The Encounter

CHAPTER FIVE

"Himari-chan, who was that guy you were talking to earlier?" asked Lai, a native who was also scouted for the job and loved anything Japanese. She was younger than her but Himari preferred to be friendly and non-imposing because of their age difference. The former approached her after the second customer that afternoon left. Oddly, the number of customers was sparse today and to add more on that oddity was the appearance of the man he dreaded to see once again.

"Oh, him? I simply hate him," she pouted and sneered when the man looked at their direction.

"That's a potential lover."

"Lover my foot! I lost my job because of him," she said recalling what happened six months ago.

"Huh? But didn't you say you messed up too?" Lai giggled like a little girl.

"I know right but I didn't know what really happened. He was just a goner. Do you know you're obvious right here?" She pointed out Lai's immature gesture.

Lai was all smiles and still giggling. "You came here and he came, too. Isn't it destiny?"

"I don't believe in that. Are you Singaporean guys believe in that so much?" She asked after the conversation she had had with Mrs. Koh reminded her and faked checking the day's sales.

"Well... I do. I'm not sure with others. Why? Was I not the only person telling you that?"

"Well...but if you do believe in that, go and claim him as your lover."

"I'm just 18!"

"Does it even matter?"

"Doesn't it matter to you that your man is smitten by a godly maiden?"

Smit-- Himari thought she was watching a slow-motion movie and it felt like her insides were churning by this sight. Perhaps, the divine beauty had beamed at the demi-god outside as he reflected the same air of resonance towards Erina. Why would I even feel this way? Really?!

It was no surprise that this West Ocean Restaurant inside the Ngee-Ann City building where she also worked at was jam-packed with local and foreign foodies alike. Not only it was renowned for its palatable dishes but also the homey ambience it provided to their guests. Tonight Himari wanted to explore this part of the edifice as she was waiting for a friend.

"Ito Himari! Long time no see! I couldn't believe I am seeing you today!" called out a Chuck Bass-looking, head-turning man as this drew nearer to the table she reserved for them. He, who was too fine even with his casual Friday attire was formally known as Ling Hsien Chee - a complete businessman and economist in one of the most reputable firms in Singapore. News of her homecoming spread fast in the avenues of Lor where they both used to live at.

"Henry!" she responded modestly with a smile. Reconnecting with her childhood friend was one of the perks of being back where she used to spend half of her existence.

"Still mysterious but you have changed. It doesn't matter, does it? How's Kyoto? I heard.." He signaled for a menu. "Choose what entices you. Singapore has evolved, you know." He chuckled.

"Well, a lot of things happened - like this and that but I'm here as a branch employee." She scanned the menu and looked at the dishes from the neighboring tables. To her surprise, the lanky Summit winked at her from afar when their eyes met. He was serving wine to other guests. That was weird. She thought to herself.

"Are you happy?" His question brought her back to their conversation.

"Hmm, for this part, yes. I'm living with Mrs. Koh." She glanced over the point where Summit was but he was lost into the crowd.

"Why do you call her Mrs. Koh?"

"For formality."

"I see. Are you dating anyone?"

"Er--no. It's not my priority. Are you?"

"No, I'm not her priority."

She just evinced a friendly smile for a friend who had been her companion since 3rd grade and who dubbed her as his 'puppy love'. Apparently, they lost touch when she moved to Nagoya years ago. Reconnecting with him now meant a recall of their memories - as friends.

"If you keep on smiling like that, I might as well capture that in mine."

"Hey! You don't want to come across like that!" She felt embarrassed by his boldness while in public.

"I'm just setting the ice breaker," he chuckled.

"I didn't remember you as a macho guy." They both laughed at her comment.

"Ito-san?" Their conversation came to a halt in the presence of an unlikely guest.

"Erina-san, gomennasai, Aoki-san! Konbanwa! This is my friend, Ling Hsien Chee." She greeted with panic in her voice. Who wouldn't when Shintaro was with her?! They exchanged hand shake but Shintaro was glancing at them both. She felt uncomfortable she wanted to go home immediately. Of all restaurants, why here? It was a relief they sat two tables away from them but her panic increased as Shintaro had to sit so he was like facing her and she facing him.

"Are you okay? Who are they by the way?"

"Huh? Eto..they are my boss."

"The guy?"

"Former boss."

"They look good together."

"Yeah. I think so," was all she managed to say and prayed this moment ended already. She couldn't bear their presence together. Why are you acting like this, Himari?! Get hold of yourself!