There are times when I think back to my childhood and I remember being scared of my own shadow.  Everything was terrifying, rather it was airports, strangers, the baby sitter or being home alone.  Looking back on it now I can’t help but laugh.  I wasn’t sure when I decided to not be scared anymore but it was probably one of the best decisions of my life.  That decision certainly made times like this a lot easier.  To my left a woman was complaining to her husband that he better have all the chores done when she got back so they could go to some restaurant like they planned.  Planned, how can I possibly explain how much I hate that word?  Lucky for her my mother taught me good manners and I didn’t let my disgruntlement show on my face.  Just fifteen more minutes and the plane should be boarding just fifteen more minutes. 

Honestly I didn’t want to go to the lecture.  If I had it my way I’d be walking around campus right now letting my feet lead me to what I would be doing for the day.  Maybe I’d go to the amusement park or maybe I would go and study.  But, the head of the music department Mrs. Hisaki already paid for my ticket and informed me I’d get course credit for going to the two day lecture.  While I knew that going would be worth my while it irked me thinking about the things I could miss in that time.  I didn’t even get to sit with my friends they had all headed to the lecture the day before and as always I would be the last to arrive.  But, as long as my seat mate wasn’t as obnoxious as the woman beside me I would be happy.  Was she still even talking?  Shaking my head I paid attention to my surroundings once again.  A woman with two children and her husband had taken a seat across from me and an older gentleman was by the window watching the planes take off.  But that woman was still on the phone now complaining about waiting for too long. 

Seven minutes.                                     

Glancing at her bag I cringed a little, it was a bright lime green; words cannot express how much I hate that color just looking at it made my head spin.  Averting my gaze I saw something that made me stomach lurch even more, her plane ticket.  Not just any old plane ticket but she was to occupy seat B1 and I was to sit in B2.  Oh god I think I was better off looking at the lime green.  A few seconds after I looked away she finally hung up the phone and I sighed in relief hoping that maybe when she was quiet I would be able to survive the two hour and fifteen minute flight.  That’s when it started.  It was that familiar smacking sound and popping that I endured day in and day out in classes and waiting on the busses and subways.  If there was something in this world I hated more than the color lime green it would be someone who didn’t know how to chew gum quietly.

I could handle it right?  What was a piece or two of gum?  Glancing over at her again I saw she had an entire pack in her hand clutching it with intent to use.  Another pop of a bubble and I twitched.  Another smack and I nearly jumped out of my seat.  No way in hell would I be able to handle two hours listening to that.

Five minutes.

If I worked quickly I’d have just enough time to see if there were any other seats available.  All those frequent flyer miles I built up had to count for something right?  Slowly I got up clutching my small purse and carryon luggage and headed for the desk by the gangway.  A woman in a charcoal suit and scarf tie kept mildly interested eyes on me as I came over.  my lips nervously I half hoped the helpless look would appeal to the kinder side of her. 

“May I help you?”  Her voice droned in the familiar tone of ‘I’ll announce when the flight is getting ready to board calm yourself’ and I really couldn’t blame her people these days were so impatient myself included. 

“Yes um I was wondering um if there were any other seats available on the flight.”  I tried to sound as nonchalant as possible but her bored expression and raised brow were not helping my case.  How was I supposed to appeal to her when she looked like that?

Her expression didn’t change, not even a tiny twitch as she tapped her fingers on the table three times.  “What’s wrong with the seat you’ve been assigned?” 

Okay I needed to think up something quick that wasn’t just ‘oh yeah my sear partner is obnoxious’.  But something believable and something that might pull into sympathy but still wouldn’t draw too much attention.  “Well it’s just that I’ve been sitting next to the person that is going to be my seat mate and I feel very uncomfortable with her if you catch my drift.”  This perked the woman’s attention, she leaned forward her eyes darting over to the small crowd waiting for the plane.  Shifting my weight from one foot to the other I continued, “And I don’t want to cause a scene since I don’t think she realizes we’re seatmates and I don’t want to cause trouble.”  My nervousness increased when I couldn’t get a good read on what the woman was thinking.  Picking at the end of my shirt now I cleared my throat a bit.  “If the available seat is not the same price as mine I think the discounts I’ve earned flying this airline so many times should cover it and if not I can pay the rest.”  After all money was always a great motivator right?

The woman finally managed a small smile and nodded while quickly looking through the computer.  “What’s your name miss?”

I nearly scoffed at this I always hated the words miss and ma’am when directed towards me I always felt uncomfortable around the people that called me either or.  “Anais Crawford.”  When she gave me the most confused expression I sighed quietly and spelled it out for her.  While the confusion didn’t come up as often as my first time in Korea I still couldn’t help but be annoyed by the whole thing it always made me feel like more of a foreigner than I was.  As if the pasty skin, eyes and hair didn’t draw enough attention but the drawbacks were never enough to make me leave willingly. 

“Well the only available seat is in first class but with the credits you have built up you’ll only have to pay the change fee.”  Before she even finished speaking I had my wallet out and handed her the amount of money I knew it would be.  This wasn’t the first time I had changed seats not to mention I did research on it regardless.  If it wasn’t such a large plane it wouldn’t be a problem but because this was a connecting flight changing seats were always difficult.  After a minute or so she printed out my new ticket and handed it to me along with my change and I handed her my old ticket and signed the receipt. 

“I really appreciate it thank you.”  Giving the woman a small bow I turned and started to head back to my seat.  Before I was about to even get three steps away the woman cleared and grabbed her phone to make an announcement. 

“First class and special assistance for flight 392A to Japan is now boarding.” 

Sometimes I really love my timing.  Turning around quickly, I flashed her smile and handed her the ticket.  Her expression fell into a clearly fake smile as she scanned the ticket and told me to have a good flight.    Shrugging I glanced behind me when I heard squealing but decided to ignore it and instead headed down the gangway.  Seat A26 here I come. 

I have to admit I’ve never flown first class.  Never had I actually planned ahead when it came to flying somewhere.  I always scrounged up whatever money I had and went for it.  Once I even closed my eyes and just pointed to a place on the map to decide where I wanted to go.  That’s how I ended up in Korea the first time but that’s a story for another time.  The aisles were a lot more spacious and the chairs looked so comfortable that I thought I might fall asleep the second I sat down.  Knowing this was probably a once in a life time opportunity I knew I’d have to soak it in as much as possible.  Glancing behind me I saw a few people coming in and sighed trying to decide if I would embarrass myself or not.  Well I’m not going to see these people again right?  Grinning I danced a little in victory as I reached my seat a small squeal escaping me. 

Feeling curious eyes on me I stopped my dancing after a few moments and tried to get my carryon in the upper compartment.  Which I noticed was also bigger than second class as well.  Lucky punks.  Usually I had to fight with the compartment to get my bag up there.  Today it slid it with relative ease and I couldn’t help but smile as I took the window seat.  Instantly I pulled up the window shade and nodded satisfied there were no wings to obstruct the view.  Looking back I saw that most of the first class was filled already except for the seat next to me and I couldn’t help but pout at this.  Usually I liked to talk to my seat mate.  Maybe he or she was just running a little late?  Shrugging I looked back out the window and drew a little cat as I sang softly to myself, a habit of mine when I was bored, excited or upset.  “We all live in a yellow submarine, a yellow submarine, a yellow submarine.  We all live in a yellow submarine, a yellow submarine, a yellow submarine.” I heard someone behind me trying to get their suitcase in the compartment but I wasn’t too concerned with seeing who it was yet.  “And my friends are all aboard, many more of them live next door, and the band begins to play.” 

“Hello.” 

Oh crap it was a vaguely familiar, and attractive, male voice.  Okay remain calm.  Turning slowly I tried not to look surprised to find Lee Kikwang from BEAST slipping into the seat next to me with a pleasant smile on his face.  I knew that I needed to say hello and not look like an idiot but no words would come out.  I wasn’t even a huge fan BEAST either if I froze up like this I couldn’t even think about what would happen if I met Seungri.  I suppose he took my stunned silence the wrong way and he pouted a little before repeating the greeting in English.  Finally snapping out of it I smiled and nodded my head in hello.  “Hello, sorry I’m still in shock it’s my first time riding first class.”  I don’t know what he was more intrigued by the fact I knew how to speak Korean perfectly or that I wasn’t visibly freaking out over his presence.  Of course inside I was still having a field day.  Who wouldn’t though?  It’s not every day that a top idol sits next to you bias or not. 

He finally seemed to snap out of his stupor and nodded, “It can be a lot to take in your first time.”  Of course he would say first time he was an idol they probably always rode first class.  Though I had to admit as often as I hopped on planes rather to visit home or lectures I wouldn’t want to fly first class every time.  Couldn’t really believe I was saying that but I was starting to feel a little out of place next to these rich or well-connected people.  As a child I was always hyper aware of my appearance next to others, especially those of higher income and would feel ridiculous.  Sometimes I thought I was over that little fear and yet whenever I walked through a certain district or attended some gatherings that old self-consciousness would bubble up again and I could already feel it threatening to reach the surface.

“Honestly this will probably be my only time.  I was only able to move up because I fly so much.”  I admitted trying to mask my nervousness.  While I didn’t want to talk anymore I knew that if I didn’t talk I’d probably go crazy sitting around for the next two to three hours fidgeting and hoping he wouldn’t think I was some freak.  He just smiled at me with just a twinkle of curiosity in his eyes.  Tilting his head to the side he looked as though he was about to ask about my flying so much or perhaps something else until the attendant came by and reminded everyone to turn off their cellphones and music devices for now. 

“My iPod is about to die anyway.”  I heard him mumbled to himself and I tried not to smile.  Did that mean we’d be locked in that awkward I don’t really know you but I need something to do conversation that always seemed to happen whenever I flew?  I watched him, mildly intrigued as he fiddled with his phone, an iPhone with a black covering, and his iPod.  He was dressed in comfortable but stylish blue jeans, black shoes and a black shirt that complimented his well-built upper body.  A pair of expensive looking black sunglasses hung on his shirt’s collar and his hair looked as though a hat had been taken off not moments before getting on the plane.  Turning away I glanced at my comfortable black yoga pants and slightly baggy white long sleeved shirt instantly feeling inadequate. 

Pushing down that sick feeling I leaned back in my chair, buckled up my seat belt and began to quietly hum the same tune I was singing before.  While I had dipped into Korean pop upon my arrival The Beatles would forever be my life line and first obsession.  “Are a travel agent?”  I stopped humming and turned to him in surprise.  It wasn’t the first time I had heard that question nor would it be the last.

Smiling as I always did when asked this question I shook my head, “No I’m a student at Chugye University but my family is in England so I fly home a lot for the holidays.”  This seemed to catch his attention and he shifted in his seat so he was facing me.

“You’re from England?  Where?”       

“Well I’m from York but my family moved to London about two years ago after I came to Korea the first time.”  I still remembered the day I told my grandparents that I wanted to go to Korea.  Never in my life had I seen them so scared to let me go somewhere.  That was when I was just started to follow my gut instead of obsessing over planning and I suppose they were worried that I would relapse and they wouldn’t be there to help me.  A part of it might have been the fact I was only sixteen at the time.

Once again I saw that he was growing more curious.  Never had I gotten such a curious seat mate and on such a short flight.  He was cut off once again but this time by the captain.  “Ladies and gentlemen please fasten your seatbelts and make sure your seats are in the upright position we are about to take off for our first stop at Osaka’s Kansai Airport.”  As instructed everyone fixed their seats and the clicking of seatbelts filled the plane.  A matter of moments later the plane was speeding down the runway and as always I was staring out at the asphalt as it blurred by. 

As soon as we got up in the air I turned back to Kikwang to find he was staring out the window smiling.  So he enjoyed watching the takeoff as much as I did?  Cute.  After a second I realized that I had yet to tell him my name.  After all if we were to spend the next two hours and fifteen minutes together we might as well exchange names right?  Even if I already knew his.  Feeling a small blush of embarrassment creep up my neck I cleared my throat successfully drawing his attention back to me.  “Forgive my manners,” I stuck out my hand for him to shake, “I’m Anais Crawford it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Kikwang looked from my hand to my eyes twice before finally grasping it firmly.  “Kikwang Lee.”  Our hands fell to the soft cushion of our respective seat.  “What are you planning to do in Osaka?” And there was the word that I hated so much.  Planning.  Why did everything have to be planned out?  Wasn’t I allowed to be somewhere without having a motive? 

Trying not to show the annoyance on my face I shrugged while tugging at the ends of my sleeves.  “Well I’m supposed to go to a lecture tomorrow but my flight back isn’t until Sunday so I don’t really have anything planned per say.”  Glancing over at him I managed a small smile, “Honestly though I never really plan anything out it makes me,” I paused trying to think up the right word, “jittery.”  This would probably lead into a conversation that strangers shouldn’t attempt to have and that I had gotten sick of telling over the years.  Yet it would help to fill the two hours and I did hate awkward silences. 

I watched as his face turned from surprise to confusion and finally once more to curiosity as he shifted in his seat and fiddled with the sunglasses still hanging in his shirt.  “Why would you get jittery by planning?  Didn’t you have to plan this trip?”  He seemed so innocent that I nearly hugged him.  Nearly since that would be way too awkward him being an idol and a stranger on top of that.

Usually people would take my silence the wrong way and get frustrated or they would try and change the subject realizing that it was an awkward conversation to have with a stranger.  Yet Kikwang looked at me with such curiosity that a small part of me felt comfortable telling him.  It wasn’t like he needed the full story he just needed to understand why planning to me was detrimental to one’s health.  “It may sound odd but I think too much planning is bad.  I mean we plan and plan but where does it get us?  In the same old schedule, same routine and we’re left planning more and more trying to reach more goals.  We try and find what we want and need to do by planning and it’s like none of us care to listen to our hearts anymore.”  The entire time I didn’t look at him as I spoke softly instead I stared at the seat in front of us ignoring his eyes on me as I chewed on the inside of my cheek waiting for some kind of response. 

“But don’t you think some planning and goals are important?”  He sounded like a confused child that was told something against what he had been taught since he was born.  Turning my head I had to admit that he looked adorable waiting for an answer and I could see why all those girls fawned over him.  

Thinking over his question for a moment I nodded slowly.  “I know that goals and some planning is important.  Like using protection and finishing school but I don’t think those need to take over your whole life.”  Shifting in my seat completely I placed my hand to my chest.  “Take me for instance I had the goal of coming back to Korea after a year exchange program in high school and here I am on a scholarship for music composition.  But I didn’t let it take over my life I did so many other things and at times I didn’t even worry about getting into the program because I knew that if it was going to happen it would happen.”   

It seems that I wasn’t as good at explaining as I was at writing songs.  He looked even more confused than before but I wasn’t sure how to explain it without sounding like some crackpot.  Well more of a crackpot than I was.  But at least he didn’t look perturbed like everyone else did, that was a start right?  “So you believe in fate then?”  Okay that wasn’t something that I got asked often despite my mentality. 

“What?”

He ran his fingers through his hair slowly while I assumed he was trying to think up a proper response.  I had to look away towards the two women across the way to stop myself from staring.  Why hadn’t I noticed he was this attractive on television? 

“I mean, you said if something was meant to happen it would happen so, does that mean you believe in fate?” 

Biting my lip I tried to contain myself but it was harder than I imagined and a small giggle managed to escape.  “Not quite.”  Smiling I leaned back in my chair and looked up at the vent blowing in oxygen trying to find a proper way to put my answer.  “I do think some things happen for a reason but I just think it’s silly to stress over trying to control everything too much.  Then where is the joy in life?  I don’t see why everyone has to see and know where they’re going all the time.”  I looked over at him and our eyes met for a full minute neither one of us speaking, only searching.  For what I wasn’t sure.  I started again in a much smaller voice, “Haven’t you ever wanted something unknown to look forward to?”

At this Kikwang looked honestly confused again.  In fact the look on his face was eerily similar to my own a few years back when I met someone who had the same mentality that I do now.  He was quiet for a while and he seemed to space out trying to think about what I asked him.  This time I didn’t bother to look away and finally paid closer attention to his face.  While his clothes were expensive and complimented him his eyes were clearly tired with heavy bags that could be noticed up close despite the amount of makeup he had on.  His skin was pale from lack of sleep, rest or food I wasn’t entirely sure.  Deep in my gut I felt an honest twinge of sympathy, I always hated seeing idols so tired and run down.  But then again he’s just a normal person isn’t he?  He gets tired just like the rest of us and he probably was hoping to get some sleep on the flight. 

He still didn’t speak for five minutes, according to my watch anyway. Just when I was about to speak finally the glossy look in his eyes faded and we met eyes once more.  The eyes truly were the window to the soul he looked nervous and, scared?  “Not knowing something that’s going to happen is really scary for me.”  He swallowed and his lips before continuing, “Enough happens in my life I’m not prepared for.”  The whispered response almost made me hug him again as he looked down at his hands. 

With a furrowed brow I hesitantly placed my hand over his much larger one and though he didn’t look up I could feel his attention was on me.  “I know it’s scary to let go of the idea of having so much control but I’ll tell you something that helped me.  It’s meant to be left up to the person to interpret.”  When he didn’t move I managed a weak smile and removed my hand.  “I’m not trying to change you you know, keep in mind you did ask.” 

He finally looked up and nodded a little, “Okay, I’m sorry it’s just not quite what I expected on a plane ride.”  The tone of his voice made me laugh and I nodded in agreement as I started to roll up my sleeve. 

“Definitely not what I expected either.  Now have you heard of the philosopher Lao Tzu?”  Kikwang blinked a few times before nodding slowly.  “Well when I was sixteen I was,” I paused biting my lower lip flashing back to that time.  While it was only about six or seven months before my time in Korea it was also one of the darkest times in my life.  “I was going through some trouble and I stumbled upon woman who told me about Lao Tzu and she told me something he said.  At first I didn’t understand but it helped me out more than you can possibly imagine.”  Finally I had my sleeve rolled all the way up to my elbow.  Turning my arm to let the underside show I revealed a quote, written in English, elegantly scrawled along the length of my arm.  I had gotten it right after my release from Stockton Hall Psychiatric Hospital.  Before I could say anything he reached forward, appearing almost mesmerized by the scrawl, and traced his fingers along each word.  Blushing a little and trying not to shiver I answered his unasked question; “A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.” 

Silence ensued.  Surprisingly it didn’t feel stuffy, it was contemplative and almost comfortable but at the same time nervous and unsure.  Finally his hand fell back to his lap and we met eyes again.  “Why do I feel like I don’t know the whole story?”  His tone was almost teasing and we both grinned at the same time.  For half a second I had almost forgotten we had only known each other’s name for only about an hour. 

Clearing my throat I rolled my shoulders and replied, “Yes, well my mother told me to not tell all my secrets to a stranger.”

Pouting a little he crossed his arms over his chest hoping that maybe I would be like other fangirls and melt at the puppy dog look.  Not going to work sir.  “Awww but you know me I did notice you recognized me.” 

A soft blush dusted my cheeks and I looked away for a moment grateful that he wasn’t teasing me about it.  If anything he looked pleased I hadn’t pounced on him yet.  Lucky for him he wasn’t Seungri only then I would explode into fangirl mode.  “Do I need to start calling you curious cat whenever I discuss BEAST with my friends?”  Noting his amused expression I smiled, shrugged a little, and poked his shoulder without thinking.  “Besides enough about me.  What about you?  What are you planning to do when we land in Japan?”    

He looked shocked for a moment before giving that dazzling smile and shrugged, shifting his position once more.  “I have a showcase in a few days I would have gone the other day but I was MCing.”  Kikwang paused for a moment before a familiar, mischievous gleam shined in his eyes. “You said that you’re in Japan until Sunday you should come.” 

Tapping my lower lip I faked a thoughtful look trying my best to hide my grin.  “Hmmm I don’t know.”

And that pout was back.  For a second I almost thought that it was going to work on me but I resisted remembering my little brother back home that tried the same thing on me.  “But it will be so much fun please!”

Shrugging again I put my hands behind my head and leaned back into my chair let my eyes shut though it was obvious I wasn’t going to sleep with my foot swaying a little bit.  “I’ll think about it.”

There was a brief silence before I felt Kikwang poke my shoulder.  “What’s your favorite color?”

Opening my eyes instantly I turned my head to look at him rather perplexed.  Did he get bored that easily and want to play twenty questions?  “I’m sorry?”

He shrugged, “Well we have another hour and a half and you said you don’t tell important things to strangers so this is me de-strangerfying you.” 

For a moment I was too much in shock to realize my mouth was open.  De-strangerfying?  Not a word I was particularly familiar with.  It wasn’t really every day that one of my seatmates, and an idol no less, wanted to know more about me to try and curb his curious appetite.  After a few seconds I sighed and looked back up at the vents.  “Blue.”

The rest of the plane ride was spent exchanging questions.  He learned that my favorite bands were, to his disappointment, The Beatles, Big Bang and 2NE1.  Soon after I promised to look into BEAST more in exchange for him looking into The Beatles.  While he may not do it I certainly would, after all I had been meaning to for a while now.  We talked about our favorite movies, actors, school, our ambitions, favorite foods, and how the first time flying we were scared out of our wits.  I learned that his band mates really were like family members, it wasn’t just a show for TV, and he learned about my best friend back in York Annabelle.  Surprisingly these questions bounced between us easily as if we were friends.  Eventually he started to ask me questions about England instead.  I thought that he would have run out of questions by now but it seemed like nothing stopping him.

“Ladies and gentlemen please put your seats and trays in the upright position and put on your seatbelts we will be making our descent to Osaka’s Kansai Airport in a few moments.  The weather is currently sunny, temperatures are mild and wind conditions are good for a smooth descent.  I hope you had a pleasant flight and enjoy your time in Japan.”   

Automatically I put my seatbelt back on and straightened up in my chair.  The takeoff I didn’t mind but sometimes the descent could make me a little queasy.  But it was a short flight so hopefully it wouldn’t happen.  As the plane turned to the left to prepare for its descent I gripped one of my arm rests the queasy feeling already appearing.  “Still not use to the landing huh?”  I didn’t even look at him instead I shook my head silently counting backwards from twenty to calm myself.  Why did I always have to get nervous about it? 

Chuckling nervously I nodded, “I’ve flown so many times and yet I still have issues with the landing.  Silly I know.” 

Out of the corner of my eye I saw him shake his head.  “Nope not at all.  So are you going to tell me now?”

I had hoped that in the midst of our conversation he had forgotten about that, apparently he was a lot better at remembering than what his band mates gave him credit for.  Oh well I’d still try and play dumb for a little while.  “Tell you what?”

A low whine parted his lips and out of the corner of my eye I saw him roll his ankle showing that he was a little bit annoyed.  “Awww come on Anais.”  I was going to pretend I didn’t like the way he said my name so cutely having a little trouble with the pronunciation.

Finally looking at him I raised a brow.  “Kikwang honestly,” and again I was going to pretend I didn’t see the twinge of a smile on his face, “I’ve known you for a little over two hours that’s certainly not enough time.”

Apparently he was convinced otherwise as he shrugged nonchalantly and tried to use those eyes to his advantage.  Still wasn’t going to work sir.  “Sure it is.”

“Not really.”

“I think so.”

So he clearly wasn’t going to give up.  Pausing for a moment I listened to the tires squeal on the runway and knew I’d have to appease him quickly before the conversation went on outside the plane.  “Okay I’ll cut you a deal if we meet again I’ll tell you one of my secrets okay?”

His expression was skeptic which was to be expected but I had a plan that would hopefully appease him.  “But-”

“Hey you said yourself you believe in fate so if you’re meant to know we’ll meet again right?”  Oh I love being able to use someone’s logic against them.  I honestly didn’t think that I would meet him again but if I convinced him that I did then maybe he’d take it. 

After a few seconds of consideration he nodded and held out his hand for a shake almost to ‘seal the deal’ and I took it quickly.  “Okay fine deal.”  Honestly I really wasn’t a huge believer in fate but it seemed to satisfy Kikwang and I almost felt a little bad he was so curious I was giving minimal answers at best.  The plane finally slowed down and pulled into the area where some of the flight would be getting off.  Kikwang and I were now silent I wasn’t sure if it was lack of conversation now or he didn’t want people to pay attention to him. 

A few minutes later we were finally released from our seats and Kikwang and I stood up at the same time.  After a few moments of motioning each other to go on he finally got out and pulled out his bag.  I was surprised that he pulled mine out as well and I gave him a small smile.  “It was nice meeting you Kikwang.”  With a small nod of my head I turned and started to leave the plane.

“Are you going to go to the showcase?”  I stopped and turned my upper body back to him and instead of responding I gave him a smile.  Let him interpret the way he wants to. 

It wasn’t until I got out of the plane did I realize that my sleeve was still rolled up.  Chuckling a little to myself I pulled the sleeve down quickly as about twenty of us headed for the baggage claim and exit area.  In a way I was almost sad the flight was over Kikwang was a lot more interesting than I had previously imagined.  Glancing behind me I saw he was about fifteen feet away with a few girls recognizing him and muttering to each other.  His sunglasses were back on and I had to admit I liked him better without them he had nice eyes.  Humming a little tune I turned back and fell into a line of people heading for the exit.  Being in no hurry I made no attempt to move around them.  Instead I was enjoying the conversation in front of me.  Apparently a woman was on the way to visit her husband after not being about to see him for three months while he worked on a contract. 

Soon that bored me though and my thoughts ventured back to the plane ride.  I honestly couldn’t remember the last time I had talked so much on a plane and it wasn’t complaining, arguing or in my sleep and I actually enjoyed it.  That was the amazing thing.  It was actually fun.  Chuckling I swerved and by-passed the line for the escalator and headed to the elevator.  Yes I was terrified of escalators they are demon machines if you ask me and I’ll only ride them if I absolutely had to.  “Good afternoon.”  I mumbled to a few people who glanced back at me. 

Turning around I spotted Kikwang walking by the baggage claim.  I have to admit he was probably one of the better plane partners I’ve had in all my trips.  Not to say that I’ve gone on that many and I’m sure there will be one in the future to outdo him.  As he looked my way one final time at the baggage claim I granted him one final smile.  We wouldn’t be seeing each other again or maybe we would perhaps he’d prove me wrong and we would meet.  As for that showcase I had yet to decide if I was going to go or not.  Both options were tempting but I had no idea how I would feel in the next few days.  Perhaps I’ll go.  Perhaps not.  Humming I entered the elevator along with six other people.  While it wasn’t proper etiquette I was in too good of a mood to not so I began to quietly sing and hum to myself as the elevator doors opened and revealed the final area passengers would have to go through.   “You say yes, I say no you say stop and I say go, go, go oh, no you say goodbye and I say hello, hello, hello I don't know why you say goodbye I say hello.”  Ignoring the stares I received I continued to sing quietly until I made it outside.