Old Flames

When you read that name on the screen, your eyes widened.

There’s no way she would be here, and you will fight against her.

You were having a coffee date with your girlfriend when she found out you were leaving to pursue your career.

“You should go and chase your dream. I don’t wanna be the one who ruins your dream by making you stay.” She said.

You begged her not to end your relationship with her and suggested having a long-distance relationship instead.

“Honey…. Please. There must be a way to make us stay connected. I can’t lose you. Not anymore.” You held both of her hands, gripping them tight.

Her eyes suddenly full of tears before she wiped them quickly.

“I can’t, Chaemin. Our distance is very far, and I couldn’t concentrate very well to communicate with you because you will be busy before and after you become a superstar. I don’t wanna be crazy to think that you will remember me.” She said.

“I promise to never forget you, honey. Please, don’t do this to me.” You started to shed your tears, and this is the first and the last time you ever cried,y and it’s because of her.

“I’m sorry, Chaemin. We have to end it here. I can’t be strong enough to protect our relationship.”

She released your hand and stood up before giving you a long, deep kiss, and you cherished it for 6-7 minutes until both of you parted ways after running out of breath.

“You’re the best boyfriend I've ever had, Chaemin. I hope you become successful.” She smiled, although her tears wouldn’t stop falling.

You wiped her tears with your finger and kissed her forehead for one last time before parting ways with her.

“This is a goodbye for both of us. Thank you for loving me. I will never forget you.”

Then, she turned around and left the cafe, leaving you standing for a while, watching her leave the cafe, and you remained in your position, doing nothing, before the waiter handed you a bill.

Your manager arrived, and you quickly entered your car, wanting to ask a question from your manager.

“Hey, how was yo-”

“How did she get here?” You cut off your manager.

“Who?”

“Nakamura Kazuha”

You handed him your phone and showed your schedule. He saw her name and asked you back. “Oh, she’s pretty good. I think I have heard her name before. She’s in the top 10 in the rank. She’s famous for her flexible body, and I heard that she did ballet. I saw a video of her doing an intense workout without breaking a sweat. Could you believe that? Neither did I. This might be a good challenge for you. What’s wrong with her? Is she related to you?”

Hearing that, you were stunned to know that your ex is a professional wrestler and also a top one. How could you handle her? You lost to Winter, and she told you that she is the easiest opponent. To make it worse, you didn’t even want to hurt Kazuha. You missed her, and the only reunion you got was wrestling against her.

“Are you kidding me? Top 10!!?? Damn, she must be good. Actually, she’s my ex.” You informed.

“Your ex? Things are about to be interesting, I see. Anyway, how was your match against Winter?” He asked.

You were unsure, to be honest, because it was embarrassing to lose against women but at least you had fun. Maybe the fun part should be hidden.

“Well, I lost.”

Your manager suddenly stopped the car and turned back, facing you.

“You lost?”

You nodded and didn’t want to look him in the eye.

“Well, that’s expectable. Winter is a tricky person, and she proved me right. I already knew you were gonna lose to her.”

You smacked the back of his head.

“You fucking moron! You just sold me out to this underground wrestling with only women, and now you wanted to embarrass me by making me the laughing stock for losing to a woman?!!”

You were frustrated at him for being a jerk.

“Oww! Hey. I did it for your sake. Look, you even got your little reunion with your ex in your next match. Shouldn’t you be thanking me instead?” He pouted, and honestly, you felt disgusted.

“Whatever. Anyway, I thought they only had locals. How did Kazuha even get in there? She’s Japanese.” You were curious.

“Well, they actually imported wrestlers from other countries too, but mostly asians. They have Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Australia, Vietnam and more. They got the trio MISAMO from Japan. Sounds like a food name, but it’s actually their name combined, Mina, Sana, and Momo from JYP.”

You nodded and listened to his explanation well.

Now, you were thinking about how to meet Kazuha again. The old flames started burning inside your heart, but you were longing for her. You didn’t know if you needed to be excited or prepared.

Kazuha was practising yoga in the living room when Eunchae rushed to her.

“Unnie, you should see this. This is important!” Eunchae showed Kazuha your picture.

“Is this your ex? You’re going to fight against him. Gosh, this might be awkward for both of you.”

Kazuha stopped her yoga session and took Eunchae’s phone to see your face clearly. Her mind suddenly struck like lightning, remembering your past moment with her. It was fluffy, peaceful and harmony but the way she left you made her feel guilty. She didn’t realise that you two would meet again, but not in the way you both expected.

“Yes. It’s him. Chaemin.” She gave Eunchae’s phone back to her and immediately went to the bathroom for a shower.

“Wait. You’re not gonna say anything about it?” Eunchae waited for her to open her mouth.

Kazuha slightly turned back.

“I…..I missed him….”

She entered the bathroom and locked the door, leaving Eunchae dumbfounded.

You were strolling around the city, trying to find a good restaurant for lunch. You craved for tteokbokki. Talking about tteokbokki, your mind was triggered by your memory of your date with Kazuha in the past.

“Open your mouth, baby. I want to feed you.”

“Honey, it’s embarrassing. We’re in public.” Your cheeks pink and you became a little bit shy by Kazuha’s affection.