The Tale of the Lotus Heart

Chapter 3

*Aivi's POV*

I couldn't stop thinking about Yong. why did he feel so familiar? Why did I trust him immediately? Why was I so comfortable around him? Days passed. I went back to my job, working only the register until I was cleared to take my arm out of its brace. Lucas didn't show up again. Thankfully Yong thoroughly scared him off. Harper, my only friend and roommate, pestered me constantly trying to get me to tell her about Yong but I kept my mouth shut for some reason. I felt that before I got a chance to figure him out for myself, it was best not to involve anyone else.

"Why don't you just call him?" Harper said after catching me staring at his business card again in the changing room after a shift. I sighed and set the card down beside me.

"He could've just been being nice to me. He's a doctor. He saves people all the time. He probably doesn't even remember me," I spoke my thoughts honestly. Harper chuckled as her phone rang on speaker.

"Talk to him and you'll find out," she said with a smirk. My eyes widened as I stood quickly. I didn't even see her take the card, but yet, she was already dialing his number.

"Harper!" I tried to take the phone from her but she successfully kept it out of my reach.

"Hello?" Yong's voice came through the phone.

"Hi, Yong. This isnt my phone, but this is Aivi. The girl who got her shoulder reset in a coffee shop changing room," I said awkwardly.

"I remember. But if this isn't your phone, are you okay? Are you in trouble somewhere?" He asked seriously. I felt my cheeks blush in embarrassment.

"No, I'm fine!" I said quickly. "My coworker, Harper, let me use her phone to call you because my phone has been broken," I lied instinctively. Harper was having a hard time holding in her giggles as she finally handed the phone to me. I took it off of speaker and placed it near my ear for some privacy.

"I was wondering why you hadn't called me yet. Do you need to get a new phone?" He asked.

"No, it's in a repair shop and should be done by today," I continued my lie. Saying that I was too self-conscious and conflicted to call him the last few days would make me want to bury myself from embarrassment, but it also seemed like he was easily catching my lie.

"If that's the case, this is my personal number, you can send me a text when your phone is fixed," he played along anyway.

"Oh, are you at work today?" I asked.

"It's my day off. Want to do something fun with me after you get off of work?" He asked.

"I actually just clocked out. What did you have in mind?" I asked.

"I know a great spot for viewing flowers," he answered.

"Sounds like fun. Um..." I hesitated when I tried to think of how I could continue the lie but meet up with him at the same time.

"If you're still at the coffee shop, I can come there to pick you up now," he offered. I found myself smiling like an idiot.

"Sounds good, I should have my phone back by then," I replied.

"Well then, I'll see you in about 20 minutes," he said before we hung up. Harper giggled as she took her phone back and handed me Yong's business card.

"I take it he didn't forget you," she teased me. I shook my head at her with a sigh.

"Just wait until I get my revenge," I joked. I changed back into my normal clothes and waited before texting Yong from my own phone. When he arrived, I went to meet him out front. I smiled lightly as I stood in front of him.

"Yong," I smiled like an idiot. Yong was quick to smile back at me though.

"Aivi... I parked my car right over there if you're ready to go," he said as he pointed to a sleek black Tesla. I followed him to the car and he opened the door for me. After driving a while, we came up upon one of the few pieces of greenery in the city. I got out and looked at it in awe. It was actually very beautiful.  Tall trees with vibrant green grass and hints of yellow and pink followers on the other side of a small hill.

"What is this place?" I asked in a breath as my eyes stayed on the land.

"My brother and I started buying this land when we moved here to plant this. The city was too barren. We come here from time to time to tend to the plants and get some fresh air. I didn't peg Yong for a rich environmentalist, but the flowers and trees on this large stretch of land said otherwise. I was about to take a step when Yong stopped me.

"It's a bit of walking to get to a good vantage point. Let me check your shoulder first," he said. I took my sling off and faced him last his hand went to my shoulder. As his hand connected with my shoulder, a surge of energy flew through me. He rotated my shoulder gently before smiling at me.

"Feeling better?" He asked. I nodded before we started walking to the top of the hill. I sighed and took a seat next to him on a blanket that was already prepared.

"I have a question," I said as I watched the layers of colors from the flowers.

"Fire away," he replied.

"What made you want to talk to me again?" I asked. Yong only chuckled as he sat back with his hands on the blanket.

"I feel like we were fated to meet each other. With one glance, I was already comfortable around you, and I'm not comfortable around most people. I fancy you," he explained. I found myself laughing at his choice of words.

"Fancy me?" I repeated. "So what? You want to date me?" I asked playfully. He smirked as he turned to face me. The movement made me look at him also.

"I want to get to know you and date. Do you agree?" He asked simply.