SUIT & TIE: INTRODUCTION

1973_

It was cold that night by the sea. Perhaps a sign of the beginning of autumn. It was even colder with the help of the sea breeze that travels in the vast ocean passing through a grand cruise ship owned by Choi family- one of the most successful family in the shipping industry.  A humble worker named Yoon Jeonghan, a very young and innocent-looking man who’s working as the ship’s manager and casino’s game master, went outside to relax after an exhausting day. He had this favorite spot to hang out and that was at the deck, particularly at the side of the ship where he could see a bright full moon reflecting it’s glow on the surface of the sea. He wasn’t expecting the freezing weather but it’s not an option right now to get back to his cabin. Since he’s there, he’d rather go for it than going back again for the second time because the moment he return into the cabin, he’s sure on his bed sleeping tight. It was his daily routine right after work. The moon, the stars, the scent and the sound of the sea were the only ones that calms him down over a toxic job.

Ship was truly exhausting.

Now, Jeonghan was leaning forward to the railings as he relaxed his mind and body by staring at the vast seascape with the moon, unexpectedly shone the brightest since he started working, with the stars scattered around it.

“Beautiful.” He murmured softly after seeing how bright the moon was as a visible thick air escaped from his mouth. “Geez. Why is it so cold tonight? I should’ve brought my coat with me.” He added after feeling the cold wind piercing sharply to his skin.

In the middle of Jeonghan’s viewing of the bright blue moon, he didn’t notice that there’s someone from a distance who’s looking at the same view for the same reason. On the other hand, the man became curious about the young man resting on the railings. Besides his lovely angelic face that’s undeniably fascinating, it called his attention now since he’s been seeing the young man at that spot every night. Not to mention that he’s blocking the view from the bench which he’s positioned himself comfortably across where Jeonghan stood. That time, he thought of giving himself a chance to socialize after keeping himself busy with business inside his room for quite a while now.

He came unexpectedly, reason for making the young manager startle with a simple greeting. He didn’t even notice the scent of cigarette becoming stronger. “It’s a beautiful night, don’t you think?” The mysterious man said with a gentle and warm tone of voice.

Jeonghan did freak out a little, but he managed to compose himself after quite a shock. He faced the man he believed a guest who’s also there to relax.

“Good evening, sir!”

Seeing that the other was startled by his sudden greeting, he apologized with his bright and calming smile. “I’m sorry to startle you. Did I perhaps interrupt you?”

Such a gentleman, Jeonghan thought. “I’m fine, sir. You don’t have to worry. I just come here to relax a bit.”

After seeing how handsome the man could be, Jeonghan’s expressive and round eyes expanded in awe. He never thought throughout his life that he could ever see a gorgeous man as beautiful as the one in front him right now. For a minute, Jeonghan thought that the mysterious man was an angel. He has blonde hair that shines by the light of the moon. His eyes were like that of the moon shining brightly and mysteriously. His nose is sharp and tall. While his lips were like that of a rose, rosy and pink. Moreover, his smile is like honey, sweet and priceless. Although, the cigarette had killed the vibe. Nevertheless, his face is worth calling the attention. Observing the mysterious man, who’s definitely older than him, Jeonghan thought he looked like a prince and yet has this professional vibe on him. For the record, it was the first time he approved cigars on the lips because he’s against the idea of smoking as it’s bad for health but since the man looked y on it, he’ll let it slide for the night.

“May I join you?” asked the other.

Jeonghan simply nodded.

“Aren’t you feeling cold?” asked the older by seeing how thin his clothing could be in the middle of a freezing night.

“Just a bit, but it’s tolerable. Don’t worry about me.”

However, it wasn’t tolerable to see the young man, cold, clasping his both hands to acquire warmth. The  guest pulled out his suit and gave it to the other. “Here. Take this.”

“I’m really fine, sir.” With a smile seemed frozen from the color of his lips.

“I don’t think so. Just take it. It will make me more comfortable than you thought.”

“I see. Thank you for your kindness.”

After feeling a little comfortable, the other offered him cigarette stick from an expensive brand. Ready to light it with his golden, beautifully engraved lighter if the other agreed to have one. However, Jeonghan refused. It became clear to the other that he’s not probably smoking.

“I apologize.” Taking out the cigars from his mouth and putting off its fire.

Jeonghan was again surprised of the other’s action. “Why?”

“I understand that you don’t smoke.”

“But I’m fine with it. I work inside the casino and I think I’m getting used to it.”

“Don’t get used to it.” The other lectured even though he has the same vice as the rest of the people inside that ship.

“I don’t have a choice.” Jeonghan admitted with a chuckle.

“But I do.” The other answered with a warm smile in return.

Jeonghan was flattered “Thank you.”

Back to viewing a very gorgeous scenery, especially that now the moon was free from the clouds. It’s form was generously big and bright. Round and fascinating.

“This is a very good spot.” Said the stranger.

“I know.” Replied Jeonghan. “I like it here. My favorite spot. Quiet and serene.”

“I agree.”

A few quiet moments, the younger couldn’t help but ask the other since he’s curious. “May I know why did you start smoking, if you don’t mind me asking?”

Looking gently to the other, he replied “I started very young. Thought it was cool.” He scoffed with a smirk. “I only tried it before, but somehow I find a way to use it to stay away from stress. And now, I couldn’t stop myself.”

“Are you trying? I mean to stop?”

“Well, I don’t know about that. I want to but I just couldn’t stop.”

“There are many ways to stay away from vices while you’re still young.” Suggested the other.

“Let’s hear it.”

“My father smokes before. He stopped eventually. I think hanging out with him is a good way because he don’t smoke in front of us.” He smiled.

The other took interest to the younger. And so, he continue hearing his advice. Somehow, his eyes were trapped on the beauty at the moment.

“Why not try to go out? Go to a relaxing place like in a café or a park?”

While hearing Jeonghan’s advice, the out had a quick run through to his past. He kept thinking what he had been doing then. It’s quite easy to go out. Why couldn’t he? Until he realized that he was the type of person who likes outdoors and socializing. He usually stays behind the walls and relax alone with his cup of tea. He gestured a little realization and quickly said. “Now, that you tell me, I realized now that I have never done those before.”

Jeonghan couldn’t help but fall into another surprise from the mysterious man. He thought he was loved by people, like a Prince. But their conversation was only bringing him into a more deeper and lonely person. “Seriously?” Jeonghan exclaimed unintentionally.

The other man was quite surprised on how big Jeonghan reacted by his answer. He displayed a surprised and innocent looking expression as well. Especially now he knows that he might be living a not so normal life. He didn’t feel any disrespect with how Jeonghan reacted. He just felt that he was living his life wrongly. It was long years if he’d count. And now that he realized, he formed a smile on his lips.

“You think it’s weird?” he asked out of curiosity.

Jeonghan frowned like ‘What is wrong with this man? Does heaven have no café at all?’ but out of respect to the person since he sensed that he’s the kind of man you should not mess with, given his majestic look and well-educated manner. Who knows? He might be really part of the royal family. Just to be safe because his life seems full of rules to follow that his entire childhood was wasted somehow, he answered. “Ummm…” like hanging his answers to the air.

The other might get the younger’s gesture and said “And, yeah. I think I am weird.” And chuckled.

“Going out is fun once in a while.”

“I’m not quite sure about that.” Like he’s not really a fan of meeting people.

Jeonghan assumed that the other might not like what he sees in gatherings like the ones they’re having in the ship. He understood clearly how it was out there socializing with people, especially with rich people who had nothing to talk about but money and their own , it was both physically and mentally exhausting. “I think, I might have a clue right there.” Seeing the other’s unwilling reaction.

On the other hand, the mysterious man chuckled. “Guess, your work isn’t that easy at all.”

“Nnnope.” He stated honestly.

“Is there anything I can do?”

“For? I should be the one asking you that.” Answered Jeonghan.

“You looked tired.”

“You noticed!”

“Your eyes told me so.”

“Well, my life is a complete mess.” Suddenly playing with the ring on his ring finger turning it round and round, a gesture of anxiousness. On the other hand, the other’s attention was diverted into that ring.

“Can you help me throw this?” pertaining to the ring.

The stranger looked at the moon “Not about love, is it?”

“Mn.” Jeonghan agreed.

“Run if you still can. Marriage without love is a waste of time.”

Jeonghan looked at him like he wanted to really throw the ring to the sea, but he hesitated.

“You love him?”

“I can love him, can I?”

“Loving him will be a torture if he can’t give it back.” The other advised. Since he could see the younger’s hesitation. “There should be something important.”

Jeonghan sighed and nodded. “I can’t see anything more I can do right now.”

“I see. It must be hard for you.”

“I’m scared.”

“I can see that.” Looking at Jeonghan’s face. “Time is important. If you decide, do it. If you doubt, trust your instinct. If you are wrong, flip it into your game. Because regret is not the best option you can have in your plate.”

Jeonghan smiled. “You know, I am really starting to think that you are an angel, mister.”

The other chuckled. “I am not. I am the worst person you can ever meet.”

“I don’t think you are describing yourself correctly.” Jeonghan disagreed. “Thanks. Geez, its not just your face that’s poetic. Even the advice is.”

Jun chuckled. “I had fun spending my time with you. Thank you.”

“Me too.”

“See you around.”

“I will. Good night.”

“Good night, beautiful.”

Unfortunately, there was no any other chance for them to talk once again since that mysterious man alighted the ship into their next destination which was London. The only thing that’s left with him was the suit and the smile he sent when leaving the ship.

All he had now was the advice and the hope that someday and somehow, their paths would cross again.