The restaurant is cozy and the menu is mouth-watering. The only problem is this old man spewing nonesense in front of me. Here is my father, who after 10 months decided to show himself to me together with my step mother (yep, dad re-married after mom died, in good terms but best not to live with them and their baby boy).

 

I try to tune out his voice by remembering the name of the restaurant Sandara and her family owns. I know it is around this area and I curse my forgetfulness for not knowing it.

 

Ah, Sandara, Sandara Park. The cute, gentle, simple and kind Sandara Park.

 

Nobody knows about this but I have a huge crush on her. Being known as the cold city guy of the school, I almost lost my cool when I found out that she is on the same class as I am. But of course, I am Kris. I am mighty (insert big laughter).   I didn't really fall for her in school. I actually fell for her way before school started.   I was hanging out with my own group of friends that day. Chanyeol, Baekhyun and Sehun visited me at home and dragged me out of  my house. Apparently, Sehun has a community service sanction from school and to shorten his hours, he decided to drag us along (the teacher was kind enough to agree with the bargain Sehun offered, well, my phone number is also part of the bargain Sehun offered, such a friend).   It is at a local day care center that he was assigned that day. I don't really mind helping. Staying at home is really a bore already and them coming to me is a Godsend.   "Here is your snack!" the cheerful voice of the woman who placed a tray of food not far from us made me look up from the legos I was sorting. I wasn't able to see her face back then but her back view got my attention already. All the time I can see her inside the room, she has her face away from me.   "Ya, back to work!"Sehun scolded me one time I stood up and tried to follow her. I so want to end my friendship with him that day.   When the clock ticked the end of the day, the car picked us up on time and I lost the hope of seeing her face. I was not paying attention to the usual banters of the three and just focused on looking out of the window when i caught a glimpse of the familiar white shirt and pastel jeans. I strained my neck and crossed my fingers as the car passed her.   "Wow,"that was all I can say. Aphrodite came down from heaven and Zeus presented her to me.   It may sound creepy but starting that day, I accompanied Sehun to all his services for that day care center with hopes of seeing her again.   I came to know her full name when I was assigned to write thank you letters for the benefactirs and volunteer workers of the center. It is also the last day of Sehun's community service and it saddened me.   "Is it okay if you will distribute it as well? Seeing that god-like face of your will really be a plus for them,"the old lady at the office told me and I almost rolled her eyes at her.   Luckily the list given to me has colors assigned on to what department they are working so it was easy for me.

 

I slapped the thank you letter on Sehun's face and just pocketed mine (why did I even bother writing my own letter to myself?). I decided to do the soup kitchen last because they are located at the first floor.   "Uhm, excuse me? where is Sandara Park?" I asked when I held the last letter. The blushing lady pointed at the one who has her knuckles deep in the dishes. My heart skipped a beat when she stood up and turned to me.   "I-, I am Sandara,"she slowly raised her hand not meeting my gaze.   As cool as I can pull off, I walked towards her and slipped the letter at the pocket of her apron.   "Kris? Are you even listening to me?" my father's voice pierced through my perfect haven making me arched my eyebrow.   "Obviously not,"I responded.   "Kris,"my step-mother reached out for my hand. I just looked at her and fought the urge to pull my arm away.   "Okay, I will be kind enough to repeat ll that I've said, the deal your grandfather made with his bestfriend has to be made already. The Kim's family has been sending gifts and letters to me already and I cannot bluff them anymore, this union is beneficial not just to you, it is to our family and the company as well," my dad said.   Someone moved on my side and I stopped myself on answering back to my father. Oh how I hugged and patted myself when I did that.   "Hi my name is Dee, I will be your server tonight, are you ready to put your order in?"   My soul jumped, rolled, jumped and rolled again as I tried to keep my face calm and look away. But I didn't miss the tint of pink on her cheeks. Oh how I want to kiss those cheeks, and those lips.   My dad cleared his throat and placed the menu for everyone. He is a know-it-all so it doesn't surprise me that he assumes what I want to eat (he actually got it right).   Sandara bowed and walked away. I did my best to be calm and follow her walking around with just my eyes. I can feel my father and step-mothers eyes at me but I tried to ignore them. My dad continued talking about the agreement his dad did and how beautiful and perfect this certain Ms. Kim is.   I counted to 1,000 and Sandara came back to our table with our order. I noted how she wants to escape fast from our table. I can't blame her. The air smells blood and the table is a battlefield. I paid attention to eating while my step-mother tried to serve me by putting dishes on my spoon.   "I will set your meeting with the Kims this coming Friday, clear your day and be prepared," my father motioned for the bill.   "Cancel that agreement and focus on something else, grandfather will understand, pay the Kims three times the alimony that  grandpa has set," I responded.   "Are you out of your mind? This agreement has been set way before you were born?" he argued back.   " I won't back down and I won't give in," I glared back.   "Kris," my step-mother spoke for the first time since we started raising our voices.   Sandra is now within hearing range and an idea snapped inside my head. I grabbed the bill plate from her and slammed it on the table I pulled her close and prayed to the heavens.   "She is my girlfriend and we're planning to get married in two months," good, my voice didn't crack and I didn't miss a beat.   Sandara stiffened and I held her tighter.   "Is that true?" my dad turned to her. I think I am imagining things because I can feel her heart pounding through her skin. I slipped my hand to hers and held it tighter.   Thankfully Sandara nodded. I looked forward and saw my dad looking through my shield. I can hear the gears inside his head working.   "Are you out of your mind?" he half roared. The couple on the other table looked towards us and my step-mother bowed in apology.   "I love her," well it's true. God, just drop this dad.   "Then prove it to us," he dared. I stiffened for a bit and tried to sense what Sandara is thinking. She feels almost evaporating beside me so I hopethe next move I will do won't make her d