The Only Option

"Theirs: The only option is Communicate"

Key considered it fortunate to have met Arisa's Mother. He wrote to her a lot and she graciously gave him info about Arisa. She advised him not to call her randomly but rather meet her personally. Due to his schedules he cannot see her directly in France. However, she was able to fill him in some details of their annual family vacation. Key made himself available that day and asked permission to crash the event.

Now he is Hawaii, checked in the same hotel as Arisa's family. Arisa's Mom promised to contact him once he can finally meet Arisa again. It has been like a year before he finally got this chance. It was enough time for him to reflect how much of Arisa does he need in his life. Absence really does make the heart go fonder. But is this feeling love? How can he confirm it is? What if he is just feeling lonely because he lost a good friend?

Honestly, he doesn't know if this is love but now the priority is to save their friendship. That is if she is willing to be friends. Maybe unknowingly he broke her heart. At least he should apologize and if she eludes from him after this, at least they were able to close it formally. It was so difficult to create assumptions. However deep within him he is praying, he can handle the truth.

Staring at the sea he recalled his conversation with his parents. They have been together through a lot. He asked them how it felt when they decided to dedicate their lives for each other. It wasn't easy, but their main advice is you have to be each other's best friend so you can forgive easily and care deeply.

Arisa and him aren't actually the best of friends. They had a rough start since their personalities didn't immediately match. However as time progress, he gave up on fitting his ideal image on her but rather accept as is. Then that was the time he saw her awkward sweetness. He began to understand how she expressed herself. And as time progress he began to appreciate it.

He recalled how comfortably she leans on him when walking arm in arm. How the slight jealously appears on her face when females call his attention. The way she cutely asks how is he doing. The time they held hands on the Macau gondola ride where she kissed his cheek. He reached the cheek which her lips touched. It was in front of so many fans. Then he smiled at the thought she wished not to be parted and expressing her happiness via a meal that they are married.

Eliciting how she prepared a video message for him. The way she cried in their last filling day. How they tried to meet up at the initial stage of parting. Why did he let all those things pass? He did realize it late that it was worth keeping. Maybe he hasn't lost yet. The odds can still be in his favor and with faith he can win her trust back.

His phone suddenly sounded for an incoming message. It was what he has been waiting for. It read: "Key-san, you can come now. The restaurant room's view is wonderful."

Reserving a restaurant room overlooking the ocean, he wanted to relive their good memories. It was where they first went, said confessions, dug for clams, played games and reminiscence before saying good bye. He was hoping that a reminiscent atmosphere can make Arisa's feeling toward him less hostile.

Entering the restaurant and climbing the stairs, he can see her silhouette from afar. His heart began to beat faster, anticipating their encounter. Never in his life did he feel so prepared to get hurt. He would accept her anger, but before she leaves the room Key has a mission he wanted to fulfill.

Arisa calmly stared at the sea. She has so many memories made by this venue. As family excursion they would always have fun here. Coincidentally, her memories of him are mostly by the beach too. She wondered if distance was not much of a problem could things have been better? Smirking at the thought, even if convincing oneself to forget it seems she hasn't.

Arisa turned around when the door gently creaked. Her eyes widened, it's him. It seems her mother was serious about reconciling them. Remembering her words "You don't have to be in a romantic relationship with him to be at peace. Just make it clear that you have let go of all the bitterness. So both of you can be happy without feeling guilty."