Ji Kyung-Hee

The fresh cool breeze felt soothing across my face, wet from tears. This was the first time I have travelled across countries. This was the first time in a foreign land all alone. No family. No friends. No relatives. Just an address.

2402

Unit 501 B

54, Kyoko Apartments

Akasaka; Minato-ku; Tokyo

"Woah! Watch out!" I shout out; as a man came cycling up right into me and almost threw me across the road.

He stops at a distance and turns around to look at me. His black hoodie. Dark deep black eyes and the gaze they held. The majestic black watch and that smile. I was lost into another world; brushing my tiny cold fingers against the slight lacerated wound. Before I could get out of the prison of his gaze; he was gone. With the mist. With the passing wind. Leaving behind a smile and a gaze that had me captivated. I get up and brush off my clothes; putting my glasses back in its place. Finally; that cinematic moment I had always been waiting for; had happened.

I had to go somewhere. Yes. But. The address. Where is the damn paper? I thought, while turning around miserably to see it find its way down the drain.

"What was the address again? Let's recollect."

"240..1 er.. 2..yes 2402.. unit.. um.. unit.. unit 5..501..A or B.. It is always the second right?.. so B.. 2402; Unit 501 B. Yes.. got it.. Aahan.. My brain!"

"Taxi!!!"

I hopped onto the taxi while the driver loaded my baggage.

"Where should we go?" he questioned.

"2402; Unit 501 B" I smiled saying so; my eyes locked on my phone screen.

"Yee????" the driver looked puzzled.

"Ma'am?"

"I just told you the address; why are--"

"2402 Unit 501 B. That is not an address. Almost all tall buildings have a 2402 apartment; and possibly in an unit 501 B. What I want to know is where is your destination? Place name?? Or may be apartment name??"

I looked at him puzzled and startled as he spoke fast and without breathing.

Um. I thought. What apartment was it?

"Ki..K..--"

"Kyoka? Kyoko?"

"Yes, Kyok---- Kyok..( as I was saying; the driver was nodding his head in a manner of 'yes-you-are-saying-it-ah-how-could-you-forget-it' manner; repeating after me in actions.) Kyok---a… sure.. But place…"

"Which number do you remember?"

"2402.. 501... 54…"

"54?"

"Yes!" I smiled broadly. The driver finally began driving to an uncertain destiny I had no idea about!

I closed my eyes; my hands upon my heart, as that tune flowed into my ears and through my blood. I had to find him. But how could I? While we were now countries apart. And how could I let another man captivate me while I have been craving for another; even before knowing the meaning of love?

Period. No more thoughts. I tried to calm myself. The new city felt more foreign as I closed the windows and held my shrug closer.

I was hungry. It was a while since I last ate a meal.

"When will we--"

"1 hour may be.. depending on the traffic.."

Ah! Should I have taken the metro? Would it have been easier? Faster? I would not have had to meet a man like that and have my address lost. Huh.

"Well, could you stop some where briefly? I am quiet hungry."

"Yes..sure!"

The driver was quiet friendly. We sat together and ate and talked over topics I thought I would never discuss with a stranger. As I was laughing; I saw him. His deadly gaze. Chills ran down my spine as I swallowed my laughter.

"Is something wrong?" the driver questioned.

"Nothing." I replied. "Just random thoughts and missing my family."

"Ah.. never to worry. My family is just a call away…."

His words drowned into my ears as the sweat trickled down my neck. That glare killed my soul. Literally. Why would someone look at me like that? In a foreign land?

It was just a few hours since I landed here. What harm could I have possibly done to someone?

I gobbled up my food as the driver stared at me in astonishment.

"It is getting colder. The weather." I said, my mouth full of food and with a smile.

The driver just nodded 'yea-yea'.

As soon as the last drop of water had been drank; I paid my bills and rushed inside the taxi. But I did not fail to notice the smirk on his face.

I look out through the glass. He was talking to someone; getting up on a bike.

I told the driver to wait. But the man was not going either.

Was he planning to follow me? But why?

The fear crept out of my bones and embraced me till I shiver.

The driver looked around. "Ma'am?"

"Yes. Drive. Faster." I said, my eyes closed tightly.

Wait. The voice. My heart started pounding faster. That was not my original driver. I was sure. He had a soft friendly vibe in his voice. But this was. Deep. Husky. Murderous.

I try to open my eyes. But my fear would not let me. What should I do? I do not even know Japanese. Who should I call? Am I being kidnapped? What is happening? May be I am dreaming. Let us try to wake up.

My thoughts only lasted a few moments further.

I opened my eyes, nearly blinding myself from the bright sunlight.

Huh. Where am I? I thought.

It was a pretty white room. In the woods. Probably. Squeaky clean. So clean and so white that you could literally see a drop of dust if it falls.

A woman enters the room. She seemed familiar. Where did I see her? Her smile. And the food she brought. Of course. She is the owner of the restaurant I ate in last night.

But??

I shake my thoughts out of my head. And then I hear those footsteps. Each louder footsteps; my heart raced faster than ever.

As the door swung open; sweat trickled down my face. Was I glad to see that person? Or Was I scared to see that person? Confused heart.