Pauline strolled at the park with an ice cream on hand. It was Sunday in the afternoon and the weather was a mix of crisp autumn and summer. The leaves were already changing its color and the breeze was cooling already.
As she walked, she saw a familiar figure sitting alone in the bench. Even if he was hiding beneath his face mask and a hat, she knew immediately who he was.
Pauline sat beside him and looked at him. The man turned to look at her and his eyes immediately recognized her.
"I always saw you in this park, Min Teuk," she said.
Min Teuk pulled his face mask and smiled at her. "Miss Pauline."
She chuckled. "Is something bothering you again, Min Teuk?"
It was the second time she crossed paths with Lee Min Teuk here at the park. The last time was three years ago when Min Teuk had problems with his parents regarding his chosen path as an idol. She immediately knew that this park was his refuge whenever he felt bothered or distracted.
Min Teuk shook his head. "I just want to relax for the mean time. Being an idol exhausted me that much."
Pauline looked at him with sympathy in her eyes. Being an idol had so many lists to do to make every fan in the world be happy and pleased. Now that ASUS already gained recognition internationally, its members had to do twice their work than before. Flying from one country to another that made them exhausted and their bodies deteriorated when they performed extreme choreography on stage just for their fans. In return, their privacy as an individual became jeopardized. Fans tended to forget that ASUS members were also human beings who wanted to enjoy things they wanted to do in their lives.
"Do you regret it?" she asked.
Min Teuk gave her a hollowed smile. "Honestly, yes. There comes the time that I can hear my parents' voice, taunting me to leave the group. Though my parents already accepted my decision, I can still see the disappointment in their eyes and wishing me to leave ASUS. And as I reflected now, I wished I had to bring back the time and listened to my parents instead, not following my own voice."
"So, do you have plans on leaving the group?" Pauline asked hesitantly.
Min Teuk sighed and shook his head. "It's not the right time. I have to finish the contract before I can decide to move on my own."
Pauline was saddened at the thought of ASUS having a break up. Of course, time would come that all the members would decide to live on their own but it was too soon. ASUS had many opportunities to strive on.
Min Teuk looked at her and took her hands to his which took her by surprise.
"Thank you, Miss Pauline for not judging me," he gladly said.
Pauline just patted his back. "Anytime."
Min Teuk slowly let her hand go and stood. "I have to get going to the dorm."
She nodded. "Okay. See you tomorrow then."
Min Teuk just smiled at her and took off, leaving her alone in the bench.
Pauline was staring into space when an old couple walked pass in front of her and stopped. She blinked and looked at them in bewilderment.
"My dear, a handsome young man wanted to give you this letter," an elderly man said as he handed the letter to her.
She took it from his hand and smiled at them, "Thank you."
"That young man must be in love with you," an elderly woman beside him coaxed at her.
Pauline frowned. "How can you be so sure, Ma'am?"
"I can see the love glittered on his eyes as he looked at your direction. His look was so transfixed on yours like you're the only girl on his life."
Her eyes widened. "He was here?"
They both nodded.
"Where did you last seen him?"
The old man pointed his hand on a big tree. "That direction, my dear. The handsome man went to see us and relay this letter for you. We saw him walked in that direction and disappeared on the streets."
Her mouth went dry as she asked them. "You said he was handsome? You saw his face?"
They both smiled adoringly at her. "Of course, he's handsome and I think girls will run after him if you're going to reject such a deary young man. And I can see that he's a good man."
The couple's words brought happiness to Pauline's heart. And as she stared at the old couple, she could see the love radiating in their eyes despite the lines and wrinkles in their bodies.
I want that kind of love too.
After a while, the old couple bid their goodbye and left her again on a deserted bench. She looked down where his letter lie on her hands. She gently opened the letter and read.
Dear My Pauline,
I saw an old couple today. Their eyes showed naked love with each other and wondered how they could still be in love in such a golden years of their time together.
How I wish I can have that kind of love in the future.
As I stared at them, a thought came into me like thunder.
I can see myself spending the rest of my life with the woman I truly love.
And you already knew the name of that woman, my cherie.
:)
-Mr. Grim
Pauline brought the letter to her chest, unable to contain the feelings bottled up inside her.
*****