I blinked my eyes in the bright room. I stretched my arms and yawned, turning to my left. I gasped as I saw a muscular and toned body covered in the sheet, facing away from me. Realization dawned upon me and I scratched the back of my head. But I seriously felt relaxed and light headed. I got out of bed and freshened up. I ordered breakfast and went to take a bath. Just as I finished dressing up, he woke up and looked around, barely managing to keep his eyes open.
"Good morning, Jeremy." I smiled, buttoning up my sleeves.
He smiled back. "Good morning, Kwan."
"Breakfast is here. Help yourself. I have to rush."
He nodded and stretched his arms. "I loved it last night."
I grinned. "I did too." I said, wearing my tie.
He got out of bed butt naked and walked in the bathroom. I took my time to enjoy the view. I sat down to have a sandwich and coffee. He came out with a towel wrapped around his waist, freshly showered as I wore my blazer and got ready to leave.
"We won't be meeting again." He said.
I frowned and turned to look at him. "What?"
"You are rushing. You will leave as soon as the interview is over. You probably won't have the time to meet me again." he explained.
"Oh, yeah." For a moment I thought he meant something else.
He walked closer to me and pulled me into a hug. Boy, he was as huge as me. I started to feel like the small spoon.
"I hope you get this job. Your charm will definitely work. And hopefully, we will meet again." he said, pecking my cheeks.
I smiled. "Thank you. I hope we meet again."
He pulled away and stepped back. I grabbed my laptop bag and the file and walked to the door. I turned to throw him a smile before walking out. He smiled and waved.
I grabbed a cab to the school and reached on time. There were two other candidates called for the interview. They both were very older than me. And it got me nervous. The campus was huge and beautiful. We were taken to the main administrative building and asked to wait outside the principal's office. I did small talks with the other two candidates but they didn't seem too friendly. They both were called first and second for the interview. When it was my turn, I was too nervous to be facing an old principal with vast knowledge. But to my surprise, on the principal's desk, sat a young women, smiling sweetly. I was relieved at that sight.
"Good morning ma'am." I greeted with my best smile.
She smiled broadly. "Oh, please call me Victoria. I saw your resume. We are of the same age. Please have a seat."
I took a seat, keeping my smile in place. I was wondering how she was a principal at such a young age.
"We are recording the interviews. I hope you don't mind." She stretched out her hand and I politely handed her my file.
I shook my head. "It's alright."
She flipped through my file, nodding with a satisfied expression. "I should say I am impressed. You are so young and talented. Sports, music, creative writing, academic, an all rounder. They should have teachers more like you."
I smiled, my ears turning hot. "Thank you, Victoria."
She smiled, eyes sparkling. "So Mr. Kwan, you are very talented. It makes me curious as to why you would choose to teach instead of getting a dream job?"
I thought for a while. "My dream job was to teach..." I paused as her eyebrows shot up in surprise. "...I realized it in high school that I loved to teach. Also, my English teacher have a great impact on my goal. She was a total definition of teacher. She took the patience to teach me not only the bookish words but also the moral lessons. She told me that as a teacher, it was her duty to pass on her knowledge to the future generations. She showed me that I had potential to be one myself. Also, I gave tuition to my friends and I realized I loved explaining things and it helped me understand the concept better. So I chose this profession because I want to pass on my knowledge to the younger generation. Also, my learning is not over yet. I will learn a lot from the younger generation too." I replied, taking my own time. I studied her face as I stopped. She looked delighted and definitely satisfied.
"That's a good answer. And what qualities do you think a student looks for in a teacher? Answer in a few words. No need to explain briefly." She asked. I got nervous as she was looking directly in my eyes.
I maintained the eye contact and started with a smile. "I am sure a student wants a teacher who is dedicated, approachable, supportive and patient. Someone who is always open to teach."
She smiled broadly. "Okay. that's really to the point."
I nodded politely.
"So let me introduce myself now. I am not the principal but his youngest daughter. He is out of station so I am in charge for now. I am really impressed by your resume as well as your interview. You can wait outside with the other two for a few minutes for the results."
I let out a long breath as I walked out of the room. I was sure I did well but I wasn't still sure about the results. They were serving tea at a corner and I joined the other two candidates who were talking about their interviews. They asked me about mine and I replied it went so and so. I didn't want tea so I went back to sit and wait nervously. It didn't take long for the peon to peep his head out of the room. We all looked with hope.
"Uh...Mr. Kwan?" He called.
In that moment, I knew I did it. "Yes?" I replied with a grin.
"You are called inside. The rest can leave."
The other two candidates murmured among themselves and stood up and walked away. I walked in the room. Victoria sat on the desk, smiling.
"Congratulations Mr. Kwan, you got the job. Now you can pass your knowledge to the younger generations." She grinned, standing up and stretching her hand out.
I shook her hand with a smile. "Thank you Victoria."
"Here, before you go, please fill this form and let me guide you through some rules and guidelines of the school." She handed me a paper and a pen. I sat down and filled it up. Then she guided me through the rules and regulations of the school for teachers. I was surprised how high maintained they were. From clothing to dining etiquette.
"So, can you join us by the end of this week?" She asked.
I thought for a moment as all my student's faces flashed through my mind. I pressed my lips into a smile. "Sure."
"Looking forward." She smiled.
We shook hands once again and I left.
As soon as I walked out the gate of the school, I called up my mother. She was thrilled to hear the news. Dad was happy too. I knew he was slightly against me being a teacher because I was his only son and had to carry on his business later. but since it was my own wish to be a teacher, he supported me. As I made my way back to the hotel, I called Jeremy.
"Hey, how was it?" He asked as soon as he picked up.
I grinned. "I got it."
"Yes! Yes! When are you joining?" He was excited.
"By the end of this week."
He laughed happily. "See you soon."
"Yeah." I laughed back. I was looking forward to meet him again.
"Where will you be staying?"
"Ah, we have an apartment here."
"Oh, great. Which time is your flight today?"
"Um, two."
He scoffed. "Okay, going too soon huh? Well, let me know when you come. I can help you settle."
"Sure, thanks."
"See ya then. Text me when you reach home."
"Okay, bye."
"Bye."
I looked out of the window, feeling happy. But somewhere within, my heart felt heavy. All those dreams and aspirations to come and stay in the city with the person I loved crushed me down. Everything remained incomplete. But there was nothing I could do. I tried all my best...but maybe if only I had tried harder...
I grabbed my bag and checked out of the hotel. I left for the airport two hours earlier. On the way, I couldn't help but wonder what Kao was upto. Maybe he had left for abroad. Maybe he had found someone else, someone he really wanted. Maybe he was happy. Maybe he was smiling brightly in someone else's arms. Maybe he was happier...
........
"Kwan, if we stay together, you have to cook for me." He said, smiling brightly. We had just woken up. All the heavy love making the previous night was relaxing.
I smiled and pulled him closer, nuzzling up against his neck. "Sure thing."
He giggled. "And you gotta take care of me."
"Sure thing too. You are really bad at taking care of yourself." I wrapped myself around his warm body.
He pouted. "I know. That is why I need you."
I kissed his neck. "I need you too."
He sighed. "Which time are you leaving?"
"At two."
He reached to hold my hand, bringing it up to his chest. He stretched out his left hand, watching the ring on his ring finger. "Does this mean we are engaged?" He asked.
I was taken aback. "Engaged?"
He nodded seriously. "Yes. you gave me a ring."
"But you didn't give me yet. Give me a ring then we can be considered engaged."
He laughed. "I will, when you come stay with me."
I smiled, the warm fuzzy feeling warming up my heart.
"Kwan?"
"Hmm?"
"Can we go another round? Now?"
I chuckled. "Is it even something to ask?"
He laughed, reaching to kiss my lips.
I packed all my belongings and scanned around the room one last time. He sat on the bed with his packed bag, wearing a glum expression on his face.My heart felt heavy as the time to bid goodbye was approaching too soon. Time surely passes fast with loved ones. We divided the hotel and car bill into two and paid half-half. We walked to the nearest bus station and waited. He was quiet as we sat there, waiting. His bus would arrive half an hour later than mine. So I was the one leaving early. To be honest, I wanted him to leave first. I just couldn't bear to be the one to bid goodbye first. Time was approaching and I needed to say something.
"Kao?" I called and it felt sort of weird as I rarely took his name.
He turned his head sharply, equally surprised by me calling his name out loud. "Yeah?"
"Wait for me to come back." I reached to place my hand over his.
He smiled glumly, swallowing. "I will."
I smiled back.
The bus arrived and stopped in front of us. I stood up and turned to look at him. So that was it.
He stood up and it seemed like he wanted to say something. I waited but he just smiled and waved in tiny. "Safe journey."
I pulled him into a bear tight hug. As I pulled away, he smiled with tears in his eyes. "Don't." I said, swallowing the lump in my throat.
He nodded, looking down. He pressed his eyebrows together, controlling his tears. "Go now."
I caressed his face one last time and turned around to get in the bus. I sat by the window and looked at him. He was wiping his tears. He looked up and waved again, trying to smile through the tears. My heart fell. I just wanted to rush to him and comfort him. The bus slowly started away and I waved back at him. I wiped the tears from the corner of my eyes as he slowly disappeared from sight as the bus drove on.
.....
"Sir, we have reached."
I nodded and paid the fare. "Thank you." I said and got out of the cab with my bag.
The airport wasn't crowded. I got in and the check in was quicker than usual since there were less people. I grabbed something to eat as I waited. I was getting bored so I flirted with the girl in the coffee counter for a while. When it was boarding time, I left giving her a fake number.
........