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- Story Listed as: Fiction For Teens
- Theme: Love stories / Romance
- Subject: Love / Romance / Dating
- Published: 06/16/2014
Tina looked up at the blue sky one more time before she hugged her best friend Andy tightly.
“Remember to keep in touch. Okay?”
She nodded while feeling the warmth of his chest.
“I have to go now…bye bye, I’ll call you when I arrive.”
He smiled. “Take care of your health and remember to call.”
Though Andy had confessed his feeling to her that he liked her more than a friend and he asked her to give him a chance to prove to her how much he loves and cares for her, somehow Andy knows that he has no chance at all, all of her heart still belongs to his best friend, Isaac (Dongwan). He sighed, but there is still a chance and he definitely takes it to be with her.
“I’m going to forget you completely Issac Kim! I hate you” Tina whispered to herself before the airplane takes off to Japan.
After she got a job offer in Japan, Tina decided to accepted it and start her new bright life in Japan with the intention to forget her foolish crush on Isaac, the man who she barely knows as a friend but who took her heart away so easily. She sighed and was lost in her own thoughts…a couple of hours passed before she even knew it.
“We are just about to touch down at Narita airport in about 10 minutes and we are running on time. The weather around Narita airport is cloudy and we are looking at an easy descent. Thank you for flying with us today.”
The captain’s speech echoed before the plane landing, awaking Tina up from her thought and looking out the plane window. yeah, she has arrived. She inhaled deeply the fresh air before exhaling it slowly with the bright smile on her face.
“Tina-Chan!!!” a soft and beautiful man voice called out her name. she looked for that voice and smiled, two tall men standing next to each other with a huge paper with her Name and Welcome message on it (Tina-Chan, welcome to Japan).
“Konnichiwa, Tina desu!” She bowed slightly to the two handsome men.
“Konnichiwa, I’m Sunggie, or you can call me Steve.” He said and bowed to her with the brightest smile she had ever seen. He is so tall compared to her petite body, she blushed a little. Why do they have to be so tall?
“And I’m Junghyuk, or you can call me Eric, well known as this man’s handsome big brother.” Tina chuckled and exchanged her glance with Sunggie, who was now staring at Eric.
“Don’t lie to Tina-Chan, I’m more handsome.” Sunggie whispered.
“I think both of you are handsome, no need to argue.”
“Arigato” Both the brothers echoed at the same time. She chuckled, she knew this was going to be fun living and working with this two brothers.
“Okay, let’s go.” Eric took the luggage from Tina and headed to his car while Sunggie and Tina were walking and chatting behind.
Tina had applied for store manager position in Eric and Sunggie’s father’s live-in-house-café shop in Nagano, which is a couple of hours from Tokyo by car. She was very happy once she received the call back from Mr. Wanami, she could not thank him enough for this opportunity to start her new life in Japan. In the car everyone is getting so comfortable while chatting non-stop about the café-shop, Japan and more. Sunggie’s voice surprised Tina, he had such a soft but strong voice, no wonder he is a son of the live-house café shop owner.
“Your voice is so amazing...Wanami-San.” After he finished singing (Just called to say I love you), Tina praised him. Sunggie raised his eyebrows when he heard how Tina addressed him.
“Don’t be so formal with us, like we said, just call our given names or English names.”
Tina nodded and slightly blushed; they are so friendly and easy going.
.................
FIRST LOVE
People always said first love is unforgettable, Tina couldn’t agree more on this. Why is it so difficult to forget? She faked a bright smile to the Wanami family and the café shop staff.
“Perhaps it’s time for me to introduce you to my little family.” Sunggie grinned.
“She is my mother, Yimaki-Wanami, and he is my father, Yoshita-Wanami, and here is Tina-Chan.”
“Konnichiwa” Tina bowed to the rest of Wanami’s family and café shop staff.
“Kaiwai ne!” Eric’s mother, Mrs. Wanami, patted Tina’s shoulder and gave her the brightest smile she has ever seen before.
“Arigato.” She bowed.
After introducing herself to the rest of the staff and Wanami’s family, Sunggie guided her to her room which was very cozy and beautiful. She had never expected the staff share house could be this lovely.
“See you at dinner time, Tina-chan.”
Tina watched the tall man leave. She smiled and jumped on the bed. It just felt so good; the bed was so soft and warm. Knowing Andy well enough that he is worried sick about her right now, she turned on her phone and called him immediately. Andy was more than happy to be able to talk to Tina and he grinned knowing that he is the first person Tina was thinking about once she arrived in Japan. They end the conversation once Eric knocked on the door asking her to join the dinner.
“Bye, Andy! I won’t be able to talk to you this week since this is the first week I start working here.”
Andy sighed sounding disappointed. “Even for 5 minutes? I just want to know you are doing well there.”
“Okay, only for you. I just want to concentrate on my work and explore nature here.”
“I’ll call you every evening then.”
*****
They have local Nagano foods together, it is very nice. Everyone enjoyed their foods and chatting together about this and that. Tina telling them about her life in Italy and they telling her about their life in Japan. She remained silent for a couple of minutes when they asked her about boyfriend. Tina, looking down into her plate before forming a small smile to them, said, “I don’t have boyfriend yet.”
“So does it mean our boys stand a chance?” Mrs. Wanami echoed and chuckled, Eric and Sunggie blush and look at their mischievous mother.
Tina chuckled softly and glanced to both of the Wanami brothers. “They would make good brothers to me.” She giggled and continued to eat all her foods.
While washing the dishes, Eric could see how tired Tina was becoming, and he exchanged a glance with Sunggie.
“Tina Chan, we can finish this, you can go get some rest.” With a slight and tired smile, Tina shook her head.
“Thanks, Wanami-san. We’re going to finish this together.” Sunggie sighed. Once again she was being formal with them.
“If we would make good brothers, wouldn’t it be better to call us Nii-Chan? Eric suggested while turning his head slightly to the young lady. “Ok, deal. From now on, you call us Nii-Chan.” Sunggie added.
Tina looked at them puzzled, she hadn’t agreed yet. Seeing their mischievous smiles, she nodded. “Okay. Nii-chan.”
“Good girl.”
After a shower, Tina spent the first night in Japan settled on her warm bed. Soon, Isaac appeared in her mind again…she reminded herself, she came here just to forget him, but her heart never listened to her. She took a deep breath as she watched the moonlight dance across her room.
“Please forget him…Tina…you can do it.” She whispered before she slowly closed her eyes. A single tear fell down her cheek. Maybe Andy was right, she and Isaac weren’t meant to be. Yeah, and here is her new beginning, forget completely about him and find her soul mate.
For some reason, she couldn’t even understand her heart; she just couldn’t imagine dating a guy that is not Isaac. Why does she only want and need him so bad like this? She knows if she dates Andy, he would protect her from harm, cherish her like she is a precious doll, but she just couldn’t imagine being with any other guy besides Isaac. She had to stop this, stop this freaking thought of hers, stop her pounding heart that always was only beating fast for him. She needs to find a new guy and move on with life.
*******
It took a moment for Tina to wake up from her cozy bed. It is her first day at work, she cannot be late. She grabbed a normal t-shirt and blue jeans and ran toward the bathroom. She yawned after freshening up. Eric and Sunggie who are just back from their morning jogging greet her.
“How was your sleep last night, Tina-Chan?” Tina was shocked at Eric’s soaking wet white t-shirt… she can see his abs clearly through his wet t-shirt. She blushed slightly, hopefully the two Wanami wouldn’t notice it.
“It was great Nii-Chan. I can’t wait to explore nature here.”
Sunggie smiled and yawned. Tina must admit that Sunggie looked really tried and sleepy, he wasn’t fresh like Eric at all.
“He doesn’t like work-outs or exercise. I had to kick his butt and wake him up. ”
“You, shut up. Don’t believe him Tina-Chan, I really like exercise, although feel a little bit lazy sometimes,” Sunggie said, staring at Eric while smiling brightly to Tina.
“All the times are more correct,” teased Eric.
Tina chuckled. She didn’t expect the two brothers could brighten her dull morning just like this.
Before she can reply to both of them, Mrs. Wanami’s voice called out her name. She stood at the kitchen nearby and smiled to both of her handsome sons. “Shower quickly, breakfast is ready, darlings.” Wanami brothers nodded before bickering over who can shower first, considering it just as the biggest problem in their lives.
Tina sighed and helped Mrs. Wanami set up the breakfast table.
‘’Did you tell him?” The older woman asked once they finished setting-up the table.
“I don’t understand, tell who and what?” Tina looked confused.
“Sorry, last night I was about to go to your room but was stopped because of your tears. I didn’t mean to…”
She was interrupt by Tina. “That’s fine, Mrs. Wanami. Thank you for taking care of me.” She said while looking into her lap. Mrs. Wanami patted Tina’s hand and smiled.
“You silly girl. If there is no one to take a first step...love won’t happen.” Tina was shocked and looked at the older woman deep into her eyes. “I don’t think he liked me the way I did him.”
Mrs. Wanami sighed. “The same as me and Eric’s father, nobody took the first step. but at the end god had his way to let us meet once again before we decided to choose another person in our life. For many reasons I couldn’t imagine what would have happened if we hadn’t met that day? I know I would have regretted it the rest of my life.”
Tina could feel her great-full tone, how much she hoped god would also prepare a plan for her and Isaac to meet again too, but she knew she just wished for something that could never happen. She hated how she always gave herself a hope to be with him. And for a moment Mrs. Wanami was right, she couldn’t imagine how her heart would ache feeling the regret of her decision in love.
“Ohiyo!” Mr. Wanami greets both women once he arrived at the table. Tina couldn’t help but admit both Wanami brothers really got the handsome gene from their handsome father.
“What are you girls talking about?” Mr. Wanami asked his wife curiously.
“Girls thing!” Mrs. Wanami replied playfully by making a mad face to her dear husband.
“It means boys just have to stay out of it, dad.” Eric, who won over Sunggie and finished his shower first, echoed before settling down on his seat next to Tina.
“Boys, you have your private bathrooms, why do you have to bicker over the bathroom?”
Eric smirked “Because my dear little brother just wants to sleep after exercise and yeah, you know about it mom, he is more than happy that he lost so he can sleep more.”
All of them laughed, including Tina. They started the breakfast after Sunggie finished his shower. It’s still early in the morning to open the café shop; Eric and Sunggie decide to go to the market with Tina so they can teach her about their inventories and suppliers.
“Tina, do you want to go hiking?”
Sunggie suggested as they walked to the market, Tina nodded very excited.
“Of course, Nii-Chan, you don’t know hiking is my dream.”
She always enjoyed the progress of achieving something and hiking was part of her dream but she never had a chance to go hiking when she was in Italy and Korea.
“How about this weekend? You will have a two day off per week. Remember?” Eric pointed out and Tina nodded.
“Aww…I’m so excited.”
“Let’s call Minwoo too, he really wants to go hiking. He asked me last time but I was always busy.” Eric told Sunggie and his little brother nodded.
“Minwoo is our cousin, don’t worry. He is very friendly. You will like him just the way you get along with us.” Sunggie explained once he noticed Tina’s confused face.
“Do you actually like someone Tina-chan?”
*********
KOREA:
Isaac looked up from his drink at his older brother’s words, already feeling uncomfortable that he brought this topic up.
“Did you reply to her message?”
“It doesn’t mean anything, bro.”
Actually Isaac felt a lot happier even though he felt really dull that day, just one single message from her made him shiver and smile brightly, but at one point he tried to remind himself, it’s just a normal message from a friend to ask him to Keep in touch, nothing more or nothing less.
“True love doesn’t come, you find it,” Ivan, Isaac’s older brother, tapped his younger brother’s shoulder before pouring himself a glass of whiskey.
Ivan was known for his playboy character and fearless personality while his little brother Isaac (Dongwan) had a completely opposite personality from the older man. Isaac has so much fear in his life from work to love, and he is very poor in friendship or even relationships unlike his brother Ivan who is an expert in relationships.
“Only two options you can choose bro, one is to let her go and the second is to go after her.”
Isaac sighed, he really hoped his brother wouldn’t bring up this topic again.
“I just don’t understand, is it really difficult just to send her your confession feeling through the internet?”
“Give me some time to think about it, what would happen if she doesn’t feel the same as I do? How can I face her when we meet again?”
“You have too many fears little brother.”
“Boys, lunch is ready.” Isaac felt relief when his mother’s voice echoed from downstairs; finally he can avoid this topic again.
Isaac and Ivan glanced at the lunch table, their grandfather and the rest of their family already settled in their seats waiting for them. Both of them walked over to the table and sat next to their grandfather.
“How was your date, Ivan?” The old man, who is considered as one of the wealthiest men in Korea, asks his eldest grandson. Although he is still healthy considering he is 88 years old this year, he can’t deny the fact that he is getting older and older each year. Now his only hope is not to earn more wealth but to see his grandson engaged or married to decent woman that they truly love is more than enough for him, but to disappointment, Ivan showed no sign of interest in serious relationships, while Isaac only focused on his work.
“It wasn’t that good grandpa.” Ivan answered coolly.
“I really hope one of you boys get married before my health get worse than this.”
“Father is still very strong, please don’t worry,” Isaac’s father smiled and tried to cheer his father up.
Ignoring his son’s statement, Mr. Kim turned to his other grand-son. “How about you? Isaac. I was wondering why u suddenly decided to come back to Korea, Do you actually like anyone in Italy?”
Isaac looked up from his plate and swallowed down a lump in his throat. Mrs. Kim looked at her son. As a mother she can tell and knew without a doubt her son is really in love, or perhaps heart-broken, but she just cannot get the answer directly from him. He always avoided answering her this question whenever she raised it.
“No...Grand-pa, I didn’t see anyone. I only want to concentrate on my work right now.” Isaac faked a smile uncomfortably to his grandpa.
The old man wasn’t stupid though, he could see through his grandson’s eyes, he was lying and as a grandfather he was going to find out what had happened in Italy and what was the reason that made Isaac decide to come back to Korea.
Kim Mansion: (Late evening)
“Ivan, I know you know about Isaac more than me. Just tell me what’s going on?”
Ivan immediately felt uncomfortable but once his grandfather looked deep into his eyes with serious expression he knew he had better spill out the truth this time.
“You’re right grand-pa. Isaac actually is in love with a girl he met when he was in Italy, but he is afraid of being a failure... ” Ivan is unsure how to go on, it’s such a complicated story. “He just feels like he doesn’t deserve her.”
“Does she like him?” His grandfather asked curiously, he already felt good once he heard Isaac actually was in love, to him Isaac is suitable to get married before Ivan, even though he is younger, because Ivan was never interested in such a serious relationship.
“I don’t know about them, grandpa. Would you believe that Isaac doesn’t want to keep in touch with her because he still feels a lot of fear and worthlessness.”
The old man shook his head and let out a heavy sigh, sometimes he even wondered how he could raise such two different personalities in brothers, one is too fearless and another one is too fearful.
“Who is she?”
“Tina-shi” Ivan barely whispered, he swears he can’t imagine what might happen if Isaac knows about this, although his little brother is such a fearful person but he is also has an anger management problem.
The old man was surprised at first but after that he smiled brightly before reaching for his tea and taking a sip. Ivan knew his grandfather is satisfied with the girl but he just couldn’t guess what is in his mind and what he is planning to do next.
“I just never expected Isaac to be really interested in a girl that I have had in mind for him since he was a teen.”
Ivan’s forehead scrunched up in confusion; did his grandfather really have girls in mind for them? Oh, no, how much he wished his destiny is not the same as Isaac’s, he swears he still wants to enjoy a life as a bachelor.
“And the girl I have in mind for you…”
“Wait grandpa” Ivan swallowed a lump in his throat. The old man sighed.
“You already upset her on your date.”
This statement brought a huge smile on Ivan’s face.
“I know that look, don’t be too happy. After I solve Isaac’s problem it will be your turn very soon.” The old man pointed out. Ivan sighed.
“I shouldn’t have told you all of this…” Ivan whispered, but his grandfather caught it.
“I’ll give you 4 more years as a bachelor if you can set up the two of them to be engaged or married in the next two years.” Ivan looked up at the old man for his suggestion to make sure he was serious about it.
“5 years please, I’m still young.”
“But I’m getting older, it makes no sense you are still young or not.”
His grand-father always got his way and he knew it.
“Ok! Deal, you always get your way, grandpa.” The old man smiled.
.........................................
“Katie is here, Isaac.”
Isaac nodded and sighed before he stepped out of his room, but he was a little bit late, Katie was even faster and already standing there in front of him.
“I know you’re missing me right?” Isaac says nothing but returns with a weak smile. Katie was his high-school classmate who is by chance one of the best friends of Ivan’s ex-girlfriend. Katie insisted to go shopping with Isaac while Isaac cannot refuse, Katie is one of his close friends and here she is dragging him out of the house.
“Isaac!! Grandpa has an old friend in Japan and would like you to be there, to pay him a visit by tomorrow. You have to stay there for a month.”
Ivan, who is still focused on his magazine didn’t realize that Isaac wasn’t standing there alone but with the girl who he acknowledged wanted to be his sister in law. everyone can see that but Isaac who cannot feel Katie’s intention. He mentally slapped himself before turning to the younger man.
“Here is the air-ticket,” Ivan said and placed the air-ticket on the café table. He doesn’t feel good when Katie is around and she also heard where Isaac had to go. he can 100% guarantee this girl will insist on going together with his little brother. He wonders, is this plan gonna work?
“But why me bro?”
“I’m very busy with my work and our parents have to look after the business.”
“I wouldn’t mind to travel but this is too rushed and I haven’t prepared anything, for god-sake I will be there for a month.” Isaac grabbed the air ticket and sighed.
“It would be good if I go there together with you Isaac, you wouldn’t be bored.” Katie echoed excitedly.
Ivan turned to the sound, his plan wouldn’t work with Katie around. “No, Katie. Our grandpa’s friend only needs Isaac to be there.”
“But I’m his…”
“Even his wife wouldn’t be allowed, and now you are not even his girlfriend. Okay?” Ivan tried to be serious.
Katie sighed and bit her lip tightly. Well, she will find her way to be there, no matter what.
“Okay bro. Sorry Katie, I need to get packed now. Flight is early in the morning tomorrow.”
Before Katie can say anything, Isaac turned to go back to his room upstairs.
“Bye beauty.” Ivan waved goodbye with the smile as a winner and followed his little brother behind.
……………………………………..
JAPAN:
Isaac has no idea he is in the trap of his brother and grandpa and most importantly he also has no idea Tina is also in Japan.
He has arrived at the Narita airport and decided to take the bullet train to Nagano immediately. From what Ivan has told him, the old friend of his grandfather was one of oldest mEn who took care of him when he was a kid but he doesn’t remember anything at all.
Arrived at the train-station, he slides his IPhone and calls to the number that Ivan gave him yesterday. An old man tapped his shoulder when the phone connected; he quickly bowed as he realized he might be his grandfather’s friend.
“You’re Kim Dongwan right?” The old man asked and Isaac quickly bowed and nodded.
“Yes, I’m Dongwan, or Isaac, the grandson of Mr. Kim. You must be Mr. Nisikado right? ”
The old man nodded with a warm smile. “You’ve really grown handsomely.”
Isaac returned the smile to the old man. The conversation continued on and on before they arrived at the traditional Japanese house. Isaac couldn’t deny since he was born this is the most beautiful Japanese traditional house he has ever seen, very well designed and cozy.
“Come inside, Isaac.”
“Oh, sorry. The house is really fantastic.”
“My wife and I have designed this house together.” The old man stated and smiled proudly.
Isaac still can’t take his eyes from the house interior, usually he is not interested in traditional house at all but this house is really impressive.
“Your wife must be really talented.”
The old man nodded and smiled before looking at the painting that hung on the wall. Isaac followed his eyes and also stopped at the interesting painting.
“But her life was too short, she passed away shortly after we got married.”
Isaac can feel the sadness in Mr. Nishikado’s tone. The house is very well-designed but too grand with only one person.
“My daughter got married and moved to Tokyo with her husband for her job. Although I love her, I cannot deny it would be great if she could be here with me. I love her and her mother so much.”
The young man smiled and said softly, “You have me here, Mr. Nishikado. I feel bad that my grandpa didn’t ask me to be here earlier? The house is very fantastic and you’re such a great man.”
After the conversation, Mr. Nishikado had shown Isaac his bedroom and the young man quickly jumped into the hot shower while the older man ordered Udon from the neighborhood café shop.
With the towel wrapped around his waist, the young man stepped out of the toilet.
“I’m going to take a quick shower, after that we can take hot Udon together. In 5 minutes there will be delivery, can you take it?”
“Of course, Mr. Nishikado, count on me.”
“Call me, grandpa.”
Isaac smiled and felt so comfortable around the old man. “Yes, grandpa.”
Once Mr. Nishikado had gone to the toilet, Isaac turned to his suitcase finding his T-shirt but before he can grab anything, the bell started to ring. He sighed, walked toward the door and opened it.
Tina stood still while Isaac froze at the door. This could not be Tina; she was supposed to be in Italy, wasn’t she? Yet, she is standing here in front him, she looked even more beautiful than the last time he saw her.
“Here is the Udon, please tell Mr. Nishikado that, Arigato.”
The girl quickly handed him two big plates of Udon before walking back to the café shop. She still couldn’t believe her eyes. He was there standing in front of her just now. Was she dreaming? “No, he is not him! Tina! You’re crazy! How can Isaac stand in front of you, he is supposed to be in Seoul!”
“Wait!”
Tina swallowed the lump in her throat. He was speaking Korean! She sped out and ran but he was faster. He grabbed her shoulder from behind, trying to be gentle.
“Tina!” He whispered, but she still did not turn to face him, he was still facing her back. “Why are you running away from me?” Isaac successfully turns her to face him. When his eyes met hers, he saw it. The tears in her eyes, is he hurting her?
“Let me go.” She whispered back and took his hand that he had placed on her shoulder away.
“No, what’s happened? Why are you crying? Tell me!” Isaac can win a championship of being stupid sometimes.
“Why do I need to tell you? You’re not even my friend now. Sorry, I have to go back to my work.”
"You are not even my friend now" her voice still echoed in his mind although he tried to erase it away. Isaac sighed and looked at the painting that hung on the wall once again. The painting was about a time machine.
"You cannot buy time even when you are a billionaire. If you don't enjoy or grab this moment it will become a memory." Mr Nishikado stated and put his hand on the younger mans shoulders.
“Your heart and hers are already connected, but you always use your brain to refuse it. Go for it. Don't betray your heart anymore. "
Isaac glanced at the painting one more time before he nodded. “You're right! Thanks grandpa. I won't let her go again."
The young man grabbed his jacket and ran toward the neighborhood Cafe shop, the place where he missed his heart.
"Konnichiwa, I'm sorry , can I meet Tina?"
"You're too late, she is at the train station now ready to go back to Italy in this evening." Eric said, he doesn't like Isaac at all, he is the only reason that Tina had to go back.
Isaac was speechless and swallowed the lump in his throat. He just let her go again and this might be his last chance.
"If you're still standing here, you will be late for the train station to Tokyo," Eric's father echoed and threw his car key toward the young man.
10 minutes later Isaac arrived at the train station. He searched everywhere but Tina was nowhere to be found. He sighed and hit the wall nearby.
"Is it hurt? STUPID!" A familiar voice whispered.
The young man turned to the sound, a huge smile formed on her face. Without saying a word, Isaac grabbed the young girl and kissed her passionately.
"I won't let you go ever again. My first and only one love."
Tina smiled and returned the kiss. Money cannot buy time and love.
My First Love(Kos)
Tina looked up at the blue sky one more time before she hugged her best friend Andy tightly.
“Remember to keep in touch. Okay?”
She nodded while feeling the warmth of his chest.
“I have to go now…bye bye, I’ll call you when I arrive.”
He smiled. “Take care of your health and remember to call.”
Though Andy had confessed his feeling to her that he liked her more than a friend and he asked her to give him a chance to prove to her how much he loves and cares for her, somehow Andy knows that he has no chance at all, all of her heart still belongs to his best friend, Isaac (Dongwan). He sighed, but there is still a chance and he definitely takes it to be with her.
“I’m going to forget you completely Issac Kim! I hate you” Tina whispered to herself before the airplane takes off to Japan.
After she got a job offer in Japan, Tina decided to accepted it and start her new bright life in Japan with the intention to forget her foolish crush on Isaac, the man who she barely knows as a friend but who took her heart away so easily. She sighed and was lost in her own thoughts…a couple of hours passed before she even knew it.
“We are just about to touch down at Narita airport in about 10 minutes and we are running on time. The weather around Narita airport is cloudy and we are looking at an easy descent. Thank you for flying with us today.”
The captain’s speech echoed before the plane landing, awaking Tina up from her thought and looking out the plane window. yeah, she has arrived. She inhaled deeply the fresh air before exhaling it slowly with the bright smile on her face.
“Tina-Chan!!!” a soft and beautiful man voice called out her name. she looked for that voice and smiled, two tall men standing next to each other with a huge paper with her Name and Welcome message on it (Tina-Chan, welcome to Japan).
“Konnichiwa, Tina desu!” She bowed slightly to the two handsome men.
“Konnichiwa, I’m Sunggie, or you can call me Steve.” He said and bowed to her with the brightest smile she had ever seen. He is so tall compared to her petite body, she blushed a little. Why do they have to be so tall?
“And I’m Junghyuk, or you can call me Eric, well known as this man’s handsome big brother.” Tina chuckled and exchanged her glance with Sunggie, who was now staring at Eric.
“Don’t lie to Tina-Chan, I’m more handsome.” Sunggie whispered.
“I think both of you are handsome, no need to argue.”
“Arigato” Both the brothers echoed at the same time. She chuckled, she knew this was going to be fun living and working with this two brothers.
“Okay, let’s go.” Eric took the luggage from Tina and headed to his car while Sunggie and Tina were walking and chatting behind.
Tina had applied for store manager position in Eric and Sunggie’s father’s live-in-house-café shop in Nagano, which is a couple of hours from Tokyo by car. She was very happy once she received the call back from Mr. Wanami, she could not thank him enough for this opportunity to start her new life in Japan. In the car everyone is getting so comfortable while chatting non-stop about the café-shop, Japan and more. Sunggie’s voice surprised Tina, he had such a soft but strong voice, no wonder he is a son of the live-house café shop owner.
“Your voice is so amazing...Wanami-San.” After he finished singing (Just called to say I love you), Tina praised him. Sunggie raised his eyebrows when he heard how Tina addressed him.
“Don’t be so formal with us, like we said, just call our given names or English names.”
Tina nodded and slightly blushed; they are so friendly and easy going.
.................
FIRST LOVE
People always said first love is unforgettable, Tina couldn’t agree more on this. Why is it so difficult to forget? She faked a bright smile to the Wanami family and the café shop staff.
“Perhaps it’s time for me to introduce you to my little family.” Sunggie grinned.
“She is my mother, Yimaki-Wanami, and he is my father, Yoshita-Wanami, and here is Tina-Chan.”
“Konnichiwa” Tina bowed to the rest of Wanami’s family and café shop staff.
“Kaiwai ne!” Eric’s mother, Mrs. Wanami, patted Tina’s shoulder and gave her the brightest smile she has ever seen before.
“Arigato.” She bowed.
After introducing herself to the rest of the staff and Wanami’s family, Sunggie guided her to her room which was very cozy and beautiful. She had never expected the staff share house could be this lovely.
“See you at dinner time, Tina-chan.”
Tina watched the tall man leave. She smiled and jumped on the bed. It just felt so good; the bed was so soft and warm. Knowing Andy well enough that he is worried sick about her right now, she turned on her phone and called him immediately. Andy was more than happy to be able to talk to Tina and he grinned knowing that he is the first person Tina was thinking about once she arrived in Japan. They end the conversation once Eric knocked on the door asking her to join the dinner.
“Bye, Andy! I won’t be able to talk to you this week since this is the first week I start working here.”
Andy sighed sounding disappointed. “Even for 5 minutes? I just want to know you are doing well there.”
“Okay, only for you. I just want to concentrate on my work and explore nature here.”
“I’ll call you every evening then.”
*****
They have local Nagano foods together, it is very nice. Everyone enjoyed their foods and chatting together about this and that. Tina telling them about her life in Italy and they telling her about their life in Japan. She remained silent for a couple of minutes when they asked her about boyfriend. Tina, looking down into her plate before forming a small smile to them, said, “I don’t have boyfriend yet.”
“So does it mean our boys stand a chance?” Mrs. Wanami echoed and chuckled, Eric and Sunggie blush and look at their mischievous mother.
Tina chuckled softly and glanced to both of the Wanami brothers. “They would make good brothers to me.” She giggled and continued to eat all her foods.
While washing the dishes, Eric could see how tired Tina was becoming, and he exchanged a glance with Sunggie.
“Tina Chan, we can finish this, you can go get some rest.” With a slight and tired smile, Tina shook her head.
“Thanks, Wanami-san. We’re going to finish this together.” Sunggie sighed. Once again she was being formal with them.
“If we would make good brothers, wouldn’t it be better to call us Nii-Chan? Eric suggested while turning his head slightly to the young lady. “Ok, deal. From now on, you call us Nii-Chan.” Sunggie added.
Tina looked at them puzzled, she hadn’t agreed yet. Seeing their mischievous smiles, she nodded. “Okay. Nii-chan.”
“Good girl.”
After a shower, Tina spent the first night in Japan settled on her warm bed. Soon, Isaac appeared in her mind again…she reminded herself, she came here just to forget him, but her heart never listened to her. She took a deep breath as she watched the moonlight dance across her room.
“Please forget him…Tina…you can do it.” She whispered before she slowly closed her eyes. A single tear fell down her cheek. Maybe Andy was right, she and Isaac weren’t meant to be. Yeah, and here is her new beginning, forget completely about him and find her soul mate.
For some reason, she couldn’t even understand her heart; she just couldn’t imagine dating a guy that is not Isaac. Why does she only want and need him so bad like this? She knows if she dates Andy, he would protect her from harm, cherish her like she is a precious doll, but she just couldn’t imagine being with any other guy besides Isaac. She had to stop this, stop this freaking thought of hers, stop her pounding heart that always was only beating fast for him. She needs to find a new guy and move on with life.
*******
It took a moment for Tina to wake up from her cozy bed. It is her first day at work, she cannot be late. She grabbed a normal t-shirt and blue jeans and ran toward the bathroom. She yawned after freshening up. Eric and Sunggie who are just back from their morning jogging greet her.
“How was your sleep last night, Tina-Chan?” Tina was shocked at Eric’s soaking wet white t-shirt… she can see his abs clearly through his wet t-shirt. She blushed slightly, hopefully the two Wanami wouldn’t notice it.
“It was great Nii-Chan. I can’t wait to explore nature here.”
Sunggie smiled and yawned. Tina must admit that Sunggie looked really tried and sleepy, he wasn’t fresh like Eric at all.
“He doesn’t like work-outs or exercise. I had to kick his butt and wake him up. ”
“You, shut up. Don’t believe him Tina-Chan, I really like exercise, although feel a little bit lazy sometimes,” Sunggie said, staring at Eric while smiling brightly to Tina.
“All the times are more correct,” teased Eric.
Tina chuckled. She didn’t expect the two brothers could brighten her dull morning just like this.
Before she can reply to both of them, Mrs. Wanami’s voice called out her name. She stood at the kitchen nearby and smiled to both of her handsome sons. “Shower quickly, breakfast is ready, darlings.” Wanami brothers nodded before bickering over who can shower first, considering it just as the biggest problem in their lives.
Tina sighed and helped Mrs. Wanami set up the breakfast table.
‘’Did you tell him?” The older woman asked once they finished setting-up the table.
“I don’t understand, tell who and what?” Tina looked confused.
“Sorry, last night I was about to go to your room but was stopped because of your tears. I didn’t mean to…”
She was interrupt by Tina. “That’s fine, Mrs. Wanami. Thank you for taking care of me.” She said while looking into her lap. Mrs. Wanami patted Tina’s hand and smiled.
“You silly girl. If there is no one to take a first step...love won’t happen.” Tina was shocked and looked at the older woman deep into her eyes. “I don’t think he liked me the way I did him.”
Mrs. Wanami sighed. “The same as me and Eric’s father, nobody took the first step. but at the end god had his way to let us meet once again before we decided to choose another person in our life. For many reasons I couldn’t imagine what would have happened if we hadn’t met that day? I know I would have regretted it the rest of my life.”
Tina could feel her great-full tone, how much she hoped god would also prepare a plan for her and Isaac to meet again too, but she knew she just wished for something that could never happen. She hated how she always gave herself a hope to be with him. And for a moment Mrs. Wanami was right, she couldn’t imagine how her heart would ache feeling the regret of her decision in love.
“Ohiyo!” Mr. Wanami greets both women once he arrived at the table. Tina couldn’t help but admit both Wanami brothers really got the handsome gene from their handsome father.
“What are you girls talking about?” Mr. Wanami asked his wife curiously.
“Girls thing!” Mrs. Wanami replied playfully by making a mad face to her dear husband.
“It means boys just have to stay out of it, dad.” Eric, who won over Sunggie and finished his shower first, echoed before settling down on his seat next to Tina.
“Boys, you have your private bathrooms, why do you have to bicker over the bathroom?”
Eric smirked “Because my dear little brother just wants to sleep after exercise and yeah, you know about it mom, he is more than happy that he lost so he can sleep more.”
All of them laughed, including Tina. They started the breakfast after Sunggie finished his shower. It’s still early in the morning to open the café shop; Eric and Sunggie decide to go to the market with Tina so they can teach her about their inventories and suppliers.
“Tina, do you want to go hiking?”
Sunggie suggested as they walked to the market, Tina nodded very excited.
“Of course, Nii-Chan, you don’t know hiking is my dream.”
She always enjoyed the progress of achieving something and hiking was part of her dream but she never had a chance to go hiking when she was in Italy and Korea.
“How about this weekend? You will have a two day off per week. Remember?” Eric pointed out and Tina nodded.
“Aww…I’m so excited.”
“Let’s call Minwoo too, he really wants to go hiking. He asked me last time but I was always busy.” Eric told Sunggie and his little brother nodded.
“Minwoo is our cousin, don’t worry. He is very friendly. You will like him just the way you get along with us.” Sunggie explained once he noticed Tina’s confused face.
“Do you actually like someone Tina-chan?”
*********
KOREA:
Isaac looked up from his drink at his older brother’s words, already feeling uncomfortable that he brought this topic up.
“Did you reply to her message?”
“It doesn’t mean anything, bro.”
Actually Isaac felt a lot happier even though he felt really dull that day, just one single message from her made him shiver and smile brightly, but at one point he tried to remind himself, it’s just a normal message from a friend to ask him to Keep in touch, nothing more or nothing less.
“True love doesn’t come, you find it,” Ivan, Isaac’s older brother, tapped his younger brother’s shoulder before pouring himself a glass of whiskey.
Ivan was known for his playboy character and fearless personality while his little brother Isaac (Dongwan) had a completely opposite personality from the older man. Isaac has so much fear in his life from work to love, and he is very poor in friendship or even relationships unlike his brother Ivan who is an expert in relationships.
“Only two options you can choose bro, one is to let her go and the second is to go after her.”
Isaac sighed, he really hoped his brother wouldn’t bring up this topic again.
“I just don’t understand, is it really difficult just to send her your confession feeling through the internet?”
“Give me some time to think about it, what would happen if she doesn’t feel the same as I do? How can I face her when we meet again?”
“You have too many fears little brother.”
“Boys, lunch is ready.” Isaac felt relief when his mother’s voice echoed from downstairs; finally he can avoid this topic again.
Isaac and Ivan glanced at the lunch table, their grandfather and the rest of their family already settled in their seats waiting for them. Both of them walked over to the table and sat next to their grandfather.
“How was your date, Ivan?” The old man, who is considered as one of the wealthiest men in Korea, asks his eldest grandson. Although he is still healthy considering he is 88 years old this year, he can’t deny the fact that he is getting older and older each year. Now his only hope is not to earn more wealth but to see his grandson engaged or married to decent woman that they truly love is more than enough for him, but to disappointment, Ivan showed no sign of interest in serious relationships, while Isaac only focused on his work.
“It wasn’t that good grandpa.” Ivan answered coolly.
“I really hope one of you boys get married before my health get worse than this.”
“Father is still very strong, please don’t worry,” Isaac’s father smiled and tried to cheer his father up.
Ignoring his son’s statement, Mr. Kim turned to his other grand-son. “How about you? Isaac. I was wondering why u suddenly decided to come back to Korea, Do you actually like anyone in Italy?”
Isaac looked up from his plate and swallowed down a lump in his throat. Mrs. Kim looked at her son. As a mother she can tell and knew without a doubt her son is really in love, or perhaps heart-broken, but she just cannot get the answer directly from him. He always avoided answering her this question whenever she raised it.
“No...Grand-pa, I didn’t see anyone. I only want to concentrate on my work right now.” Isaac faked a smile uncomfortably to his grandpa.
The old man wasn’t stupid though, he could see through his grandson’s eyes, he was lying and as a grandfather he was going to find out what had happened in Italy and what was the reason that made Isaac decide to come back to Korea.
Kim Mansion: (Late evening)
“Ivan, I know you know about Isaac more than me. Just tell me what’s going on?”
Ivan immediately felt uncomfortable but once his grandfather looked deep into his eyes with serious expression he knew he had better spill out the truth this time.
“You’re right grand-pa. Isaac actually is in love with a girl he met when he was in Italy, but he is afraid of being a failure... ” Ivan is unsure how to go on, it’s such a complicated story. “He just feels like he doesn’t deserve her.”
“Does she like him?” His grandfather asked curiously, he already felt good once he heard Isaac actually was in love, to him Isaac is suitable to get married before Ivan, even though he is younger, because Ivan was never interested in such a serious relationship.
“I don’t know about them, grandpa. Would you believe that Isaac doesn’t want to keep in touch with her because he still feels a lot of fear and worthlessness.”
The old man shook his head and let out a heavy sigh, sometimes he even wondered how he could raise such two different personalities in brothers, one is too fearless and another one is too fearful.
“Who is she?”
“Tina-shi” Ivan barely whispered, he swears he can’t imagine what might happen if Isaac knows about this, although his little brother is such a fearful person but he is also has an anger management problem.
The old man was surprised at first but after that he smiled brightly before reaching for his tea and taking a sip. Ivan knew his grandfather is satisfied with the girl but he just couldn’t guess what is in his mind and what he is planning to do next.
“I just never expected Isaac to be really interested in a girl that I have had in mind for him since he was a teen.”
Ivan’s forehead scrunched up in confusion; did his grandfather really have girls in mind for them? Oh, no, how much he wished his destiny is not the same as Isaac’s, he swears he still wants to enjoy a life as a bachelor.
“And the girl I have in mind for you…”
“Wait grandpa” Ivan swallowed a lump in his throat. The old man sighed.
“You already upset her on your date.”
This statement brought a huge smile on Ivan’s face.
“I know that look, don’t be too happy. After I solve Isaac’s problem it will be your turn very soon.” The old man pointed out. Ivan sighed.
“I shouldn’t have told you all of this…” Ivan whispered, but his grandfather caught it.
“I’ll give you 4 more years as a bachelor if you can set up the two of them to be engaged or married in the next two years.” Ivan looked up at the old man for his suggestion to make sure he was serious about it.
“5 years please, I’m still young.”
“But I’m getting older, it makes no sense you are still young or not.”
His grand-father always got his way and he knew it.
“Ok! Deal, you always get your way, grandpa.” The old man smiled.
.........................................
“Katie is here, Isaac.”
Isaac nodded and sighed before he stepped out of his room, but he was a little bit late, Katie was even faster and already standing there in front of him.
“I know you’re missing me right?” Isaac says nothing but returns with a weak smile. Katie was his high-school classmate who is by chance one of the best friends of Ivan’s ex-girlfriend. Katie insisted to go shopping with Isaac while Isaac cannot refuse, Katie is one of his close friends and here she is dragging him out of the house.
“Isaac!! Grandpa has an old friend in Japan and would like you to be there, to pay him a visit by tomorrow. You have to stay there for a month.”
Ivan, who is still focused on his magazine didn’t realize that Isaac wasn’t standing there alone but with the girl who he acknowledged wanted to be his sister in law. everyone can see that but Isaac who cannot feel Katie’s intention. He mentally slapped himself before turning to the younger man.
“Here is the air-ticket,” Ivan said and placed the air-ticket on the café table. He doesn’t feel good when Katie is around and she also heard where Isaac had to go. he can 100% guarantee this girl will insist on going together with his little brother. He wonders, is this plan gonna work?
“But why me bro?”
“I’m very busy with my work and our parents have to look after the business.”
“I wouldn’t mind to travel but this is too rushed and I haven’t prepared anything, for god-sake I will be there for a month.” Isaac grabbed the air ticket and sighed.
“It would be good if I go there together with you Isaac, you wouldn’t be bored.” Katie echoed excitedly.
Ivan turned to the sound, his plan wouldn’t work with Katie around. “No, Katie. Our grandpa’s friend only needs Isaac to be there.”
“But I’m his…”
“Even his wife wouldn’t be allowed, and now you are not even his girlfriend. Okay?” Ivan tried to be serious.
Katie sighed and bit her lip tightly. Well, she will find her way to be there, no matter what.
“Okay bro. Sorry Katie, I need to get packed now. Flight is early in the morning tomorrow.”
Before Katie can say anything, Isaac turned to go back to his room upstairs.
“Bye beauty.” Ivan waved goodbye with the smile as a winner and followed his little brother behind.
……………………………………..
JAPAN:
Isaac has no idea he is in the trap of his brother and grandpa and most importantly he also has no idea Tina is also in Japan.
He has arrived at the Narita airport and decided to take the bullet train to Nagano immediately. From what Ivan has told him, the old friend of his grandfather was one of oldest mEn who took care of him when he was a kid but he doesn’t remember anything at all.
Arrived at the train-station, he slides his IPhone and calls to the number that Ivan gave him yesterday. An old man tapped his shoulder when the phone connected; he quickly bowed as he realized he might be his grandfather’s friend.
“You’re Kim Dongwan right?” The old man asked and Isaac quickly bowed and nodded.
“Yes, I’m Dongwan, or Isaac, the grandson of Mr. Kim. You must be Mr. Nisikado right? ”
The old man nodded with a warm smile. “You’ve really grown handsomely.”
Isaac returned the smile to the old man. The conversation continued on and on before they arrived at the traditional Japanese house. Isaac couldn’t deny since he was born this is the most beautiful Japanese traditional house he has ever seen, very well designed and cozy.
“Come inside, Isaac.”
“Oh, sorry. The house is really fantastic.”
“My wife and I have designed this house together.” The old man stated and smiled proudly.
Isaac still can’t take his eyes from the house interior, usually he is not interested in traditional house at all but this house is really impressive.
“Your wife must be really talented.”
The old man nodded and smiled before looking at the painting that hung on the wall. Isaac followed his eyes and also stopped at the interesting painting.
“But her life was too short, she passed away shortly after we got married.”
Isaac can feel the sadness in Mr. Nishikado’s tone. The house is very well-designed but too grand with only one person.
“My daughter got married and moved to Tokyo with her husband for her job. Although I love her, I cannot deny it would be great if she could be here with me. I love her and her mother so much.”
The young man smiled and said softly, “You have me here, Mr. Nishikado. I feel bad that my grandpa didn’t ask me to be here earlier? The house is very fantastic and you’re such a great man.”
After the conversation, Mr. Nishikado had shown Isaac his bedroom and the young man quickly jumped into the hot shower while the older man ordered Udon from the neighborhood café shop.
With the towel wrapped around his waist, the young man stepped out of the toilet.
“I’m going to take a quick shower, after that we can take hot Udon together. In 5 minutes there will be delivery, can you take it?”
“Of course, Mr. Nishikado, count on me.”
“Call me, grandpa.”
Isaac smiled and felt so comfortable around the old man. “Yes, grandpa.”
Once Mr. Nishikado had gone to the toilet, Isaac turned to his suitcase finding his T-shirt but before he can grab anything, the bell started to ring. He sighed, walked toward the door and opened it.
Tina stood still while Isaac froze at the door. This could not be Tina; she was supposed to be in Italy, wasn’t she? Yet, she is standing here in front him, she looked even more beautiful than the last time he saw her.
“Here is the Udon, please tell Mr. Nishikado that, Arigato.”
The girl quickly handed him two big plates of Udon before walking back to the café shop. She still couldn’t believe her eyes. He was there standing in front of her just now. Was she dreaming? “No, he is not him! Tina! You’re crazy! How can Isaac stand in front of you, he is supposed to be in Seoul!”
“Wait!”
Tina swallowed the lump in her throat. He was speaking Korean! She sped out and ran but he was faster. He grabbed her shoulder from behind, trying to be gentle.
“Tina!” He whispered, but she still did not turn to face him, he was still facing her back. “Why are you running away from me?” Isaac successfully turns her to face him. When his eyes met hers, he saw it. The tears in her eyes, is he hurting her?
“Let me go.” She whispered back and took his hand that he had placed on her shoulder away.
“No, what’s happened? Why are you crying? Tell me!” Isaac can win a championship of being stupid sometimes.
“Why do I need to tell you? You’re not even my friend now. Sorry, I have to go back to my work.”
"You are not even my friend now" her voice still echoed in his mind although he tried to erase it away. Isaac sighed and looked at the painting that hung on the wall once again. The painting was about a time machine.
"You cannot buy time even when you are a billionaire. If you don't enjoy or grab this moment it will become a memory." Mr Nishikado stated and put his hand on the younger mans shoulders.
“Your heart and hers are already connected, but you always use your brain to refuse it. Go for it. Don't betray your heart anymore. "
Isaac glanced at the painting one more time before he nodded. “You're right! Thanks grandpa. I won't let her go again."
The young man grabbed his jacket and ran toward the neighborhood Cafe shop, the place where he missed his heart.
"Konnichiwa, I'm sorry , can I meet Tina?"
"You're too late, she is at the train station now ready to go back to Italy in this evening." Eric said, he doesn't like Isaac at all, he is the only reason that Tina had to go back.
Isaac was speechless and swallowed the lump in his throat. He just let her go again and this might be his last chance.
"If you're still standing here, you will be late for the train station to Tokyo," Eric's father echoed and threw his car key toward the young man.
10 minutes later Isaac arrived at the train station. He searched everywhere but Tina was nowhere to be found. He sighed and hit the wall nearby.
"Is it hurt? STUPID!" A familiar voice whispered.
The young man turned to the sound, a huge smile formed on her face. Without saying a word, Isaac grabbed the young girl and kissed her passionately.
"I won't let you go ever again. My first and only one love."
Tina smiled and returned the kiss. Money cannot buy time and love.
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