"Stunning," he said. It's him, with his annoying smile. I never get used to this type of flattery, but it's always nice to hear.
"Oh, hi. So, you are that Director Nam Jae-woo after all", showing him the program's pamphlet just to confirm.
"I am. I know we'll meet again; I just didn't expect to be this soon though. I hope your date won't mind if I asked for that raincheck tonight?" he looked towards our table, probably the date he is talking about is the professor.
"Raincheck?"
"The chat?" it seems like he's always smiling, and the more he smiles, the more I felt uneasy towards him. "I usually get bored with this kind of events you know, so I'm glad you're here", he confessed.
"A chat. Of course, you can seat with us then" I didn't intend to be inviting him on our table but my mouth act faster than my brain this time.
"Shall we?" He offered his elbow to escort me back at my table and Professor Kim was looking at us quite puzzled. He stood up when we reach the table.
"Director Nam Jae-woo? It's good to see you here." So, he knew him? But he looked at me even more curious, probably of how I know this man.
"Professor, it's been a long time." Yes, they knew each other.
"You knew each other?" Prof. Kim finally voice out his curiosity.
"We've met on the plane..." I said to dismiss any further conversation about me.
"We've met on the metro station…" he said. I looked at him, confused. Staring at him with eyes asking for an explanation.
"Metro station?"
"I know you didn't recognize me, that's why you're probably so distant and annoyed when we are on the plane. That explains why you're being dismissive towards me."
Professor Kim and I are just looking at him waiting to explain himself. He smiles, again.
"You bought me the ticket at the Kongen's Nytorv (sorry if I didn't pronounce it right) station probably because you were in a hurry and can't wait to hop on the next train and I can't figure out how many zones to buy.." while he was explaining, I tried to remember that incident and I can't quite put him into that subway situation.
"You are always in deep thought every time I meet you, just like that day on the station and again on the plane," he said.
"I remember you had a seminar in ITU last week right", confirmed Prof Kim. How well do these two knew each other is making me curious?
"Yes. I'm glad I went."
I'm still trying to remember how I met this annoying guy. I'm probably looking like a deer on the headlight right now, trying to figure out how to react. And, last week, was I too out there that I cannot even recognize this man? I remember now, but I can't really recognize him, although he seemed familiar from the beginning, but I was probably thinking he's a typical Korean celebrity or something. Plus, I was last week when I had a lot on my mind because of the custody hearing. Then it hit me…
"Friday, around 1pm. Some guy has been on the ticket machine and I can see that there were people on the line who seem to be annoyed. Danish people are always in a hurry and I am quite a friendly and kind person who can see when someone is having trouble. I asked that guy where he's heading and offered to buy him a ticket because we're heading the same way. You're that guy?" I have the tendency of narrating my thoughts when I'm trying to remember things, it's a habit of mind, especially when trying to remember important details, I 'm doing it by myself sometimes but now that I'm doing it in front of these two men, it makes me sound silly.
"I'm "that guy". I'm glad you remembered." He's amused and he smiled, maybe because the way I am referring to him as "that guy". Professor Kim chuckles and he seem to want to know how the story unfolds.
"What a coincidence then, so how did it go afterwards?" Professor Kim got so interested.
"I remembered the incident just not familiar with the person. I think I showed you how to go to ITU through KU, right? That's why I felt like you're too familiar, I just can't figure out why, now I know."
"It's a relief. I have been looking forward to seeing you since that day, but I have not had the luck from then. So, imagine my surprise when I boarded the same plane as you, and you just happen to be seating across my seat. Fate don't you think?" he's taunting me. And professor Kim seems to be enjoying this turn of event. I feel that this is unfolding into a romantic sob story, but I don't want to dwell on it.