Winter in Hokkaido
Chapter 12 part 2: The Pilu

Mom and Dad are getting curious to see Ken. Especially Mother, because all this time I could only see my heart from the photos I sent. As for Dad, that time had talked to Ken even for a while.

Basically, Mom and Dad agree that I'm in touch with Ken. They even told me to get married. I hope so too. But I want everything to proceed until the call to life emerges from Ken's mouth. Huft, I'm like Cinderella waiting for the prince to come bring her glass shoes.

I told Dad and Mom that I had expressed my feelings on the 3rd day of knowing Ken. I also relayed the result that Ken subtly refused. They even advised me. They said I should be more patient and approach first. But my concern was clear, I was afraid of being preceded by another woman.

While going to the city park, to Mount Moiwa, and at the hotel, many women try to get close to Ken. Fortunately, he only responded to them with a smile. It is inconceivable that Ken also approached them, and then became acquainted.

For me, Ken is a man who will be able to perfect my life. He didn't use his face to lure the woman he liked. He even said he would only give his body to the one he loved. It made me admire him even more. I believe he was honest, because his attitude and behavior always were.

Ken, I can't miss a day without thinking about you. I can't wait for the miracle to arrive. You turned around to declare love to me.

But rightly said Father and Mother, everything requires a process. Ken already rejected me, even saying he might not accept me in his heart. May patient time and effort change things.

Slowly but surely, yesterday Ken suddenly invited me to lunch. His mouth was no longer stiff in opening the conversation.

I once complained to Uncle Yamada about Ken's cold attitude. Uncle said, Ken is like that. He's a private, closed one. It takes time to get familiar with it.

Then, I told Uncle that Ken doesn't seem to like me. At that time I almost said Ken had rejected my declaration of love.

Uncle says Ken is not an easy person to fall in love with. However, he is a very loyal person.

Although Ken does not tell much about his love story, but Uncle believes Ken is indeed in a breakup. I realized that I was in a hurry to express my feelings. It is not easy to enter the heart of a broken heart.

This time, I don't want to think like before that if Ken refuses me at least I can be his friend. I will wait for him to fall in love with me, even though he has to pass through hundreds of full moons. Ken knows how I feel. If he couldn't love me, he would find another woman to introduce to me as his lover. To date, that hasn't happened. I hope that won't happen. I don't want to imagine any further if that happens.

But, that man. Add! He stuck in my mind. A few days ago Ken was almost a day a night with her.

Nah! The man may like Ken, but Ken doesn't seem to have the same feelings. Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure Add won't just give up.

Ken explained in person yesterday that he was just helping Add. He treats Add as a hotel customer, nothing more.

I see Ken has no interest in that tourist. Even yesterday, he seemed to want to shy away from Add. However, Ken could have collapsed if Add continued to tease him.

Oh, no! Why am I being paranoid about Ken being close to that guy? This must be due to the influence of the story from Minako. He was one of my best friends in high school. We were one room in the dorm in the last year of school. He is a heavyweight fujoshi.

Fujoshi is a term used for female fans who like romantic relationships between men in manga or novels. Even stories about boys love are now easier to find in movies or drama series. Usually the man depicted in the story is a handsome and almost perfect figure. Just like Ken, and that guy. Ken is clearly my ideal type. Although I'm not interested in Add, but I can't deny he's pretty good-looking. If I tell Minako or she's here, she'll be very supportive of Ken and Add. Nokkkkkk!!!!!

I don't care about men liking men until they get married. But I don't want that to happen in my story. I'm not Minako who wants the man she admires to make love to a man as well while both are equally handsome and charming.

When I had an argument with Minako if men were destined to pair with women. He said love can't be like that. Love is present as a representation of the heart so that it cannot be forced to whom to make a choice. Sometimes a person will feel comfort first before acknowledging the feeling of love.

I agree with his statement, love comes from comfort. Comfort starts from the habit of spending time together, telling complaints or spoiled. But I loved Ken from the first sight, before the time to introduce us to each other was longer. We cannot force love, but we can control it. I see, right?!

At this point I regret remembering the man's romance-mad best friend. But I can get an idea from Minako to keep Add away from Ken. I have to do that right away.

I'm afraid Ken's orientation is turned away because of the attention and kenyan attacks from Add. Minako has also said that a straight man can be gay if he experiences despair in his search for love. In addition, the change in orientation does not occur only due to trauma factors in the past, but wild sexual desire.

Arggggh, I want to curse Minako to be Jayko in the Doraemon series. It is better to make a romance story between men and women only, although sometimes the story does not connect.

I tried to remove the influence of Minako's story by calling Ken. I can't believe Ken answered my call so quickly.

“Halo, Ken! What are you doing?”

“I'm checking hotel cash weekly report.”

“Sorry to Ken if I disturb.”

“No. What's up, May?”

My body felt light when he said that. I feel like I can fly.

“Ken, we'll have lunch with yuk.”

“Sorry, May! This afternoon I can't go out.” Ken's voice is as sweet as his face.

“Not outside, Ken. We eat at the hotel. I will bring you the food. It's me cooking. Can you, Ken?”

“Iya. I can then. I wait!”

“See you, Ken!”

I hung up the phone feeling very happy. Ken said he was waiting for me. Efforts will never betray results. Of course, this is also the fruit of my patience in reaching Ken's heart.

I'll bring Ken a dish whose main ingredient is Wagyu Beef. From last night I've been studying the types of dishes and how to cook Wagyu Beef so that Ken is impressed like eating it in a restaurant yesterday. I'm sure he'll give me a lot of compliments on my cooking.

Mother said, one way to captivate a man's heart is to serve dishes that he likes. All men love women who cook. If he starts to like our cooking, it's a sign he's starting to open his heart to us. I can't wait to see Ken's expression of satisfaction when eating this loving dish.

After putting all the dishes into the container that was also special, I rushed towards the hotel where Ken was at the moment. Lunch time's soon, I can't be late. It's going to be a romantic lunch between me and him.

I can't stop playing love songs all the way. Is this April? The beauty of Sakura loomed in my mind.

When I got to the hotel, I couldn't wait to get the food I brought for Ken. When I came in, Ken happened to look at me. He stood up and walked over. Did he welcome me? It seems so, because I told you I was coming.

“Hai, May!” He greeted me first. Seeing his smile, I almost fainted. This may sound exaggerated, but which woman would not be stunned to see Ken lift both of his lips until his clean white teeth are clearly visible. Then, his eyes stared sweetly. I'm like a candle that's melting because of the flame of love.

“Sorry, Ken! I'm old huh? Let's go to resto.”

I put my foot up. However, it was only about two steps that Ken pulled my hand. Does he want to walk together? It's really romantic. I thought I wanted to call Minako so she knew this scene of her best friend was more romantic than the boys love story in her memory.

“May...” He says my name gently.

Can this scene be repeated? I haven't been able to record it. I even wanted to feel her breath again that had hit my neck.

“Iya, Ken.”

I don't want to call Minako.

“Oh…. I.i.iya Ken. Then, his lunch?” I picked up the food I had brought for Ken to see clearly I had gone to great lengths to prepare it.

“Ma. You eat first, May. I didn't take long. But, I also don't want you to become even more hungry from waiting for me.”

I also responded with a smile. He let go of my hand. I'm still riveted. Consider it an advertising piece. The anticipated scene will return in a moment.

After a few steps, Ken half turned around and threw a smile at me. I couldn't help but return that smile. All right, I'll wait. Didn't I already tell myself I was going to wait for Ken?! So, I can't lose my mood.

I went straight to the restaurant. Then, ask for help an employee brought me dishes and containers to serve this food I brought. Without giving any explanation, they were quick to help me. Yeah, I know almost every employee here. Sometimes it's like in my own hotel.

After more than an hour of waiting, there was no sign of Ken coming home. The employee who was helping offered to warm up the food I was carrying. I agreed and asked to be kept in the kitchen until Ken arrived.

He said he left for a while. But, isn't more than 60 minutes that long?! Who did Ken go with or meet? Ah, I'm not calm. The scenario that I put together in my shadow before going here started to fall apart. Did I just call him?

As I was about to call Ken, one of the other employees reported that he was walking to the restaurant. Mercifully. I rushed to make sure while taking the food I had left in the kitchen earlier.

But from behind the glass of the restaurant I saw Ken not walking alone. He was seen chatting with someone and seemed to smile at that person. Someone familiar to my eyes. He is Add.

So Ken went with Add? Why didn't Ken say it honestly? I beg Minako, don't infiltrate my mind to change the storyline I created! It's just a coincidence. Maybe Ken met Add when he got into the hotel. Ken was seen going alone. No!!! I half ran towards Ken.

“May, sorry I'm late.” He looks surprised. While Add is invisible.

I wanted to interrogate Ken, but in this situation he might be angry with me.

“Come, Ken!” I tried to smile. Hopefully the story that I designed this morning, the ending can still be saved.

Now we sit facing. Ken's face looked cheerful. Is he cheerful to see me or because he just left with Add like my suspicions? I'll make sure later. At the very least, the essence of this round must be carried out first, namely eating together.

“Ken, I prepare the food first yes. I asked to be warmed because you are a little long and the food became cold.”

“No need, May.” Ken followed me to my feet.

What does it mean to stand? Was he the one who was going to help take her food as well? Ah, romantic! Alright. I also sat back. So did Ken, he's back in position. Whahuh? Why is Ken sitting down?

“I've eaten outside,” he said.

Huh huh? Praaaa!!! Like there was the sound of a falling plate accompanying Ken's explanation. I was so surprised. Didn't he just say just wait a minute?! That means we'll eat together, right?! Why did he eat out. I try to resist disappointment.

“Oh. Same who?” I asked while holding back the tears that urged out.

“Friends.” He answered me as if he understood I was disappointed. I slightly fell with his look. However, the shadow of that man thrust into my mind. I also confirmed who Ken called his lunchmate.

“Add?”

Was silent. Ken later confirmed, “He.em. Have you eaten?”

“But.” I lowered my head.

“Why?” ask her gently. His voice was soothing, but I was disappointed. “I was just saying you ate first.”

So that speech is not a stale base? He was on purpose, because he already had a lunch plan with Add. Why did he not refuse my arrival? I'd rather be disappointed not be able to cook him a meal. Instead of taking him like this, he went to lunch with someone else.

“May, are you okay? I'm really sorry?” Ken was trying to look at my face.

“Nothing, Ken.” I took a breath to calm myself down. Ken apologized. I have to be an adult. I can't look childish in front of Ken. Uncle Yamada said Ken likes women who act grown up. “Can you eat the food I made for dinner tonight? I keep the food in kitchen.”

“Iya. But you're not angry, are you, May?”

Actually I'm angry. But I can't do that to Ken.

“No, Ken.” Take a breath, then I take a moment to calm down first. “I'm home yes, Ken!”

I can't show my cry in front of Ken anymore. I want to go home to shed these tears.

While walking, I wiped away the tears that started to flow. Don't forget to tell the clerk to serve the food I made for Ken's dinner.

As I walked away from Ken, I occasionally looked back. I hope Ken's after me. I hope he finds out that I'm crying. I want him to come and calm me down. If that's what he's doing, I'm willing he won't eat the lunch I brought.

Until we got to the car park, Ken couldn't see coming after me. Does he not understand if in this condition women want to be pursued? Oh yes, maybe because I have not become someone who means something in his heart.

After returning from the hotel, I immediately entered the room and let out all the tears for the incident. Add, why is he present interfering with my story? I was wrong too. I should've made sure Ken went with whom. If it's Add, I can get in the way.

I took my phone out of my bag. I need someone to advise me on this tragedy. The minako? There's no way I'm calling that fujoshi. It's obvious he's just gonna make me more paranoid. Yes, Yuriko. He's the only friend I've ever told you about Ken.

Yuriko is my best friend who got married last week. He's the opposite of Minako. Although both fans of romance stories, Yuriko is more influenced by the stories of male and female romance in Korean dramas. Yuriko is a big fan of So Ji Sub and Gong Yoo. He also really likes K-Pop music and so does Jin BTS. I don't know much about it, but for sure the story to Yuriko about the new thing I experienced would be more appropriate.

I called Yuriko for almost two hours. From talking about my true problems to unclear things. Even in the last hour I was told about his penchant for Korea. When women my age in Japan, or even almost all over the world, get Korean fever, I don't have much time to follow it. I'm busy helping out with Dad's business. But when it comes to idol artists, I really admire the domestic actor Masahiro Higashide. He is very handsome and his acting is so stunning. The actor born on February 1, 1988, fascinated me when he appeared as the lead role in the horror film Death Note: Light Up The New World and the romantic film Blue Spring Ride.

I was able to laugh again after complacently complaining to Yuriko. Regarding my story, Yuriko suggested that I should not be careless in approaching Ken. He said, I should be able to make Ken little by little rely on me. When I asked her advice, she was also a little confused.

According to Uncle Yamada, Ken is a type of man who has been independent since childhood. He doesn't even like being indebted to others. When he was sick, Ken tried to take care of himself. He doesn't want to trouble anyone else.

So how do you make him feel dependent on me? In what way? I've approached aggressively at the beginning of the introduction. Take her to places she might like, paying attention by bringing her breakfast every morning. But Ken even tried to put all my efforts at rest, even he also seemed to avoid any attention I gave. Though, I hope that way will bind him with longing.

When I told Add, Yuriko was infected with Minako. He told me to support Ken and Add only if they liked each other. If he doesn't tell you a joke, I'll hang up and won't call him again.

After an indiscriminate chat, Yuriko suggested that I get Ken drunk. Then, I drove her home and slept next to her. When she woke up, I acted as if I had been intimate with her. I'd just dramatize a little bit if Ken didn't seem to realize he was blinding me when he was drunk.

Yuriko's idea is very familiar. It's like I've seen that story in a romance drama. He also admitted that the way was inspired by the story in the drama series he had watched. Further, he thinks it's the last way to get Ken. A good man like Ken would definitely be responsible for his actions, even if it was just a drama he didn't know.

I had time to complain if the way Yuriko suggested sounded when she was sneaky. I don't want to have Ken without having his love. However, Yuriko says Ken will definitely be able to turn his guilt into love for me. It's all just a matter of time. The most important thing right now is having Ken before anyone else has. If Ken is owned by another woman, it's better than falling in Add's arms. No, I can't think about it.