Aperture

That Place

'I like it,' I told Bin when he reenacted that scene in Serendipity.

I really did.

It was amazing how I felt this way about him, when in reality he was just someone whom I bumped in France. He took a picture of me while I was waiting on my friends to come over so we could proceed to our next stop. Finding him in the midst of the busy strip in the bay area, was like finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

I actually grew interested in him when he proved true to his word that he won't mention anything that he heard in the parking lot. It was me and my co-actor, arguing about me getting in the car with him so he can talk to me. I didn't know what Bin heard, but I truly wanted to end everything that was going on between me and the former.

I didn't want to be a relationship-destroyer. And if he wanted to make me one, I don't mind cutting him off from my life. I love myself enough to stick around with someone who couldn't even stand for what he wants in his life.

Bin was still holding my hand and he lowered it slowly. I actually didn't want to let go of him, and if he thinks that I really am interested in him, then I'll just let him be. I know he feels something for me too, because if not, he would have reported what we talked about the other night.

It was a test actually. It was a test to see if he would report it to his company. And it was a test for me too. If I should really trust him with things that only I know.

'Yej,' he called. I looked at him, and as I looked deep into his eyes, it spoke of sincerity.

'Yes, Bin?'

'Can I hold your hand like this just for tonight?' he asked. I smiled.

'Why not? We're friends, right?' I said. But I know that what we are doing is not the typical behavior of friends.

He smiled, and his deep dimples showed.

'You know what, Bin. There is something about you that makes me comfortable around you,' I said. 'I don't know why but I seem to trust you more than anybody else.'

His smile never left his face, and I knew that he felt happy at what he heard.

'As I said, Yej. It's an honor to be your friend,' he said.

We stayed in companionable silence watching the city lights of Seoul below and the canopy of stars above. A lot of things went through my mind, and I felt my heart at ease. I don't know why but it just felt peace. It was something I have not felt in a long time.

Could he be the person who is meant for me?

'Bin,' I called after a few minutes. 'It's getting late. I think we should be on the way.'

He looked at his watch and nodded. 'Yeah, it's almost 11pm. I heard you are a Cinderella,' he said. I laughed at it.

'You've read too much,' I replied, as he released the grip of his hand from mine. But not really pulling it away from me. Our pinkies still touched, and even though I wanted to hold it again, I stopped myself. He may or may not like it.

'Research,' he said. He then motioned to open my side of the car, and as I got in, he looked at me. 'Drive safely, please. Seatbelt.'

I did fasten my seatbelt after he said so, and said goodbye to him. He closed the door and I started the engine, revved it up before I backed up and went my way. I looked from the rear view mirror and he was not following me. Probably he wanted to ask himself what just happened.

I wanted to ask myself too, about what has gotten into me. From the viewpoint of the media and some people, it was a bold move for Son Ye Jin to do something like that. But for the Son Eon Jin that I am, I just wanted to have someone to talk to. Someone whom I can speak my mind to. I just felt it was him.