The Only Option

"Hers: The only Option is Good Bye"

Carefully tucking her passport inside the bag Arisa heaved a sigh. Soon she will be bound to South Korea to see Key's latest musical. "Are you okay Arisa?" her mom asked. Nodding in defeat they walked towards the departure area. Why is it such a sad atmosphere?

She was coming to South Korea to see him, but will he notice her? For the past years he has been busy with group and individual activities. It's great to see him successful, but it cost opportunities. Opportunities to meet up and get to know each other more. They actually thought they could meet up after the Tokyo Dome concert last March 2015. However things have been crazy in both their schedules too much time has passed.

Arisa expected to have a drink with him when she comes of age. However due to his Korean promotions it was not made possible. Whenever he comes to Japan they have no common activity which intersected. Until it reached the point she grew tired of communicating via SNS and SMS. He never messaged her back with vigor anyway. And when she stopped, he didn't seem to mind. From that point on she concluded, he really didn't need her. Without her his life will go on.

Settling on her seat, Arisa buckled up waiting for the plane to set off. Looking out the window, she remembered their honeymoon in Macau. How he tried to make her feel special to the extent he did the Sky walk for her. He even wished that they get closer, which actually happened. But like what the tarot card lady said, sometimes Key is not passionate enough to maintain it. She didn't want to believe it at first, but as the years gone by that statement was proven true.

She cried in the past and even recently. Why have the thought of being special entered her mind? In the entertainment industry where he can meet prettier, affectionate and opinionated women, of course how much chance does she have? Maybe people said she was too pretty for him, but he was just too gregarious for her. And in the end he decided not to linger and put up with their awkwardness. He can always embrace those who can make him feel special.

The plane lifted off and in an hour the she will be in South Korea. Arisa closed her eyes and tried to contain the emotions swirling inside her. In order to forget him, various ways were tried. First all of his presents were disposed into good use. All those signed CD's was anonymously auctioned and proceeds went to charity. Precious "Momo-chan" has been donated to a local orphanage. The shoes he gave together with their "What's up Hokkaido" couple shirt were donated to refugees.

She couldn't unfollow him in instagram because it will cause unnecessary stir. She decided to keep the status that way. So the second thing done was to open another account and say the former was hacked. After erasing the old, people noticed she wasn't following him in the new one. By keeping cool people grew tired of talking about it, the issue was buried in time.

Third, even if she did have time to see his concerts in Japan, it was avoided. Thinking that if she distanced herself more, things won't be too burdensome. But things are never easy as it seems. She needed closure in order to move to another direction. Which lead her to the action she is about to do now.

The plane landed, Incheon airport feels so foreign now. During the first time, it felt welcoming maybe because she knew someone was waiting for her. But now, it feels heavy because the atmosphere is different now. "You don't have to go and torture yourself Arisa." Her mother reassured. "Time will heal all wounds, don't deepen it further."

"I just need to see him for one last time Mama." came the reply. "Whether it hurts or not, if I can't face this, I will never be able to get over it"

Riding their rented vehicle, no time was wasted to get to the next destination. Arisa didn't know if this was Fate's idea of a joke when the tickets she got were very much front row. If he still remembers, Key can easily recognize her from that distance. That is if he will look at her direction. She had no intentions of being discreet about her presence. Having to deal with write ups the next day will not be an issue for her. Plus the people in the airport didn't fuss much about seeing her, so the theatre will be no different.

As expected his musical was packed with people. She is anticipating a better performance since through the years he must have improved a lot. As the lights deemed and music played, there is a fifty-fifty chance of being recognized by him. For the good or the bad, what matters is she will see him as close as she can. Again she was mesmerized by his skills, a strong feeling of pride welled up.

Throughout the performance, there were instances she felt noticed. However, it wasn't sure for real. He showed no strong manifestations. As the curtain call ended, Arisa clapped acknowledging his job well done. He had been so near and yet so far. Avoiding the crowd she was one of the last to exit the hall. It is still four hours before her next flight. "Mama, there is this last place I need to go before we leave." With a reassuring smile, her mother agreed. "This is going to be the last right? Aren't you going to talk to him?" Arisa swayed her head "There is nothing to talk about. It is my fault for actually hoping that there was something to look forward to."

Continuing on their way, Arisa and her mother arrived in a familiar café. She carefully opened the door and bell chimed. The sound is just as she remembered it. Ordering drinks on the counter, fortunately she was able to sit again at the nostalgic location. Sipping her coffee, she chatted with her mom once more. "This place is quite memorable for me. I was so naïve then Mama. But I think until now I still am." Her mother gave a comforting glance "It's not bad to actually feel loved. I think you were and I saw it too. But it wasn't the type for keeps. You will find your chance once again." Smiling Arisa agreed "Yes, of course I would."

Reaching inside her bag, she pulled out a small black box. She opened it and looked at the one piece star shaped earing for the last time. Before she told him not to lose it because she wanted him to remember her. However, he never did and it's useless to keep it now. She placed it on the table and covered it with table napkin so it won't be noticed. Hopefully the person who can find it will use it better. Leaving the box they started on their way back to the airport.

On her way Arisa remembered that she still has one remembrance item left. She couldn't let it go easily since he gave it to her at such a special event. And she thinks it's not right to give it or leave it behind carelessly.

"We will be parting ways temporary here Arisa. I will see you after your semester ends." Her mother endearingly said while touching her cheek. "Mom, can you send this to Key-san's company?" Reaching out for the package Arisa added "Address it in a way that it will appear like a fan's gift. Like because of her fondness of him, she made a replica." Her mom beamed "Do you think he will buy that excuse?"

"I don't know if he would." Arisa answered. "Then just tell Key-san the truth." Smiling bitterly the younger girl nodded. "Ok put a note that this necklace is possibly fit for someone else. I am sorry and thank you."

"Calling all passengers bound to Paris, please proceed to gate thirty." The paging system announced. Hugging her mother "Thank you for putting it up with me Mama. I will see you at the end of the semester." Breaking the embrace Arisa gently walked away.

Settled once again in her seat on the plane Arisa browsed her university brochure. She always loved baking, now she going to work on that skill. Then maybe in this next world, she won't be exposed to the possibility of coming across him again. It is better this way. He is living his life just as much as she needs to live hers. "Good bye Key oppa, it was great until it lasted."