borders?”

“Borders? Oh you mean, boarding school?”

“Yes, boarding school.”

“No, my family works there. I lived with them and went to normal public school.”

“Oh, they not live in Korea?”

“No, they do not.”

“But you now go to college in Korea?”

“Yes, I do.”

“You must miss them very much. Your family?”

Young K looked at Momo and smiled softly.

“Yes, I do. Very much.”

***

“Do you have any siblings.”

“Siblings?”

“Brothers or sisters?”

“Aah…I have one brother, my Onii-chan. He is in Yokohama prefecture. Working.”

“Aaah… I see.”

“And you?”

“I’m an only child.”

***

“By the way, it’s ‘it’s ok’ as in ‘it is ok’ not ‘is ok’.”

“Aahh, hait,” she looked sheepish. “Must remember that.”

“But you speak really good English, you learnt it from school?”

“Yes, but I also practice because of our guests. Most are Australians or Americans.”

“Aah.. that’s right.”

***

“I feel guilty.”

“Nanda?”

“I think I’m keeping you up late these past few nights.”

“Oh, daijobu. I like talking to you.”

“I like talking to you too.”

“Yes,” Momo grinned. “But you really have no choice, do you?”

“I’d still talk to you, even if there are other people to talk to,” he returned her infectious grin. Her melancholy from last night gone. “You’re quirky.”

“What is quirky?”

“Cute but in a weird way.”

“I like weird. It makes me interesting, no?”

“Yes, very much.”

***

And the night after that.

“Aren’t you curious about me?”

“Of course I am,” she was looking down fiddling with her ear pod, and gave him a piece. “Here, Flumpool. They're good too.”

They stayed silent for a while, both nodding to the song.

“But you’re not asking anything?” Young K continued his questioning.

“Iye.”

“Why not?”

“Because if you want me to know, you will tell me.”

“That’s true.”

“And besides, you are a guest. We don’t ask the guests too many questions.”

“I see. That’s professional.”

Momo smiled.

“Good, yes? This song.”

She’s a rocker, this chick. At least in her choice of music.

A contrast to her prim and proper dressing and looks.

There’s just something there that makes you want to protect her, Young K thought. Yet I wouldn’t be surprised if she was the one who will end up protecting me.

“Yes, it’s a good song,” he smiled. “Oh by the way, I’m getting some money sent soon. So, don’t worry about the room rental, ok, I’ll definitely pay you back.”

“Don’t worry, Brian-san. We trust you.”