Chapter Five: True Identities
Everything around her stopped moving. It was as if time itself has stopped to take in this moment. The girl in front of Hyunjin had her hand stuck out towards him, hoping he would just take it.
"Lily," she repeated. Her voice trembled the second time he thought.
Hyunjin seemed to be in a daze because he had completely ignored her outstretched hand and stared into her eyes. He remembered those eyes anywhere he went. Wherever he went the colour of her eye, the shape, they were all tattooed in his memory.
He was sure this was the girl he had been looking for. How could he forget her?
Perhaps she was embarrassed about seeing him today at the art class. There was nothing to be embarrassed about. They were an old fling that happened in less than an hour over the summer. If anything, he regarded her as an old friend.
The girl in front of him resembled her likeness so much. How her hair fell onto her shoulders, the way her eyes reflected the lights in the room, even the way she was outstretching her hand that very moment.
This was her. Or maybe she wasn't. It had been three years. That girl was probably long gone.
Maybe he had to stop with his ridiculous search of her. Let the girl in Paris remain as perfect as his memory was of that day.
Yes, that was what he would do. He would forget about her.
With that Hyunjin took a step towards the girl and took her hand in his and said proudly, "Hyunjin".
**
It is him!
But wait? Was it really her Hyunjin? The name was common last time she checked in every phonebook and directory in town. Maybe it was a mere coincidence. She met a guy who resembled "Paris boy" all those years ago with the exact same name.
In any way, it was a good thing she gave the name Lily and not May. Her maiden name was Lily although no one in her family has called her that since she was twelve. There was going no back from this. She would be May to the rest of the world but Lily to him.
"Thank you for helping me," May said to Hyunjin.
He smiled at her warmly, "no problem, watch your step, this place can get crazy sometimes".
"I'll remember that...," May replied but Hyunjin was already walking away before disappearing into the crowd.
Just like that the moment she had envisioned for three years had vanished within seconds. Nothing like what she had imagined.
May had forgotten she was here with her best friends and had lost them on the crowded dance floor. She quickly wiggled her way off the dance floor to make it to their seats but once May reached her seats they were no longer there. Where could they have gone?
At that moment May's phone buzzed in her purse and she quickly pulled it out. It was from Kaida.
Kaida: Where r u? Come outside now!
May: Be there soon.
May headed for the doors, running slightly faster than she should in heels. She reached the doors and instantly spotted Felix hanging near the entrance.
"Where are you going" Felix practically yelled over the speakers, which caught a few eyes of the bystanders nearby.
May was practically out of breath. "I- I -I gotta go see ya!" was all she could pull out of her breathe before bursting out the exit and to where the girls were.
"Where were you?" Kaida demanded with her perfectly manicured hands on her hips. May scrunched an apologetic face and approached the girls mouthing "sorry".
"Vera is practically emptying her breakfast at the dumpster back there," Kaida explained.
May's eyebrows rose, "no way". Vera was not the type to overdrink. She was the quiet, simple, responsible one. The perfect daughter example to all little girls out there.
"Sounds like she needed it," May thought out loud and Kaida nodded in agreement. "She has her big recital coming up, she must be pretty stressed from it."
Amidst their conversation, Vera appeared by their side looking at the picture of health. "Well, that was gross, what did I miss?" Vera said casually as if she had not emptied out half her stomach.
"Nothing at all sweetie let's go," Kaida said as she linked arms with us both and heading for the crossing.
"Girls I have something to say, "May bit her lip and turned to the girls, "can you call me Lily in public from now on?"
This made both Kaida and Vera's eyes widened.
**
Hyunjin's POV
"Lily", she repeated herself.
Really? I remember those eyes, how they replicate the perfect shade of dark brown but when the light shines through, you can't help but notice the hint of hazel flakes in them. How she looked away blushing, the corners of her eyes curling into a beautiful crease when she smiles. And those lips, most likely my favourite feature of hers. Her natural pink tinted lips, the softness and plump texture of her lips is evident whenever she smiles or talks. I could stare at her all day.
I did not drink much earlier, so I am certain the eyes I am staring into right now are hers. I really must be going insane. This is not the first time I assumed it was her. Ever since our encounter in Paris, all I could think about is her. May. The smile she flashed me before disappearing. Her smile is stunningly tinted in my head.
This must be another hallucination. My heart sinks at the thought that I have not found her yet. Drowning deeper that I have to let her go for my well-being sake.
Despite this beautiful stranger standing in front of me, why do I feel somewhat acquainted in her presence?
Ugh! Snap out of it Hyunjin. She is not her. She said her name was.. whatever anyways.
I smile sincerely and take a step forward to introduce myself, "Hyunjin".
The look in her eyes after introducing myself. I swear the stiffness in her eyes expressed something intimate. Something familiar.
My heart drops. The loud music and crammed crowd around me slowed down. I stare keenly into her eyes, trying to find something deeper.
"Thank you for helping me," snapping me back to reality.
Ignoring my sulky thoughts, I smile warmly at the girl and say, "no problem, watch your step, this place can get crazy sometimes".
Instantly walking away as my heart continues to sink. Why am I feeling this much affected?
I did not think about staying longer to hear her reply. My thoughts were too distracting that I turn and walk away.
Disappearing into the crowd trying to calm myself.
[End of Chapter Five]
Author's Note: @SakuraDreamzz commented:
I am mad at myself too for making Hyunjin overthink. Please forgive me!
Promise to make it up to you guys in future chapters.
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