Chapter 18: 17 Pleasant Surprise?
Kunihiko startled at the sudden grab. It was a light grab on his elbow but it was enough to pull him into reality.
He remembers where he is on the train to Gangnam city. Looking down to his side only to stare eye to eye at the lumpy back old woman that he just gave a seat before in confusion but all she does was smiling to him while her tiny hand still pulling his sleeve towards the opening door. He looks around the crowd inside the train only making his situation even worse.. students everywhere staring at them. Even couples flocking nearby makes the train unbearable to stay.
Kunihiko can hear the nearby couples whispering to the other talking about him bullying the old lady! 'Crap! Talking about lowering his profile for a day.'
Another tag on his elbow. This time she closes in and whispered something only had him jolt up; staring at her hard, and confused. Just like that, his feet fall into jelly; willingly responded to the grabbing at the same time the train finally stopped at the station. The pouring in of the passengers getting into the train only makes them barely escaped from the overcrowded train. Kunihiko had to force out himself with the old woman cleverly stay behind him while gripping his sleeve tightly.
Kunihiko heaved a sigh of relieving staring back at the closing electric doors and the train rush away to the next station. The old woman has already gone from his side too. 'Did the old woman just want him to get her out of the crowds?' He looks around looking for her and it didn't surprise at all that he doesn't need to look further up for the old woman with his height. He still can spot the old woman up ahead at the corner of the tunnel before she disappeared behind it.
Kunihiko walks through the crowds following the same route as the old woman went. It ended up at a less crowding city area. Not far from the station entrance, he spotted the old woman gets into a traditional village area. He wants to know more about what she whispered to him before. What she means by what she said. She seemed quite energetic for an old woman like her to walk fast although his strides were wider than her.
He stopped at the front house. He managed to get a glimpse of her getting into an old house. This old house to be exact. But he wasn't sure if he can get into someone's home like this.
"What do you think you're doing just standing outside?" A loud bellowing voice from within the house gave a fright to him. "Get your ass inside now!" Kunihiko looks around his surroundings only to find him being alone. Maybe she means me, right? No one ever treated him like that before.
***
"Are you sure he's coming?"
"Don't worry. He'll make it. He promised."
"Aye. I heard it like a hundred times but not himself," William pacing around the groom's preparation room. His mother has been watching him from a week ago. "What the hell is he doing? I shouldn't have asked him to be my best man, after all."
"Stop pacing up, William," His mother sigh regretfully while pressing her temple. "You're making me dizzy just watching you moving like that."
William rushed to his mother. "Are you alright, mom?" He kneeled down beside her chair.
"It just that," his mother sobbing sound surprised him but he quietly hugs his mother small warm body. "My only son is getting married. It makes me teary to think that you're leaving me."
"There.. there... I'm here, mama." William rubbed her back gently and warmly. He knew he is her last child after all. "I'm not going to leave you, alright."
"Let me be straight," William's mom pushes him away and look into his eyes. "You can't you be serious about this woman?"
"Mama!"
"Well. I'm just asking. Maybe... maybe I can change your mind on this."
"I get it, mama. I understand your concern but don't you be happy for my sake. Thinking that I am like papa after all?"
William's mom shook her head in despair. Her hands were cold to the touch. Her wrinkled hands were soft and thin.
"Because of that, I just wish that you will love someone younger than you." This time, William shook his head, refused to listen to her. "When I had you in my old days, it was not without struggle. Your papa..." she halts. "I understand his despair looks every time my periods came. I almost lose my faith in having a baby back then. I just don't want you to experience it the harsh of life."
"No. No, mama. I won't be. Because I can see papa's loving eyes looking at you and how you love him too. And for me to have that love is more than enough."
"Our love is different, my love." she touches his smooth cheek in pain. "We love each other until life takes us apart. I soon might join your father afterlife." 'But, you. You blindly loving this woman that might not be loving you but someone else.' She gulped down her words in trembling. She stares at her son sadly.
"Ma, stop saying that."
"Ah, sorry. I rather blame myself for this long life." she smiled at him. "I've lived longer than I should have."
####
"That was fast."
Ally got into the bride's room in a dejected mood. She ignores Li Da's comment. "I thought you said you want to go see the groom." Woon Young stares at Ally knowingly but didn't say anything.
The wedding ceremony will take place in another thirty minutes. Julian still didn't reply to any of her messages. Every time she brings up about Julian to Woon Young, she just started to cry. It's making the situation even harder to know what really conspire between them two years ago. Ally needs to talk to Julian but he seemed to be unreachable or more like avoiding her.
Ally recalls the conversation between William and his mother. It seemed that his mother is trying to persuade him to not marrying Woon Young. Just because William way younger than the bride. Ally was furious with William's mother. What's wrong with marrying an older woman. But, her explanation might have a point there. She had the experience of marrying someone without love really painful.
"Hey, Ally. How's William's best man? Hasn't he arrived yet?" Woon Young's voice alerts her. Ally turned to her best friend in sorrow look before turn away.
"Aye. He just arrived when I was about to leave his room."
"Thank god!"
"Li Da, leave us." Woon Young firm voice sounded backwards but yet Li Da didn't retort and leave. "Why are you looking for William?"
"I just want to make sure something," Ally answered. But the truth is she wants William to leave Woon Young because she belongs to Julian. Ally looks away.
"Look at me when I talk to you, Ally." Ally didn't move from her position. "Well, alright then. Here goes. Can you be happy for me? For once?" Woon Young's voice was shaky.
Ally heave a heavy sigh. She rushes to her friend side and hugs her tightly. "I love you and I just want you to be happy! But not with someone you doesn't love." Ally was trembling and tears fall through her cheek.
"There... There... I understand how you feel. But, I'll let you know a secret I received a week ago." Woon Young push Ally away gently. Looking into her teary eyes, Woon Young smiled. "Damn. This is all your fault. You're ruining my expensive makeup!" Woon Young look up, trying to hold her tears. Ally chuckled at her comment, still waiting for her next words. "I actually had received a message from Julian. And,... and.. he congratulated me and he's coming to see you."
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