Turning Red

I was having a good nap outside when your group came. I peeked from the book that was covering my face to check the commotion. Your group just arrived and was checking in. You guys would be my housemates for three days. I was told that I would be sharing the house with some travelers but I wasn’t expecting a group of Korean friends- four boys and a girl. I noticed you right away. You were so handsome in that white shirt and with that black cap worn backwards. You were the shortest in the group but you were the most beautiful man I have ever seen in person.

I was still sleepy and too shy to interact so I slowly got up from the sofa to quietly return to my room. But your tallest friend caught sight of me. He said hello and apologized for the noise. He said you guys were excited since it was your first time in the Philippines. Anita, the owner of the house, introduced me to all of you and you guys were quick to welcome me into your group. Anita suggested cooking dinner for all of us so we could all get to know each other.

I tried to help Anita in the kitchen but she shooed me out and insisted that I should join you guys. So I went to the common area and awkwardly sat beside the Korean girl who was intently listening to your funny story. I was assuming it was funny since all of you were laughing. You looked at me as I sat, bowing and smiling awkwardly, and asking her to ask my name. I was surprised I understood it, thanks to the 12 sessions of basic Korean studies I took last year.

You guys laughed when I said that my name was like the “맥주”. One of your guy friends even suggested calling me 맥주씨 instead of my name. You laughed but said that it doesn’t suit me, that my name sounded perfect for me. Your guy friends teased you and your ears turned red. Then your girl friend, Bo, asked me if I’m single. I laughed so hard and asked back if I exude that vibe. She said no and added that they just wanted to make sure for your sake. I felt my ears turning red as well when she said that. I looked at you to find some confirmation but you weren’t looking at me. I guess you couldn’t after all the teasing.

I excused myself to help Anita set the dining table. Bo followed. Aside from speaking English really well, she was also nice and easy to be with. I knew we’d be friends right away. She told me that this was your first vacation trip overseas and that you never do vacations because you’re a busy man. She added that since you were always working, you never really found the time to date and this trip was a great opportunity to finally do it. I replied with only polite remarks. I didn’t want to tell her that you’re totally my type. After all, we only just met. My ears were turning red again and I could feel it spreading across my face.

You and one of your tall guy friends helped in carrying the dishes while Bo and I set the table. I felt that you were looking at me but I wasn’t sure. I was trying hard not to look at you. I was embarrassed to meet your eyes.

Anita called everyone for dinner, including her young twins, Caloy and Macoy. I sat at the far end of the table and you sat directly opposite to me. Caloy was beside me and the one beside you was Bo. I was so anxious I’d do something stupid in front of you. With a kid beside me and Bo enthusiastically talking to the rest of the group, I felt helpless. So I focused on eating and feeding Caloy.

I felt that you were staring at me so I glanced at you. It was a very quick glance but I saw that you smiled. So I asked if you like the food. You said you do, and talked about how you loved cooking in your spare time. Then you asked me what’s my favorite food. I said I love all sorts of food but my go-to would be pizza and pasta. Then you asked me if I’d seen the Japanese series, First Love. I met your gaze and said yes. Our entire face turned red and we both laughed.

How time flies. Now we’re rewatching the series in your apartment with your four friends. Anita, Caloy, and Macoy just called to congratulate us. Who would have thought a spontaneous vacation would lead us to a lifetime together?

Inspired by A Lover’s Discourse by Xiaolu Guo