Chapter 5: Deep Embrace

It's Saturday.

I hate Saturday because it's a family day in the house. My two uncles together with their family visit grandfather, eat lunch and dinner with us. I am not allowed to go anywhere unless it's important. Usually, I just stay in my room all day. I just go down to eat with them. That's all.

I am not close to my cousins. I feel great distance between them. I better spend time alone than surround myself with people I am not comfortable to be with.

I go down to eat breakfast.

Ms. Kim smiles at me, greeting me excitedly, "Good morning, Mina!"

I nod and walk to the dining table. My breakfast is ready; hotdog, bacon, toast, orange juice and some sliced fruits.

I thank Ms. Kim and start eating. She's still standing beside me.

Looking confused, I ask her, "Do you want some?"

She laughs softly, acting like an innocent girl, "Thanks but I already ate."

"Umm, why are you still here?"

She sits across me.

"Your tutor was so cool last night, wasn't he?"

I get choked.

Drinking the juice, I try to look natural. "Why? How?"

"You know, your nasty relatives. It seemed like they're working together to piss you off. But, your tutor was your knight in shining armor." She giggles.

I don't know how to react.

"Ms. Kim, you must like my tutor. Am I right?"

"Of course! How can someone dislike him, huh? He's smart, he looks kind, he's handsome, he's well-mannered, he smells good, he looks sexy, he looks-----"

"Ms. Kim??" I cut her.

I look around. What if my grandfather sees us talking or hear us talking about my tutor?

"Don't worry, he's not here. Your grandfather." She looks happier than me.

"What did you say? He's not here?" I repeat.

She nods, "Yes, so you can go out today." She smiles and gets up.

"Did he say what time he'll be home?" I shyly ask.

"He'll get home maybe around 8 PM." Ms. Kim says.

Feeling so excited, I continue eating my breakfast.

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I decided to go out even though I have no friends to hang out. Anyway, I am used to being alone, so what's new? I just want to breathe fresh air, take a walk and look around.

I get off the bus. Just a few steps from the bus stop, I reach Bliss Road - an alley of flower, book, cat, stationery, accessories, and coffee shops. It's my first time here. Well, this place looks good and for sure will suit my taste.

Walking towards the coffee shop that I spotted, my phone rings. It's an international number. It's my brother.

"Yes?"

"Where are you?" he asks.

"Outside, just want to breathe fresh air."

"How about grandfather? It's Saturday there, right? How did you—?"

I interrupt him, "Do you think I can get out if he's home?"

"Oh—what a rude kid!" he sounds annoyed and I like it.

I smile, feeling satisfied. "Why did you call?"

"Just checking on you." He answers.

Suddenly, it becomes silent.

"I'll hang up now. Bye!" I end the call even before he can speak more.

I used to hate him for leaving me. He promised that he would stay with me. I don't know but suddenly he changed his mind. He accepted grandfather's offer and now he's in L.A, doing something he does not really like. I didn't talk to him for a few months. Last night was the first time we talked again. Slowly, I feel like we're getting back to how we used to be.

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"One iced Americano, please."

After paying, I look for a table. The shop is packed with people inside so I just sit outside. It's not hot anyway since it's still spring.

While waiting for my order to be served, I just look at random people walking at this alley. Some are couples, some are teenagers, friends, happily hanging out while here I am, being alone. There is a young man busking across the shop. He's playing his guitar. I suddenly think of Melo. I should have brought it with me. I smile thinking how I hated it.

"You're really a jerk, your brother is right. How could you hate an innocent guitar?" I tell myself.

Looking at the young guy, busking, I think of my family. I don't feel sad anymore, just reminiscing those good old days. I miss them so much.

My brother and I didn't grow up in luxury compared to my cousins whose parents chose to manage our grandfather's businesses. Both my uncles have been managing the electronics and manufacturing companies for so many years already. They have been filial sons to my grandpa while my dad decided to pursue his passion for music.

My dad used to be in a band that performed on many occasions. They would always get invited to play during college festivals in and outside our city. On ordinary weekend nights, their band would perform at restaurant bars. That was his job. Through performing with his band, he managed to provide for us. He never begged my grandpa to help him out even when he's struggling financially. There were times that we would share one serving of food just to fill us the whole night. Those were the times when my dad's band had no gigs.

My mom used to work as a music coach in one academy. She helped my dad financially but there were times also that no students at the academy. If my mom had no music classes, she would accept laundry, clean house, work at barbecue restaurants, wash dishes, sell fruits and a lot more.

People around us could think we're struggling but we were full of love. We lived simply but happy. That's something my grandfather will never understand because even until now, he resents my parents.

I finish my coffee. I stand up and walk at the alley. I put my earphones and calmly listen to my favorite DAY6 songs. I walk aimlessly. Looking around, I can smell the sweet scent of the season.

"Oh, sorry, Miss." Someone runs into me. My bag falls.

"That's okay." I reply.

He is about to get my bag when someone shouts at him, "Hey!"

He drops my bag and runs in a hurry. He is being chased, I know.

I just sigh, get my bag and when I look up, I see my tutor.

"Teacher? What are you doing here? Why are you chasing him?"

He looks tired. His forehead is sweaty. His hair is a lot messier. His black shirt is soaked in sweat. He's panting. He looks at me seriously, "Are you okay?"

"Yes." I answer.

"Good." He runs towards the guy.

What is happening? Why is he chasing him? What's wrong? It doesn't seem that he's after me. He just ran into me. I get curious about the situation.

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I'm not stupid, right? I am just curious. And that curiosity brought me here, in an abandoned building. I am looking for my tutor and that guy who ran into me. I am sure they headed this way. I saw them enter this old building.

I decided to go upstairs, to the second floor. I am sure they are here.

Wait! Should I go back now? This place looks scary. What if there are goons here? They will kill me for sure. Is this their hide out? But why is my tutor here also? No way! Is he a gangster? No, no, no! How can you think like that? It's impossible.

There he is. That guy who ran into me earlier. But, why is he tied? His face looks like he got beaten up seriously. Should I call the police now?

My knees are trembling. I can't even stand up. Four big men appear. One is carrying a gun. Shit! Gun? Mina, are you crazy? Go down now. Hurry! I must hide really well or else I will get killed. That might be the end of me.

The three guys untied him. He is begging

"Please boss, forgive me! I won't do it again."

Oh my G! This looks like a scene in a movie. I can't believe I'm seeing this with my own eyes.

The other guy raises his gun, pointing at the poor guy begging for his life.

I can clearly see that he is about to pull the trigger.

"No-----!" Someone suddenly pulls and hugs me, covering my mouth. I close my eyes.

With just a very small space, we are very close to each other. I can hear him breathe. I can even hear his heartbeat. His scent is familiar. My eyes are closed. He is still hugging me tightly. No gunshots yet.

Did those men hear me? It's quiet. Did they leave? Or are they looking for me, I mean us? Eyes still closed, I feel like I am safe around his arms. Suddenly, two hands cover my ears.

BAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNG!