Winter in Hokkaido
Chapter 7: The Beginning

After a 1 hour and 50 minute air journey, I arrived at New Chitose Airport, in Hokkaido's Prefecture Capital, Sapporo. Uncle immediately greeted me as I walked out the arrival door.

“Uncle misses you so much, Ken,” he said while hugging me tightly. Then, I was immediately led into the car.

Along the way Uncle kept asking about my life, from work to romance. Related to work I can tell stories smoothly, but about love I don't know how to tell stories.

“Until this moment Ken is still alone,” my light while smiling a little.

“Bulkah?” Uncle put on a surprised face. “This handsome Uncle's nephew is still alone? Looks like you're being too selective.”

Uncle seems sure that there are many women chasing me. In fact, I don't even have many friends.

I thought back to Dave. Yesterday, my memory of him began to fade.

“Let's meet someone. Not only is she beautiful, she is kind and smart. That's your type?” connect Uncle.

“Uncle, Ken is here to calm down not to find a soul mate.”

“Self relax?” Uncle's expression was suddenly anxious.

Oh, my God, I'm slipping.

“Aaaa...what, Uncle?” I pretended to forget what I said earlier. This is to divert the conversation.

Uncle pulled the car over. “Ken, Uncle already thought something happened to you. Last night Uncle called Aunt Ayane, said you seemed to be thinking about something. Hunch Uncle can not be lied to”, said Uncle with a serious look at me.

I've been misbehaving. “Uncle, I mean Ken, Ken wants to calm himself from the routine in Jakarta that is so crowded.”

“Alright, Ken. Uncle can't force you to tell a story now, but never keep your own problems. Ken still has Uncle and Aunt Ayane here.”

“Iya, Uncle. Uncle just relax.”

When I arrived at Uncle's house, I took a look through every sight that lay. Remnants of snow are still stuck on the roofs of houses and trees. The wind made the atmosphere feel dramatic.

Uncle's house is on the outskirts of town and above the height. The condition gives an amazing view. Hokkaido does have a very beautiful natural wealth.

“Hem, may winter here soothe as I hope,” my chant is smooth while closing my eyes.

“But Uncle prefers spring. The view and atmosphere are more amazing.” Sounds like Uncle is talking. I thought Uncle was already home. I also smiled in response.

“Uncle, Ken can stay here until new year?” I ventured to ask, even though the answer was predictable.

“Sure, Uncle does expect you to stay here longer, even if it can be forever.”

“Thank you very much, Uncle!”

When later I was determined not to return to Indonesia, I already had a plan to find a job here. Then, find an affordable place to live according to my ability.

“This is Ken's home too. Uncle would be so happy if Ken would stay here until Uncle is gone.”

Uncle's words bring life to life. I hugged him to stop the feeling.

***

A few days at Uncle's house, I feel better. Plus I also have activities serving visitors at Uncle's hotel. At first, Uncle wouldn't let me work. According to Uncle, I should have enjoyed the year-end holidays only. However, I convinced him that I needed activity too. After all, I have no friends who can take me around Hokkaido.

My uncle had also prepared a hotel room for me. Room with an amazing one. Hills, streams, countryside, all spread with the right strokes. Very pampering to the eyes. Uncle seemed to understand that I really wanted this kind of atmosphere.

“Actually Uncle wants to take you around Sapporo. But there is no time all day that fits,” said Uncle when we had breakfast.

“Ken will not come here to trouble Uncle. Later Ken can go alone.”

“But Ken doesn't need to be an employee of Uncle.”

“Ken is Uncle's nephew. It's supposed Ken helped Uncle.”

We also continued breakfast. After that, go to the hotel. Uncle seemed very enthusiastic.

“Ken, said he was waiting in Uncle.”'s room

“Who is he, Uncle?”

“We'll meet first. Hopefully he can immerse your days here”.

I thought, even though I felt uncomfortable. I am not a person who easily interacts with people. Especially if from the beginning I knew to be introduced to be betrothed.

A woman with shoulder-length hair, pure white skin, fragrant, and very feminine looks immediately welcomed my arrival and Uncle. Is he a friend to me that Uncle means?

“Ken, this is Mayumi,” Uncle explained while signaling for me to greet him to get acquainted.

“Hi, I’m Ken. Nice to meet you.” I don't know how to get to know you well. I'm so nervous.

“Hai, I'm Mayumi,” welcome him to unravel smile.

Hah, she speaks Indonesian! Although the accent and accent is still not perfect, but the pronunciation is very good.

“Why? Shocked yes I speak Indonesian.”

I can't hide my surprised expression. I also agree with nodding.

“Mayumi used to study in Indonesia. One campus with you, Ken.” Uncle seems to know Mayumi well enough.

“Ken, what force?” ask Mayumi.

“I generation 2008.”

“Wah, we are four years adrift. I'm the 2012 class. Should I call Ken with Oniichan?”

He seemed to be more relaxed about meeting me, whereas I still could not shake off this nervousness. “Not necessary. Call name only.”

“But..” He tried to resist.

Oniichan is a Japanese Brother's nickname. For a word of greeting, at least I know a little.

“Let's be more familiar.”

Uncle looked at me. He seemed to want to tell me not to be tense.

“You please chat. Uncle out first no business yes.”

Uncle left. I was very inexperienced in chatting with a woman.

“How long has it been in Japan, Ken?”

“Su...it's been almost two weeks.”.

“Have gone anywhere?”

“Only here.”

“Then starting today I can be your tour guide. Where are you going?’

“Aaa..I don't know yet.”

“Good. Then I'll decide yes. I guarantee you will love the places we visit. Agree, right?”

“I..i...iya.”

Mayumi aggressively asked me. In the meantime, I can only answer soberly. He understands I'm still awkward.

We also walked out of the hotel. I offered to drive, but Mayumi wouldn't let me. He said I was the tourist. He will serve me wholeheartedly.

The first place we visited was Shiroi Koibito Park. I think it's a regular park. However, I was amazed to see the shape of the building around this park. The building here is very unique, because European design in the middle of Japanese culture is notoriously strong attached to its inhabitants.

Then, Mayumi took me to a chocolate factory located around the park. There I saw a very sophisticated and hygienic chocolate making process. It is not surprising that Japan has always been a role model of the world related to technology and its discipline.

“Ken, do you like chocolate?” mayumi asked while choosing a chocolate souvenir.

“Suka.”

Actually I wanted to ask back, but answering the question was hard. I am what exactly?!

“Let's sit there while eating this chocolate,” point Mayumi to a row of chairs in the park.

For half an hour of chocolate, I haven't been able to start a conversation. Mayumi seemed silent for a moment. Maybe he was tired of constantly asking to liven up the atmosphere.

“How do you know my Uncle?” Finally, I can start a conversation.

“Uncle Yamada is your Uncle?” Mayumi looked surprised.

“Iya.” I was surprised at his response to my question. I guess he already knows I'm Uncle Yamada's nephew. When we talked at the hotel. He and Uncle seemed to have known each other for a long time.

“Haha.. Uncle Yamada says you are his son,” his laugh is sweet. “Your uncle is a close friend of my father's. She always told me she would introduce her son someday.”

“Uncle does like to joke,” I said while shaking my head.

“Your uncle is funny. Same as you.” Mayumi did not stop laughing.

Whahuh? He said I was funny. But from then on I was silent. Just asked, but it made him laugh.

“I'm funny?” I'm trying to confirm his statement.

He even laughed more. Suddenly his head was on my shoulder and his hand was holding mine. Kontan I looked towards him innocently.

“Sorry, Ken. Excuse me. I was by accident.” Mayumi straightened out her position.

“Iya, it's okay.”

It's only been a matter of hours we've been acquainted, but he shows if he's an easy person to get along with.

“It just so happens that my dad also has a hotel in this city. The location is about 1 hour from Uncle Yamada's. I'm in charge of taking care of it myself.”

“Your father?”

“I work for him.”

“As what? General manager?”

“Can be said so, although actually still my Papa who takes care of everything. I only help when needed. Haha...” Its jovial nature is able to warm the atmosphere.

I also asked Dad to help take care of his resort. Unfortunately, that trust failed me to run.

“Ken, how come you daydream?”

I remember my mom and dad. Life without parents feels so empty. I miss their attention.

“Ngak. I was enjoying this view of snow. In Indonesia there is no.” I lied a little. Although Mayumi looks like a pleasant figure, but I just got to know her. I can't tell you much about myself.

***

“Ken, how's Mayumi?”

My uncle came and asked suddenly.

“Uncle, surprise only.”

“Sorry, Uncle accidentally.”

I also refocused on my work, checking the hotel bookkeeping, the entry and exit of money and estimated costs needed for repairs and cooperation with hospitality consumption providers. It's only temporary until I get a job according to my qualifications.

“Ken, how?” Uncle surprised me again.

“Mayumi?”

“Oh, dia. She's good.”

“That's it?”

“Iya,” my answer is flat. Yes, because that's the only impression I feel. Anyway, we just got acquainted.

“Are you interested in him?”

I've understood Uncle's direction. “But.”

“Means it is still possible and will. Isn't that right, Ken?”

“Can also not.” I'm giving you another possibility.

“Ken. You do not get too busy with work.” Uncle's tone of voice weakened.

“Uncle, precisely Ken has almost a month not working.”

“Iya, but Bibi said, you are too busy working in Indonesia to forget to find a companion. What the hell is less than you, Ken? Handsome, smart, hardworking, it's all in you.”

I nodded, accepting Uncle's praise.

“Don't be like Uncle who finally has to live alone. Uncle couldn't have had a descendant. Therefore, Uncle was traumatized to marry again. Fear of hurting the feelings of the woman Uncle married. Uncle was accused of lying if this Uncle was a normal man. Men who can give offspring.” Uncle's eyes immediately glazed over to tell her a bit of a story.

I immediately stood hugging Uncle, trying to calm him down. I don't want him to keep remembering his life wounds.

“Uncle. From now on Ken will always be there for Uncle. Accompany whenever Uncle needs.”

“From the beginning Uncle wanted to hear you say that, Ken.”

“Already, Uncle. No need to cry.”

Suddenly someone knocked on the door. Uncle rushed to open it while wiping away the tears.

“Oh, Mayumi. Please login!”

“Iya, Uncle. Sorry interrupting! Is Ken here? At the reception, Mayumi did not see him. Hence Mayumi to Uncle's room, because maybe Ken is here.”

“Yes, he's here. Ken!” Uncle called. From then on, I heard their conversation quite clearly.

“Hai, Mayumi!”

“Ken, let's go to dinner. I want to take you somewhere.” Mayumi deftly invited me without making small talk. “What can, Ken?’”

I glanced at Uncle. “But I'm helping Uncle cross check data.”

“Ken.” Uncle patted my back. “It's fast there get ready. That can be done later. Hold on, Uncle get me the car keys first.”

Though I wish Uncle said I should stay here. Honestly, I'm still awkward with Mayumi.

“Mayumi brought a car, Uncle,” he said stopped the steps of Uncle who was about to take his car keys.

“Then Ken goes first. Uncle don't forget to have dinner!”

Uncle responded with a smile. Even when Mayumi said goodbye to him, he looked bright. I understand Uncle's plan. Just-there's.

“Let's let me drive ya.” I tried to open the conversation so that Mayumi would not think me stiff.

“Indeed you know the place?”

“And you can show the direction!”

“Take the key if you can.” He threw a smile with blushing lips.

I tried to take the key until I unconsciously hugged it. He was silent too. Fortunately, the parking lot was quiet. If any servants were to look, they could complain to Uncle. This will cause misunderstanding.

“Sorry.” I was being misbehaved when I let go of the hug.

“Nothing. Here's the key.” He gave the car keys by throwing a spoiled look at me.

This moment remembers me on the same occasion as Dave. The difference between me being Mayumi and Dave playing me.

On the way Mayumi told about the longing for Indonesia. Since graduating from college he has not had time to visit my beloved country, an island nation that is no less beautiful than Japan.

“Ken, I've never been to Bali. I lived in Indonesia for 5 years. Said my friends here and in Korea, it is incomplete if you go to Indonesia without going to Bali. They always mocked me.”

“Hem... Why never go there?” I'm trying to respond.

“Every time I have arranged a vacation plan there, there are always obstacles. Like Mom and Dad told me to go home. Or I suddenly got sick.”

“Oh, so.”

“Ken, how about we go there after the new year? It must be more fun and romantic, because tourists have returned to their origin. The atmosphere won't be too crowded, right?”

I just nodded. He slipped the word “romantis” in his sentence. Indeed Bali is known as a world tourist destination that presents exotic scenery and also beautiful local culture. Bali is also considered a romantic choice for couples who want to enjoy togetherness more intimately. But, Mayumi and I. Ah, let it be. I don't need to talk about that.

“So, you agree?” He's grabbing my shoulder.

“We'll see later yes. I saw the full Uncle to Valentine's Day hotel reservation list.”

“Good. I'll wait.”

I smiled so that Mayumi would not be discouraged. But I also don't promise.

“Ken, front fork turn right yes. We're about to arrive. That's the signboard already visible.”

“OK”.

When I set foot out of the car, and took a look, I was fascinated by the natural paintings that immediately welcomed me. The expanse of trees that are so soothing and the view of the city that is very pampering the eyes.

“What is the name of this place, May?” I can't hide my joy.

He even laughed. “May?”.

I soon realized, because I seemed to have misnamed the greeting.

“I wrongly called you?’”

“It's okay.” He tried to shut his mouth to hold back the laughter. “It sounds good. Oh yeah, it's Mount Moiwa. You like it, right?”

“Sure.”

“Like me?”

I choked. “Hah?” Mayumi responded with a big smile. But maybe he likes to joke. “May, I'm getting hungry!”

He pulled me too. “Quiet, I've reserved a place and food. It should be right after we come the food is ready. That's. There it is,” point Mayumi.

The Jewel Restaurant, from the name and appearance of the outside alone looks like a luxury restaurant. This place also seems like a tourist favorite. Seen when I came and the day turned dark, many tourists arrived.

I was more and more fascinated to see the view that this restaurant offered. Mayumi reserved a spot overlooking the city. As far as the eye can see the stars on the surface of the earth. I see other spots, each angle offers a similar scene, but with perceptions that may be different. It depends on how the visitor perceives it.

“Ken, sorry I didn't ask you what to eat. But you take it easy, I've ordered the best and favorite food of this place,” said Mayumi when the restaurant waiter opened the lid of the dish.

“Tno need to worry. I'm an all.” eater I'm actually a picky eater. I simply pick and choose food. I don't like foods that are too greasy or fatty, foods with a strong ginger aroma, and sometimes I don't fit in with all the seasoning in food, especially processed meat.

Fortunately, the food here is included in the list of foods that I can eat. Mayumi knows what I want, or maybe our taste is the same?! I don't know, I don't want to worry about that.

“Ken, you already have a lover?”

Mayumi's question made me almost spit out the food that was heading towards my esophagus. I took the water to push it back. He's very to the point.

“But.”

“I haven't.” either

I'm trying not to respond to the back statement. I focused on continuing to eat in order to escape this topic.

“How many times have you dated, Ken?”

Accidentally my hand dropped the cola water and flowed down my thigh. Mayumi also tried to help clean the stains on my pants with a tissue.

“Nothing. I went to the toilet first yes.” I refused his help subtly.

While cleaning up the stains on my pants, I was still stunned at Mayumi's question. We haven't known each other for a long time, but the question has gone in a serious direction. Ah, I think he brought me here to introduce the sweetness of the view from above the sky without romantic chatter.

I stayed long enough in front of the glass. Staring at my own face that was still drawing anxiety.

“Ken, you have been in the toilet for a long time. Why not, right?” mayumi asked with a worried look.

“Nothing.”

After I returned to my sitting position, Mayumi was still continuing the direction of the conversation.

“Ken, you haven't answered my question?”

“Which one?” I pretended not to remember, because I didn't want to talk about it.

“Yang. Before you go to toilet.”

It seems I should switch the conversation. “Perhaps if spring or summer the scenery here is more beautiful huh. But, this is also very beautiful. Thank you for taking me to this place. Places that present night spots that spoil the eyes.”

Intention to divert the conversation bears fruitful long speech. Yes, this is so that his mind is locked, not back on the topic earlier.

“Ken..” Mayumi shows a slightly pouting face.

“Iya. Why, May?” I tried to spread a smile so that his mood was not damaged.

“I can talk seriously?” ask her with a fading smile.

“What?”

“From the beginning I saw you.”

“Ya?” If I block him, he might get mad at me. Then, he would tell Uncle.

“But listen until I'm done yes,” the door.

“Iya.”

“I liked you from the first time I saw you. At first I hesitated when your Uncle wanted to introduce you to me. Honestly, I still can't fully open my heart after a year ago I was dumped by my lover just like that. But you have given me a different vibe, a great vibe in my heart that I have never felt. I felt like I had found the lover I had been looking for. Do you love me like I've loved you since we first met?” mutilate.

I was silent for quite a while. I don't know what kind of answer to not hurt her heart. It's too fast.

“Ken...” His eyes have drenched the emotions of the heart since earlier.

“May, i..”.

“I can wait,” cleanly.

I am not a person who falls in love quickly. I don't like being waited on either.

“May, honestly, I'm very happy to be friends with you.” I try to make my voice as soft as possible. “However, we have only known for a few days. We don't know any more about each other's person. Sorry, I don't want you waiting for me. I also can't guarantee my feelings will change.” Hah, there is a sense of disbelief I was able to say the paragraph smoothly.

Mayumi was seen wiping away tears. I don't want people to think wrong, especially this crowded public place.

I helped her up from her chair and took her home. He complies. But after a few steps, he hugged me. I let that happen for a while. Then I guided his steps back.