How I Married My Bias

CHAPTER 11

The last few days had been surreal for me but I tried my best to shake it out of my system. I had to finish the book in time for the draft submission.

With a little help from a few bottles of cola, 3 boxes of pizza and a little luck, I finished the book in time for Sunday.

Soohee called just this morning to remind me to meet him at a café near Pledis building at 11. We can't have the meet up directly at Pledis Building because a lot of fans have crowded the building since this morning because Seventeen is there.

I tried to be professional about it and think that it was just a regular meet up with publishers. It was already 10 when I hired a taxi.

The café was just a regular one. It was late in the morning and we all know that cafes are morning places so there's only a few people inside.

The strong smell of coffee mixed with fresh lavender flowers filled the air as I stepped in. I immediately spotted Soohee.

He waved at me and patted on the chair beside him. I sat on the chair a bit comfortable. I remembered the first day of the meet up and I was so nervous, sweating like a sinner in church. But now, I felt a little comfortable.

Twice had he offered me a cup of coffee and also twice did I refuse. Not that I can't welcome change at all but it's just that I'm waiting for the right cup of coffee.

It's like waiting for the rain during the long scorching summer days back in the Philippines.

"You're the only writer I knew that didn't like coffee," he said.

I tried not to laugh but muster a small giggle. "I prefer to be different."

He laughed. "I use to hear a lot of that from someone I know," he said.

I handed him the flash drive that contains the draft of the book. He said that he'll call me once their editors checked it.

"The boys will be at the agency for the whole day, if you want I can take you there and maybe meet them in person. I heard you're a fan back in your days and I . . ." Soohee started.

I was flattered by his offer and all but I choose to refuse.

"There'll be people looking at them . . . cameras . . . I don't want the people to get any wrong ideas. Besides, there are places I need to be." He nodded.

"I completely understand what you mean by cameras. Anyway, I already deposited the initial payment in your account. If there's any issue regarding the payment, feel free to call me," he said.

Just like that, we walked out of the café. I headed to the junction leading to the main street. I think I'll go visit Mrs. Heo. In times like this, books had been my ultimate resort.

I stood there for about ten minutes and all the cabs are hired and the buses fully loaded. I walked small steps trying to cover a little distance.

I felt like I wanted to walk and so I did - passing shops after shops, alleys upon alleys, stop lights after stoplights.

The city looked so alive and going yet like an invisible soul I walked its streets. The people passed me by, their faces as much alike as the one that passed before.

It feels kinda lonesome, thinking there's no one on that street that actually knows you or even cared for you.

Now I understand how overseas workers are feeling - the feeling like you don't belong, like it's a long, long way from the comforts of home. But I chose this. I wanted this. And I think I deserve to feel this way.

I hopped into a bus upon reaching the next stop. The ride was as usual as always. I seem to ignore the people around and the time in the bus seemed to flutter before me.

I reached the bookstore. I caught Mrs. Heo wiping the glass windows. I greeted her and she gave a smile in return.

She pointed to a shelf at the back and said that new books had arrived. I smiled and walked shelves upon shelves of books, smelling the irresistible smell that only books can provide.

I scanned covers upon covers indulging in the world of words. I picked one book that looks interesting. I don't know how I knew it was interesting. I just knew.

Just as I turn around a man was blocking my way, his face was down and cloaked by a dark jacket hood. I tried to snuggle on the side but he blocked the entire alley.

My heart skipped a beat when the man pulled the jacket hood away. It was Wonwoo. I was quickly sent to a trance.

He stood there, like a statue of everything I ever wanted, an epitome of perfection.

"I was told that you loved books. I wanted to read one and I needed suggestions" he said all of a sudden, deep voice echoing in my head like a nightingale's song.

I was unsure if I heard it right or if he even said it. I daydream so much of him and now it's hard to make out if it's really happening or if it's all in my head.

He faced the shelves and tilted his head reading the words on the book covers. He slid his finger on the books and then looked at me, one eyebrow raised in question.

I don't know what to do, what muscle to move, what word to say. NOTHING. It's like I'm physically there but mentally exiled to a world of reverie.

"Please treat me like I'm not who I am. I'm just a stranger asking for some suggestions." He said and turned away and continued sliding his fingers on the books.

"W-what genre do you like? Do you prefer romance or science fiction?" I asked avoiding his gaze and pretend to read book titles.

"How about this?" he said facing me holding a book in one hand.

"I think I would like this although I've read it." I avoided his eyes and focused on the book he was holding.

"T-that was . . ." I started but words stutter before me as I realized that the book was my book. MY BOOK.

"This is my favorite and I think . . ." He said as he run his fingers on the book's pages then turned to me.
"I think I would like to speak to the author."