On Finding Chance

Part 2 - Chapter 21

My heart is jumping up and down. I can feel my cheeks turning red. My brain is having a hard time processing. Dylan's fingers are intertwined with mine. I doubt he has any intention of letting go after my near death experience a while ago. We arrived at the Korean restaurant which has a sign that spells "Bulgogi". The space is only enough for around 30 people. Chairs and tables are all made from wood. The walls are painted in pastel colors and decorated with K-pop and K-drama merchandise. It may be small but it is definitely cozy. The temperature is a bit hotter here. My hands are starting to produce more sweat. I try to untangle it from his grip but he keeps on holding. We sit in a corner near the kitchen and finally he lets go of my now dripping-with-sweat hand. A waiter comes with the menu. My mind cannot decide which one to order because everything looks delicious. In the end, Dylan picks our dinner and goes to the washroom. I survey the wall beside me and smile. It is like a personal wall dedicated to all my biases - Super Junior, G-Dragon, Seung Gi, Hyorin, Shin Hye, CN Blue, Reply 1997, King 2 Hearts, Secret Garden and in midst of all these, a polaroid picture of me in Lotte World. WAIT. This is MY wall.

"I see you found your picture" Dylan blurts out. "This place is my cousin's. You know her but I'll get to the details later. It is your turn to answer questions."

"Huh?" I protest.

I suddenly remember why the car almost hit me. He said his girlfriend knows about our dinner. Girlfriend!!! So, why on earth did he hold my hand and kiss me????? Ugh! He is such a player!!!! I am definitely not falling for him. Never!!!! That kiss was nothing. I should forget about it. Right! IT WAS NOTHING!

"Madie, are you alright?", interrupts Dylan.

"Uh. Yes. Why won't I be? I am great. This is great. Are you great?"

He smiles a little and shakes his head as if I mentioned something silly. Wait, did I?

"Anyway, it's my turn to ask.", he says.

"Ask away", I retort.

For a minute, he does not speak. His expression quickly changes to someone in a life and death situation. He tries to calm himself down by drinking a full glass of water. He takes a deep breath and says, "I'll get straight to the point. Do you think there is a chance for you to fall in love with me again?"

I am waiting for the punchline. 3. 2. 1. Is he serious? He just admitted to having a girlfriend and now he wants to know if I can fall for him again? Ugh! Why is he messing with me? Am I really that gullible? Transparent? How can he possibly think I can trust him after everything he did to me? Yet...deep down, I think I want to. Gosh! I need a shot of tequila!

Dylan's eyes survey mine, expecting for an answer which I cannot grasp. I try to look at him but his stare is intimidating. It is like I am the only one he sees, like I am the only one that matters. It is seriously baffling. Worse, it is making me blush. Again.

"Madie?", he says softly.

"I thought you have a girlfriend"

He starts to laugh.

"What's so funny?"

"Sorry! It's just...you're cute"

I glare at him. This conversation is going nowhere. I am walking away.

"Langga, wait", he blurts out as he reaches for my hand.

Langga? Did I hear that correctly?

"Madie, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you. I'm really sorry. Let's order dinner."

I want to protest but the smell of bulgogi, bibimbap, tteokbokki and kimchi dominates my senses. My anger can wait. I. AM. HUNGRY. And so is he.

After the sumptuous meal, my tummy wants to burst. I am having a food coma. Dylan offers his glass of latte and I take a sip.