The Only Option

"His: The only Option is Hello"

The performance ended with much appreciation. Ticket sales were high and acting reviews were good. Key had nothing to complain about is career. He has been blessed with too much. However being too preoccupied with things, one can forget other matters or who that matters.

During today's performance, he saw a familiar face in the crowd. He gave her strong glances during the whole program. But she seemed nonchalant about it. He can never forget that face. Her doe like eyes, fine nose and well-shaped lips. A lot of people said she was too pretty for him. But he tried to wow her in every way, eventually he partially succeeded. But he became too busy to keep in contact.

He wanted to see her personally once she reached of age. His schedules were too complicated the event didn't push through. He tried to acknowledge her messages. But due to continuously failing her, when she stopped communicating, he decided to give her space. Every time they would have concerts in Japan, he would send two tickets to her. But those tickets were never used. He tried to call her but it seems she changed her number. Even if he begged her manager, they said it is company policy and security purposes that they cannot give her number. When Arisa's instagram account was deleted due to hacking, he was expecting her to follow him again. But she didn't. Feeling defeated he decided to keep himself busy. It is better to be pre-occupied until the chance comes to them once more.

He hoped she would surprise him back stage. He was so nervous after curtain call. He even decided to leave his dressing room an hour later than usual. To his dismay she didn't come. He asked his manager hyung to verify if she did. But no one can confirm. Was he hallucinating of seeing her while performing? Did he miss her that much?

Rolling on his bed due to frustration, he glanced at his dresser's mirror. He placed all the small things that remind him of her on top of it. Her first and last letters and the star shaped piercing. There were times in Japan when visiting designer friends he hoped she would be in their parties. But she never was. All he could do was ask about her. He often would hear she is doing great. It made him feel relieved and disturbed at the same time. He was glad all is well, however sad just the same. She's fine without him. Feeling rejected he decided to shy away.

Despite that, he kept those things on top of his dresser. He was hoping they could meet again and talk. Then they can make up for lost time. His thoughts were disturbed by a phone call. "Hello, what is it Minho manager hyung?"

"Kibum-ah, Erick PD-nim from WGM global called me and said that personnel from Audrey Hepburn café saw a star shaped piercing similar to what Arisa gave you." Key was surprised of the information. "I have mine here with me. Maybe it is someone else's"

"No Kibum, the personnel said he saw Arisa with her mother." Hearing this, his heart skipped a beat. "You mean at the theatre, the person I saw could have really been her?"

"Most likely Kibum." His hyung assured. "Why didn't she come to see me?" Key asked frustratingly. "Maybe she thought you were busy. You were always too busy to see her." Key sighed "You don't have to rub it on me hyung." Pausing for a while, "Why would she come see my performance and not drop by to say hi?" Key blurted out "Maybe she has a schedule and had to leave early." Then an idea came into Key's mind. "Hyung can you check her schedule for me? You know other people from her company right?"

"I will try Kibum, but I cannot promise that they will give us information." His hyung answered. "Just try it hyung, maybe she's still in Korea."

Putting down his phone, Key sighed. Why did she come to see his show but not him? Due to his restlessness he decided to call his designer friend from Little Sunny Bunny.

"Hello, long time no hear Yoppy-san, this is Key." He said cheerfully. "Hi Key why did you call suddenly?" was the query. "Well something is bothering me, during my performance today I think Arisa Yagi was in the crowd. Do you happen to know if she has a schedule in Korea?" There was silence from the other line. "You never told me her new number. Now you wouldn't even confirm if she went here in Korea?" Key was beginning to feel hurt, not that he was in the past. It seems that ever since Arisa began to be cold towards him, everyone they knew made no means for them to get closer.

"Key-san, I cannot answer immediately because I don't know if I am the proper person to say it." came the reply. "What do you mean? Is there something wrong?" Key began to feel that something worse is bound to happen. "Key-san, Arisa-chan will be on hiatus. She finished all her commitments for this year. From what I know she will be continuing her education in France."

"When is she is going to France?" came the reply. "It is scheduled this month, I can ask her manager about it and get back to you." Key remained silent. "Key-san are you still there?" Sighing Key answered. "If you do get to confirm, can you inform me of her updated phone number?" The person on the other line hesitantly said. "I am not sure if I can. But if I can I will."

"Don't you have any records of her personal email? I can't contact her directly via sns since, it will cause a stir." Key added dejectedly. "I am sorry Key-san but it's the price you have to pay for success." With a sigh Key said his thanks and hoped for the best.

Defeated Key continued to lie on his bed and stare blankly. He began to think why did it come to this? Why didn't he do stronger efforts to talk to her? Is she really that mad to actually ignore him? How on earth is he going to put things right now? Does he need to? If she wants to live without him, then maybe he should just let her. Soon the room felt stuffier. He needed to go out and breathe.

Forcing himself up, he put on his shoes. The rest of his group mates are busy with their own thing they didn't notice him. Its summer and the air is humid. It wasn't much of help, he couldn't decide if he needed to call a friend, drink alcohol alone or have coffee. Woohyun has a schedule now, Jinwoon is on vacation, Nicole is also promoting and Min probably has practice. For some odd reason he came across a small church, with a mixed up mind he tried to find sanctuary there.

It has been a while since he last prayed for something which bothered him a lot. But he knew it's the best time since his decision will change their lives. Can he really live a life not closing issues with her?

"Dear God, Arisa is significant to me but I don't know to what extent. But I cannot accept that I will just let her go like this. I know I didn't pursue as I should and now she decided to move on I suddenly feel threatened. Since this uneasiness creeps in within me, I want to consult you on this. If I should let her go, please just let me apologize. I just need a chance to talk to her all over again."

The next day, Key decided to go to the café where Arisa left the earring. Fortunately they were able to give it to him immediately. His heart felt like it dropped to his stomach. It was something she gave him. She told him not to lose it. How come she was the one to break that?

Driving on his way to his next schedule alone, his manager hyung called him. "Kibum-ah, we received a package for you in the company. I will bring it to the venue." Key wondered what the package was for, he would check on it later.

Arriving at the location, Minho their manager gave him the box. It was a package from Japan. Opening the package it had a black jewelry box. It isn't the first time a fan gave him expensive gifts, but upon lifting the lid, the content broke his heart. It was the necklace he gave Arisa when they went to Macau. With such gesture, he confirmed to himself that she wanted to be separated from him. So much for the wish of not being apart. A note was inserted inside the box. He was thinking of reading it now or later. All his emotions are so mixed up he might cry any minute now. But delaying it would prolong the agony, so he might as well get on with it.

Opening the letter it read:

Key-san,

It is difficult to explain why this necklace is returned. You have done nothing wrong nor harm but the interpretations of your actions were different. Honestly, Arisa hoped to develop what you shared. However, due to unavoidable constraints, it didn't really work out well.

She knows you didn't promise anything and can't be angry about it too. But, it was difficult to see things reminding her of you. She didn't want to dispose of it heartlessly. So Arisa decided to give it back. Out of respect and she feels undeserving of it.

I attached our real address in this package, because I know you probably want to communicate back. Thank you for everything Key-san and we are happy to see you successful.

Your friend,

Yagi Kunie

Key breathed in deeply, at least now he has an address. But since it's in Japan it will most likely be just through Arisa's Mother. Nevertheless he is going to write her back and maybe she will give him the chance to talk Arisa. "Why do you always confuse me Ari-chan?"