Against All Odds

Against All Odds Part 1

BEIJING

Only a day had passed since her arrival in Beijing but she was already taken by the charm of the Northern Capital. Luckily, it was a very smooth flight from Seoul, no panic attacks this time.
It was her first time visiting the country and if circumstance had not presented itself, she would have missed out on the experience again. Her friend was getting married to Yibo - she HAD to be there.

She was deep in thoughts while adjusting the hem of her dress, standing in front of the mirror, feeling rather nostalgic; so much so, that she did not notice if the store had other customers that day. She was in a private room and since it was recommended by Yibo, she assumed she was the only customer, also because the staff had been paying attention only to her - or so she thought.

Language was an issue. However, with her friends on the phone delegating everything, it made things simpler; but not for long. The betrothed couple were busy with their own work too, and soon, she found herself fumbling and having a hard time explaining her requirement to the staff. There were a lot of ensembles to choose from, but she felt most of them were over - the - top and definitely not to her liking.

All she wanted was a simple dress with plain white pumps. But no matter how many times she explained, even with a translator app, it didn't seem comprehendible to the staff. She was also not able to reach her friend anymore.

The staff had left her alone to search for more designs. She let out a heavy sigh when a finger lightly tapped her right shoulder from the side. She looked up to find a tall figure smiling at her as if he knows her. She was startled; she thought she was the only customer. (Or was he one of the staff? ) But he did not dress the part, he was too casual.

"Ah! I knew it was you," he was still smiling.

(Why is he smiling at me? ) She looked around but immediately noticed they were the only two people in that humongous trial room.
(Who needs a trial room this big anyway?)

Still dumbfounded, she stammered pointing at herself, "M-me?" He simply nodded, his smile intact.

"Do I - know - you?" She asked again, slightly tilting her head, confused.

"Waaah! You don't remember me?" he responded nonchalantly.

"I.. I don't think we've met, I think you're mistaking me for someone else. I've never seen..."

"You are... August, right?"

(How in the world does he know my name? Or had I met him before but forgot, per usual? - A trait she can't seem to shake off).
She was still trying to recollect where she might have seen him, but her mind drew blank.

"How do you know my name?" she enquired again.

"Aaah! So I was right."
Hand in his pocket, he slowly but steadily sat on the couch next to the mirror, as if he had just conquered a quest.
(He seemed rather proud, she thought.)

Her bewildered gaze followed him to the couch.

"Who are you then?"
There was a hint of irritation in her tone. She'd already been having a hard time trying to communicate with the staff.

"Think!" he smirked.

"You think I have not been tracing my memory this whole time?" She asked almost indignantly.

"I think you need to think harder."
He gave a coy smile again, it seems as if he was enjoying this far too much.

Hand on her hips, she stood in-front of him, "Look, whoever you are, I think.. I think you need to stop fooling around and how the hell did you even know my name? Are you a stalker?"