FOR FRIENDS
~START~
It was just a mere second but it was an eternity of heaven. Su just gave her a peck on the cheek. He hugged her again and whispered in a clear but broken Portuguese: “Obrigada~Coisa Mais Meiga.”
That precious memory was pressed on replay in Daiana’s mind. She sighed for the nth time and touched her cheek with the tip of her fingers. She can still imagine the feeling of his soft lips that brushed lightly on it. Yes, it lasted for a second but forever engrave in her memory.
Daiana was sitting on the same bench that she shared with Su, or known as Xiah Junsu to the rest of the world. She’s been going back to the same spot for the whole week right after her work. She also bought candies and the chocolate bar (that started all this) at the same candy shop just across the park. She prays, wishes, hopes that she can share the treats with Su again.
It’s next to impossible that he will be back around the place, or if they are still in Brazil, especially now that he exposed himself to her. Not that she will announce it to the whole world, more like to a handful of trusted friends only. As a fan, Daiana follows the JYJ schedules (for she’s a Xiah Junsu bias), and for them being in Brazil was not on the list. So it could only mean two things: they were here for a secret shoot or a grand vacation. If it is the latter, Daiana wishes they could stay longer…or forever.
Daiana’s not in love, that she’s certain. But again as a fan, she can’t get enough of Su. FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE! What were the odds that she had met him? For all the places in the world: Porto Alegre City.
She just wants to see him again, talk with him, and this time feed him with all the chocolate bars and candies he’d want. No more fighting over one bar. Bad day or not.
She can feel the night slowly creeping in. Good thing she brought her jacket for she doesn’t want to go home yet. It’s a Friday night anyway. There were still a lot of people in the park- mostly couples watching the night sky, cuddling, and/or just gazing at each other. SWEET. She placed her earphones on her ear and blasted the volume of her MP3 player. She sang along the song Forever Love by DBSK and pocketed her hands inside her long-black jacket and she tucked her shoulder bag safely and started walking around the place. She found herself in a mini-playground and walked over the swing. She sat on it and gently rocked back and forth using her feet.
The sky was clear and the stars were starting to fill it. She looked up, loving the perfect night. It’s been a week and finally she can let go of the WAITING part. Oh well, I was the most lucky random fan girl that time. What more could I ask for. She yawned and smiled.
Someone then tapped her on the shoulder that made her jump up. She almost tripped but a strong grip steadied her. She looked first at the hand holding her arms, then to the face her startler and savior. She gulped and knew she plastered a stupid facial expression. The guy with the familiar baseball cap was half-smiling, half-stifling a laugh as he look at her.
SU!!!!!!!!!
She can hear Su singing loud in her ears but it’s not in sync with his lips. He laughed and pointed at her ears. Oh, babo me! The earphones! She pulled it out and smiled awkwardly. Her mind’s racing thoughts and her heart pounding so fast.
“Dai-yah-na?” He asked with his high pitched voice. Daiana nodded, loving the way he syllabicated her name.
“Hi.” Daiana piped. I knew it! We’ll meet again!
“Hi.”
“Hi.” She repeated greeting that made him laugh again. “Su.”
“Hi.”
“Hi.” She said again, not really knowing what to say or how to act.
“Hello?” He raised an eyebrow then grinned at her.
Daiana looked at his hand still holding her arm and smiled. He slowly released her, and they both stood quietly, foolishly smiling at each other.
“Thank you.” He broke the silence.
“Huh?” Daiana was confused. Ain’t I supposde to say that?
“Um, for not telling people we are here.” He carefully said with his thick accent.
“Oh.” Daiana smiled up at him and nodded. But if you only knew how much I wanted to shout it out. She thought to her self and let out a small chuckle.
“What is funny?” Now it’s Junsu’s turn to be confused. He’s broken English so cute to hear.
“Nothing.” She said, “I’m just happy to see you again.” I’m just so direct sometimes.
He smiled and mumbled something that she can’t understand. “Let’s sit.” He said, gesturing for them to sit on the swings. Daiana nodded and sat back on the swing and Junsu sat on the one beside her. Junsu dropped down his tote bag on the sandy ground. They slowly rock back and forth, eyes either looking at each other or at the sky.
Daiana’s mind is buzzing with more questions, her heart beating faster like she’s experiencing palpitation, and…again, she’s star strucked. F#$#^&*!@&NG, XIAH JUNSU! What now?
“So~” They both started then laughed. Not much awkwardness now.
“You~”, “No~You~” it’s been like that for a couple more before Junsu looked down and smiled.
Let’s just smile and not talk. Daiana thought. Smiling Su is more than enough, really. They were back into a deep silence. As much as she wants to interrogate and conduct her own ‘press conference’ with him, she just wants to shut up and let the comfortable silence taking over. Yes, comfortable silence-like spending time with a very close friend.
Junsu rocked his swing higher. Daiana watched him as his scarf followed the sway and as he looks up at the sky. But there was something wrong with the “suppose-to-be” magnificent scene: his lips were smiling, his eyes weren’t. Daiana felt a sudden pang of pain in her. She kept on staring at him and was startled when there were tears in her eyes. She quickly wiped it away but Junsu saw it.
“Gwaenchanayo?” He stopped swinging and touched the top of her head. Skinship. Fan service. What the heck. She thought. “Are you okay?” He asked again in English.
She nodded and smiled. But why did I cry? He gave him one more concerned look before pulling back his hands.
“I am not good in speaking English.” Junsu said and gave the swing a push again.
“Me too.” Daiana laughed. At least we have something in common.
Daiana placed her hand on her left chest. Still, feeling the pain… what is this? She looked at Junsu again. PANG. It hit her; Junsu’s sadness is affecting her. She wanted to stretched out her hand and hold him. Ask him why and make him feel better. But that might scare him away and that’s the last thing she wanted to happen.
She’s extremely happy to see him again and can feel her heart bursting just with the thought that he remembers her. But she didn’t expect that she’ll be meeting a sad Junsu. She’s not used to it, for the Xiah Junsu on TV and the Su she met at the Candy shop was the jolly one. What’s wrong? She wanted to ask sincerely.
“Oh!” Daiana then exclaimed that made Junsu looked at her. Daiana pulled out the plastic bag of treats and grinned like a 5-year old. So did Junsu. He stretched out both his hands and Daiana gave her the candies which he quickly ravaged. Finally, his eyes smiled a little.
Junsu opened the round lollipop first, just like the first time they met. He then gave it to Daiana and opened one more for him. Daiana smiled and gladly licked the candy. They definitely looked like kids than adults.
Now they’re finally talking their special language. The “SWEET” talk, literally. They happily munched on the other candies. The candy shop had new flavors and they had fun tasting it. After finishing most of the candies, Daiana pulled out a couple of their favorite chocolate bar. What a nice way to divert sadness…
“No more half-half.” Daiana grinned as she passed the chocolate.
“Gomawo. Thank You. Obri~~~” He stopped and thought of the word.
“Obrigada.” Daiana completed it. “Welcome.”
Junsu nodded and kept the chocolate in his vest pocket. “Later.” He smiled. He then picked up his bag and took out a bottle of water. He offered it to Daiana and she took it.
“You have water too?” Daiana asked as she opened the cap.
“You first.” Junsu said, “Give me little water.”
“Okay.” Daiana smiled. She drank half the bottle and passed it to Junsu. It’s certainly an indirect kiss from a stranger. She smiled.
Junsu finished the water and they fell into silence again. Junsu then stood up and offered his hand. “Walk?” he asked. Daiana took his hand and stood up. Junsu picked up his bag and they walked side by side - to who knows where.
Junsu then killed the stillness, “How old are you?” he asked.
“24.” Daiana answered and because she knows his birthday she quickly added, “I’m a month older thatn you”
“Ooooh.” He smiled, “Noona-ssi?”
She giggled and gave him a ‘whatever’ smile.
“What do you do?” He’s making effort for a conversation.
“I’m in a Network Operation Center.” Junsu gave him a lost look. “It’s a boring job.”
Junsu then gave him the grin that would melt all girls’ heart. Daiana’s proud of herself now- for she can stay calm. She can hold the enthusiasm boiling in her.
They were able to walk around the park, stopping here and there when something catches their attention. They also started eating Daiana’s chocolate bar. Daiana was able to ask him what they were doing in Brazil. They’re in the country for a week-long vacation with some of their family members. Junsu always wanted to go back to Brazil since he was filmed with other artists for a phone CF. Yoochun and Jaejoong also wanted to visit the country and try to talk with some producers. Junsu was mostly left alone- and he just plays soccer with the cousins of their host or walks around to shop and explore. He also told her how he enjoyed the candies they had when they first met and he wanted to hang out with her again but was scared. He knew that she’s a fan and didn’t want to spoil their vacation by hiding all the time but he was thankful that she didn’t say anything. So, he tried his luck to see her again before they leave. Daiana was honest enough to say that she had been hanging around the park for the past days but left the truth about waiting for him.
They were back at the playground and without a word, sat back on the swings.
Daiana was looking at the sandy-ground and were tracing shapes on it. She can’t believe she just strolled with Junsu and they’re back in the swings.
“Cassiopeia.”
Daiana looked at Junsu and trailed her eyes to where Junsu was looking. She just traced the outline of the Cassiopeia constellation. Her eyes got bigger and was a bit nervous. Would this make him go away? No one knows the level of sensitivity with the group’s disbandment.
“Always keep the faith.” Junsu stated, more like to nobody. he looked up to Daiana and she gave him a shy smile - apologetic and embarrassed.
“Always keep the faith.” He said and gave him an assuring nod that he’s okay with it.
Daiana lowered her eyes and smiled sincerely. So, he’s still in pain with the disbandment. The world knows it, but confirming it directly from Junsu made her feel special.
“I’m sorry for taking your time.” Junsu then said and bowed.
“No problem---“ Daiana raises her hands, “I’m happy to accompany you.”
“I’m happy too.” He said softly. “I’m happy to spend time with a cassie.”
“Thank you.” Daiana felt her eyes welling up with tears again.
“We’ll be leaving soon.” Junsu then stared directly in her eyes.
“When?”
“Later.” Junsu smiled weakly. “Oh, your eyes.”
“Why?” Daiana blinked. Can he see my tears?
“What’s the color?” Junsu moved closer, pulling the swing with him. “I thought its green. Why is it different now? Light brown?”
Daiana laughed and loving the proximity between them again.
“I have green eyes.” She said, “But the reflection of the light gives it a different color sometimes- but it’s green.”
Junsu nods as he straightened his swing again. He laughed with her. Can his night be any more than perfect? Junsu checks on his wrist watch and gave out a loud sigh. Daiana knows what’s coming.
She stood up and offered a hand to Junsu. “It was really nice meeting you, Su.” She grinned. Junsu took her hand and stood up as well. He gave her a hug and she felt different this time.
“Obrigada~ Dai-yah-na.” He softly said and pulled back. “Gomawo for chocolates and supporting us.”
“Always keep the faith.” She said carefully and sincerely. Once a cassie, always a cassie.
“Ne.”
“Should I take you back to your hotel?” Daiana didn’t know why but she just offered. Some more time spending, please.
“I’m heading to airport.” Junsu bit his lower lip, like he was apologizing.
“I see.” Daiana can’t keep the disappointment but smiled up. “You guys have a safe flight.” I guess this is really the ‘goodbye’.
Junsu nodded but didn’t make an effort to move.
It’s now or never. “Su.” She started and bit her own lip. She looked down then raised her eyes to see Junsu tilt his head with curiousity. “Can we take a picture?” she blurted out then immediately looked back down again.
She heard him laugh his famous dolphin-laugh. “Of course!” He exclaimed and walked closer to her. He slipped his arms around Daiana’s shoulder, as she scrambled for her mobile phone.
“Mine first.” Junsu positioned his mobile phone in front of them and she heard a click. He was laughing his heart out now. Junsu showed him the picture: it was a close up of them, Junsu grinning widely at the camera, his arms around her, and Daiana looking up at him with her mouth gaped open. “CUTE!”
It was indeed cute even how foolish Daiana looks. She felt her cheeks burning but just smiled, seeing how Junsu stared at it happily.
“Me now.” Daiana said and didn’t warn Junsu when she pressed her mobile phone’s button. It was her turn to laugh now: she was grinning widely, her free hand in a peace sign while Junsu still had his arms on her shoulder and was looking at the camera half-surprised and half-smiling. It looked awkward but cute. He’s an idol, of course.
Junsu pincehed her cheeks, “Aigoo-Sua Linda!” Daiana giggled and blushed with his statement. It made her blush. She sticked out her tongue and laughed. Junsu shook his head and smiled. They decided to take another shot. This time, both of them looking at their cameras.
“Thanks.” Daiana now hugged him. Again, it’s now or never. She then felt Junsu wrapped his arms around her.
“Thank you too.”
Junsu let her hugged him for a minute, but Daiana knew she had to let go. The guy’s got a flight to catch! She pulled back and stifled a sob. Now, she can’t control her cries.
“Yah!” Junsu wiped it away for her. “C’mon now, don’t cry!”
Daiana just shrugged her shoulders and tried to smile.
“Aigoo-gumane jebal.” He said in Korean, and she’s knowledgeable enough to understand their basic language. She nodded and breathed deeply.
“I’m sorry.” She wiped the last tear, “It feels like saying goodbye to a friend.”
“Me too.” He cupped her face between his hands, “But we can meet again, right? You come to Korea, or I come back here…or twitter?”
Daiana laughed now and stared at Junsu’s eyes. She pouted and nodded. “Yes. We will.” We’ll definitely meet again.
“Aigoo-Amiga.”
“Aigoo-Chingu.”
01