Winter in Hokkaido
Chapter 17: Lara

I was lucky to meet the hotel owner who was fluent in Indonesian. We also chatted like we were familiar. The middle-aged man told me about the beginning of his pioneering business in the field of lodging. According to his narration, before starting to establish this hotel, he had lived in Indonesia to learn business from his brother-in-law for 5 years.

In addition to learning to do business, Mr. Yamada (the owner of the hotel), also learned many things from the hospitality of Indonesians that are applied in service at his hotel. So that this hotel is always crowded and received several awards both from tourists and international institutions related to service and management.

When I first set foot here, I was indeed amazed to see the atmosphere offered. Traditional and modern nuances blend in the interior of the room and hotel lobby. The concept of a home sweet home that becomes a trademark does make the feeling feel at home. Plus, guests can see stunning views of the city of Sapporo from behind their bedroom windows. The expanse of hills, cities, rice fields, and river flows make a very eye-catching streak. This hotel is impressive!

Said the hotel owner, who asked to be called Uncle only, the natural scenery in this region will spoil the eyes more when spring. Two months from now. But some hotels and inns have almost all rooms have been booked out, including here. Not wrong indeed, Japanese society besides being very tech-savvy, they are very mixed with nature. So that its beauty is treated and packaged very well to become a tourist attraction.

“Later at night there was a festival in the city center. Mr. Dave can go there to see the excitement of people playing in the snow. There was also a cultural show there,” Uncle explained after I expressed my admiration for his hotel and this city.

“If only I could invite my wife, she would be very happy, She is very enthusiastic to enjoy winter here.”

I remembered Fay who wished he could be in this place, right now. Indonesia actually has many tourist destinations that are no less interesting than Bali. There are Lombok, Wakatobi, Ternate, Yogyakarta, Bromo, and many more. However, Indonesia does not have a snow season. Seasons are often the epitome of excitement and romance in various animated series, dramas, and films.

“Lantas, why is Mr Dave's wife not coming?”

“She is young pregnant. His condition is still quite vulnerable to participate in the trip away”

“Then, come back here again in Spring. Hopefully there will be an empty room here. Or can stay at Uncle's house, not far from here.”

“After landing a foot here, I did have such a plan, Uncle.”

We laughed like old friends who had just met. The hotel owner is very friendly.

“Oya, how long has Mr Dave been here? Later I recommend places that Mr. Dave can visit.”

“Three days, Uncle. I was very lucky to get a room here.”

“Ah, no. Uncle who always feels lucky and grateful, because there are still many people who want to stay here,” his laughter crisp. “Emm, but sorry, Uncle can not accompany Mr. Dave around Sapporo, because there are some jobs that Uncle must finish.”

“It's okay, Uncle. Uncle already wanted to share the story, I've been very grateful.”

Uncle also looks very simple. Although a hotel owner, but do not hesitate to serve guests and establish a conversation.

“New uncle remember. Tell you what, Mr. Dave, later let Mr. Dave be accompanied by Uncle's nephew.”

“No need, Uncle. I don't want to trouble.”

“No need to hesitate. It just so happens that he is also free and seems to need friends to get around the city. He's been living here a few months.” His face looked bright and told his nephew. “He's also the same age as Mr. Dave. However, he is not married. Later, fellow young people, who knows when chatting, Mr. Dave can motivate him to immediately go to the household.”

I can only nod. No more words to reject Uncle's offer.

“Nah, it's Uncle's nephew!” point Uncle at one of the men sitting at the reception desk.

I spontaneously looked in the same direction. Only part of her hair is visible. I'm curious about the man Uncle calls his nephew.

Before long, the man stood up. I tidied my glasses. Is that really what I saw? It's like Ken. Or it's just a hallucination, because I've been thinking about him for a few days. After all, he said Ken was in Germany.

Although hesitant, but I want to immediately approach the person to ascertain the image of my view. Then, Uncle confirmed my vision. “Ken, come here for a minute!”

That's Ken? Right, Ken's here. It's not a dream, is it? His heart was pounding so hard as he approached. I tried to complain to him, but he ignored my gaze.

“Sir Dave, this is Uncle's nephew that was told. His name, Ken.”

Quiescent. Looked. That's all I can do. I was completely dumbfounded to see Ken in front of me. It was never thought that he would be reunited with her so soon when feelings and thoughts were resting on her.

I still can't believe I met Ken. It's a miracle. He tried to love me, but I was totally fixated.

“Ken...” said without any additional words.

He didn't recognize me? Impossible. Clearly, the person in front of me right now is my best friend, Ken. Even if there are dozens of people who are exactly the same as him, I can tell which Ken I know and which are only similar.

Why is he acting like he just met me?

“Dave.” Surprisingly, I also replied with the same thing.

“Ken, Mr. Dave is from Indonesia as well. Sit down for a while here,” added Uncle introduced us innocently. He didn't know we knew each other. In fact, very close.

When Uncle introduced us, Ken's reaction just nodded. It was as if he had convinced his uncle that he and I had met for the first time. Come on Ken, why doesn't it seem like you recognize me? Don't you want to greet me more excitedly as usual when long time no see? Ken, don't clench your lips like that. It's me, Dave. Your companion.

“Sorry Uncle, Ken is checking the customer reservation list and m¬-handle the customer who complained. Sorry also Mr. Dave, we chat next time,” said Ken casually. Yeah, relax. He pretended not to know me. The last time I saw him, he hugged me. Was it because my words back then made him completely forget about me?

A feeling of sadness ambushed for a moment. Ken doesn't care about me. He just passed by. I want to call him. But, it seems like he has indeed erased me from his life history.

“Ken.” His steps stopped as Uncle called. However, he refused to turn his body around. Maybe because he doesn't want to see me? “Later tonight accompany Mr. Dave to the city center to see the festival.” Uncle told Ken to be my tour guide. It's a good start.

“But Uncle..” His tone was clearly trying to resist.

“You have an event with...”.

Ken cut it off. “No. Ken Mean...”.

Now it's his Uncle's turn to cut off Ken's words. I was a spectator first. “Isn't it your purpose to come here to calm down? Well, there just so happens to be Mr. Dave. You can exchange ideas or just chat casually while enjoying the holiday time right.” His uncle is still negotiating.

Ken's speechless. No words came out to respond.

“Some days your lover is also having an event with his family. There is no harm in accompanying Mr. Dave first. He came all the way from Indonesia to enjoy the snow in Hokkaido. Help your uncle promote this hotel. Who knows if Mr. Dave is impressed he would recommend to his co-workers in Indonesia.”

Uncle kept persuading Ken. In the meantime, I pray that Ken will. However, there was a gushing pain inside the chest upon hearing Ken already had a lover.

Ken didn't make the decision. He walked to his place again.

“Sorry, Mr. Dave. These few days his attitude was indeed a bit strange. Yesterday I went to Seoul, she said she had a storm with her boyfriend. He is indeed the person who does not talk much, but actually he is good and quite friendly.”

“Iya, Uncle.” It seems like Ken's weird attitude is just seeing me.

I wonder who Ken's girlfriend is and how long they've been dating. If his family already knew Ken's lover, it seems that their relationship has been going on for a long time.

“ Anyway, later at 6 Mr. Dave just wait in the lobby. Ken would have accompanied. The show has started from the afternoon, but the more the night the more festive,” Uncle promises.

May Uncle succeed in persuading Ken. There's no chance if it's not this time. I need to be able to talk to him to explain my feelings.

***

I sat in the lobby for half an hour agitated. Waiting for Uncle to pass by, but not yet seen.

The time has shown at 17:55, I do not know whether Ken will accompany me or not. My enthusiasm is greater to be able to talk to Ken than to see a snow festival.

I tried asking the receptionist, she said Uncle had come home from an hour ago. I asked Ken where he was, but the receptionist said he also went home with his uncle. My time here wasn't long. If Ken keeps dodging, I'll never be able to fix this friendship.

I set my foot out while looking at the snow falling. There was a feeling of regret, because I should have greeted Ken earlier this afternoon and said I knew him in front of Uncle.

Up to 15 minutes the car drove, awkwardly not moving from our side. I was still confused to open the conversation. Ken seemed to focus on driving without even trying to look at me. This is very unusual.

“I heard you in Germany?” Finally, my mouth made a noise so that it could not stand the situation that it was frozen by the snow.

“No.”

There was a break of nearly two minutes. I think Ken will add a few more words. Apparently, only one of those catties.

“When do you have a boyfriend now? Who?” This question makes me very curious.

Ken did not answer. He's getting quiet a thousand languages. His gaze was still unchanged, unwilling to twist towards me.

“Ken?” I tried to make sure he heard my question.

“No,” sahut.

However, I feel unconvinced. “Serious, Ken?”

“Ya.”

C'mon Ken! My question is not a quiz you can only answer yes or no.

“We've arrived, Mr Dave!”

He spoke like a driver to his passengers.

Ken's never been like this before. He called me with a formal greeting that made me sick. I couldn't think of a way to get him to recognize me. However, I'm pretty sure he's not amnesic.

As he got out of the car, Ken's phone rang. He looked at me for a moment. A very cold look. I also replied by developing a smile.

I heard a woman's voice on the other end of the phone. Not so clear what he said. However, from Ken's answer it seems that the woman asked Ken where and what position he was in. Ken said he was in the park taking guests to the hotel. Right, I'm a guest at the hotel but I'm your best friend too, right, Ken?

I try to enjoy the atmosphere of the park. Right said Uncle, the more the night the atmosphere here the more crowded. It looks like people are so happy to enjoy the snow festival and the new year. Unfortunately, I can't dissolve in the festivities of the festival.

Fay called, asking for a video call to see the festival crowd. I'm pretty worried about mispositioning the camera. I looked around and there was no Ken. Don't let my wife get angry, for seeing Ken and accusing us of this accidental meeting we had planned.

I think Fay will still continue to whine by saying if he were here. Apparently, he had enough to see the atmosphere of the festival that I shot. He said he could temper his desire for next year.

We were soon face to face through a virtual screen. Fay said he was sleepy.

Finish the video call with Fay, I'm looking for Ken. He just disappeared. After circling the park, I saw Ken playing in the snow with the kids. He looks happy. The snow is accompanied by laughter. Things I rarely see. He's capable of mingling. Merely, why was his attitude towards me as cold as the snow he held?

I went to Ken. My intention was to blend in with the joy he created. However, he stopped his activities.

“Pak Dave where else to go?”

“We have dinner first yes.”

“Where?”

“In the vicinity here only. Any recommendations?”

Ken led me to a restaurant near the park. I hope the atmosphere melts at the dinner table.

Unfortunately, once again, Ken's dinner is still covering his memory. I also can't force an intimate conversation when I see the atmosphere of a crowded restaurant. Although the people around would not understand our language, but I was worried that there was emotional contact coming out between me and my sidekick.

So I decided to go back to the hotel. Ken may have forgotten me, forgotten the many years of friendship I had with him. I can't force her if she doesn't want to remember me anymore.

“Ken, before leaving I had a chance to stop by your apartment and meet a mother who lives in front of your room. He said you went to Germany. I'm so worried we can't see each other again. Fortunately, it is precisely fate in our side to meet here,” said I started the conversation again.

“I told him to Japan, not to Germany.”

Ken was willing to respond, but remained with a cold attitude.

“Yes, maybe Mom heard wrong.” I breathed for a moment. “Ken, why is your attitude like not knowing me?” Ken was silent when I asked him that. “Hah?” I got carried away with the feeling of raising the tone of speech.

“Then, how should I behave?” answer with a question back.

“Do I have to explain I'm Dave?”

“I know.”

“You're acting like this pisses me off. So painful for me.” I can no longer suppress my emotions.

Suddenly Ken pulled over his speeding car suddenly. He almost hit a roadblock.

“Why?” She's staring. “Why be upset and hurt if this is what you want?”

My will? What does. “You mean?”

“Good, I'll try to remind you what was once your will.” He sighed for a moment. “Wouldn't it be the last time you saw me you asked me to forget you? Then, why is your attitude now as if saying I am wrong?” Ken's eyes are glazed. So right, that feeling was what he was holding back.

“I've already explained to you about that, right? I just need time to ¬me¬-manage everything first. I'm asking you to understand that, right, Ken?”

“And I understand. Keep on, what else?”

Ken lowered his head on the steering wheel of the car.

“Ken, at that time I was being carried away by emotions. Fay is pregnant. I don't want you to make a fuss with him. So...”

Ken interrupted my explanation. “I never meant to make a scene. If you want to blame me again. Fine, I'm sorry.” Ken lifted his head and looked at me. In his eyes there was water that he could no longer hold.

But I mean it's not like that either. I just want to explain Fay's sensitive condition because she is pregnant. I just wanted to tell Ken to be able to understand the situation back then.

“Ken, I still hope we are as friendly as we used to be.” That's the point I wanted to tell him.

“I never wanted this to happen. But, now I can live it.” Ken lowered his head.

“Do you really want to forget me?”

“Whatever makes you happy, I will. Even if it hurts me.”

Ken crying. Slowly I held his shoulder.

“Ken...” I tried to calm him down.

Ken took my hand off. He turned the car back on, then stepped on the gas. My eyes can't take my eyes off her. If he knew, my heart would be so sad to see him like this.