Love Dust

Chapter 1: The Beginning

It seems that the end of Bigbang’s farewell concert officially started the autumn season.  Outside the Seoul Olympic Stadium, many VIPs are hurrying home while some are heading to the nearest cafes and restaurants to treat their grumbling stomachs, since that is only the time that they feel the hunger after experiencing the best hours of their lives.

A luxurious black sedan with windows darkly tinted passes on one of the streets near the Seoul Olympic Stadium. As this car passes, a wild scream coming from the groups of VIPs on their way home conquered the whole area. The exhausted fans regain again their energies and shouted at the top of their lungs. They all know that this car belongs to one of the boys.

 “Mr. Kim told me that he already sent the script in your condominium last night…” A chubby man on his 30’s wearing a black leather jacket started the conversation. He is sitting right next to the driver while looking straight on the road and from time to time giving his glance for the screaming fans.

“Yes, I got it but I haven’t read it yet. I’ll update you once I decided.” A deep manly voice coming from behind replied.

Weeks before the farewell concert, TOP was offered to do a drama series with one of the best Korean actresses. According to the casting crews, he’s the best man for this drama due to his classic and manly looks which makes his manager to continuously brag TOP regarding this matter. During the whole preparation of the concert up to the concert itself, TOP didn’t bother himself regarding this drama, because, he wants to focus first on the concert to give the fans a very good show.

“I guess that by tomorrow, you’re answer would be a yes. From what Mr. Kim said, I think that would be the best drama for your comeback screen.”

“Alright, I’ll give it a shot tonight.”

TOP opens the car’s door and lifts out his right leg. The chilly autumn breeze coming from the outside freshens the entire atmosphere.

“This type of weather really makes me sleepy these days…” TOP yawned and makes his way out of the car.

“Uh-ah. Remember what you just told me.” TOP’s manager reminded.

“Of course, you know me, right?” TOP replied as he gives his most hilarious smile.

“Yah, yah… and please, will you stop giving me that kind of smile?” TOP’s manager said in laughter.

“Why? You must be thankful because you’re the very first person other than me to see my newly invented expression.”

“A friendly advice: Let’s just keep “this” between you and me… Just kidding!”

“See! I’m such a good inventor… good inventor of facial expression… and I shall call this TOPmost expression.” TOP replied as he closes the car’s door.

“Chin, we’re home.” A female voice shouted.

It’s almost 10pm. This is the usual time that my mom and dad get home from work. At this hour, they haven’t taken their dinner yet, because, they believe that a family must eat together to strengthen family ties. I’m already used to this but sometimes the feeling of hunger slash craving is quite inevitable which makes a glass of cold milk to be the answer.  Our little Bosch wiggles his tail everytime he hears my mom’s voice because he considers my mom as his ultimate master due to her “delicious” scent. Just to mention, my mother is working as a cook in a restaurant that is somewhat far from our apartment here in Manila. That’s why my dad fetches her after his office hours with his loyal friend, Benj, a 90’s white Nissan model.

“Where’s Innah?” my dad asked as I clean Bosch’s pee.

“Yes, dad?” A young female voice coming from the kitchen answered.

Yes, I have a little sister. She’s currently in her second year in high school. We both share common features except for one, she’s taller than me. I guess that she got most of her genes from my dad.    

“I’m preparing something good for you.” Innah added.

“Looks like she’s telling the truth, hon.” My mom headed her way to our kitchen.

While my parents and little sister are doing their talk in the kitchen, I went inside my room to get my graduation’s day invitation. Tomorrow is the day, the day that my parents are waiting for. Finally, I will earn my degree through the help of my scholarship and most especially through my hardworking parents, of course.

“Mom, Dad, I’m sorry…” As I give them my saddest face.

“wh ---“

“ Ten, Ten, teteteten, ten, ten (graduation hymn). Madrigal family you are invited to witness your daughter’s graduation tomorrow.” I gladly announced to them while I hand over the graduation invitation to my dad.

“ah, I, thought that you’ll have your graduation on march?” My dad asked in surprised.

“Well, you have your brainy daughter here.” I proudly answered.

“You truly resemble me, baby, not just by my good looks but also my IQ.” My mom interrupted as she helps Innah in cooking.

Innah is our family’s cook whenever my mom is out for work. She’s really good in this type of job and her specialty is infusing Korean and Filipino cuisine. The influence of K-Wave truly gives my family a different type of bond. My mom and dad love K foods while my sister and I enjoy everything that Korea has to offer and lastly, we all share a same dream, and that is to set our feet and travel every regions and cities of Korea.

The luxurious black sedan reaches the farthest spot of an almost empty street in Seoul and makes its right turn. TOP gives his wave until the car vanishes from his sight. The chilly and silent evening makes TOP at ease. Both of his hands are cold and he decides to place them inside his pockets. He lifts his head and takes a deep breath to feel the wonderful scent of the autumn evening. He walks slowly and takes his time to appreciate the structure of every tree that is planted on his way until he reaches a huge rotating glass door and makes his way in.

Although, TOP has his newly built house in Seoul, he still resides in his condominium not too far from his house; because, the location of his condominium gives the very best view of Seoul and his favourite coffee shop are just a few steps away from it.

It’s already past 12am when TOP checks his watch and arrives at his doorstep. He presses a 4 digit combination and the white steel like door opened. The doorstep’s light opens as he removes his black leather shoes and grabs a pink pair of indoor slipper which he wears with his black socks on. He walks and goes into his chic black and white with gold accents kitchen and opens a black two-door refrigerator to grab a can of cold coffee.  He opens it and gives it a few sips. With a can of cold coffee in his left hand, he goes straight to his all white living room. His living room is very well designed for a bachelor like him but not a single photo of him was placed anywhere in the living room. A gigantic cherry blossom tree painting is hung on the frontmost wall of the living room where it is bordered by white shelves filled with books.  A white sofa rests in front facing the painting. TOP places the can of cold coffee on the empty glass table in front of the sofa and removes his black suit and places it right next to the can of cold coffee. His broad shoulder, long arms and perfect torso make him look just right even with just a plain v-necked light pink shirt without his suit on. With just the city lights coming from outside of the vast glass window in the living room, he walks towards his book shelves and grabs a brown envelop. After getting it, He again walks back to the white sofa and sits as he turns on the lamp right next to him. He opens the brown envelop and grabs a bunch of paper that are binded together by a black clipper. This bunch of paper is the script of his upcoming drama. He starts reading it as he sips his cold coffee from time to time.