Missing (Part 1)

“One of the cafe staff, Selene, is a big fan of yours. She would always talk about you whenever she had the chance.”

Leo couldn't help but feel conflicted. He felt happy to learn that she actually knew who he was, but he also felt a little disappointed knowing that the reason she knew was because of a colleague.

“So far, I’m the only one who knows who you are. The rest of the staff only know you as the mysterious VIP on Cottage 2.” She grinned mischievously.

He laughed. “Why didn’t you tell them? Wouldn’t it boost the morale of your employees if they found out that a celebrity like me is staying at your inn?”

“I figured since you used a different name on the registration, you didn’t want anyone to know you’re there.”

He nodded approvingly. “Then why did you tell Uncle Mac?”

“I only told him your last name. Besides, I can’t really introduce you as Cottage 2, can I?”

“Do you often have celebrity guests who want to be incognito?”

She shook her head. “Most celebrities choose to stay on the west side of the island.”

“And you’ve never worked in the entertainment industry before?”

Another shaking of the head.

“You seem very experienced in handling guests like me.”

“Well,” she replied haltingly. “I just tried to imagine what it would be like in your shoes. After all, it must be hard to walk around and be recognized all the time.”

Leo watched as she continued to eat. He couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more that she wasn't telling him. But before he could speak, Uncle Mac appeared with more dishes.

“By the way, Vivi,” Uncle Mac said after setting the dishes down. “It’s almost the festival. Will you set up a booth in the plaza again?”

“Of course! I already got my permit this morning when we dropped by the town hall.”

“A booth?” Leo asked.

“Vivi always joins us in the plaza every festival with a booth of her own.”

Leo looked at her inquiringly.

“I usually set up a stall and sell coffee and baked delicacies from the cafe. It makes for good advertisement. We get more people to visit the cafe.”

“You should come see the town during the festival if you’re still here,” Uncle Mac told Leo. “Ask Vivi to take you with her.”

“Didn’t we just discuss that I would be busy working that day?” she protested. “I won’t have time to be his tour guide.”

“That’s fine. Just bring him along. I’ll take care of him.” Uncle Mac gave Leo a slap on the back.

Leo winced, causing Vivi to laugh.

---------------------------------------

It was already late when Leo returned to his cottage. He spent the entire day with Vivi, showing him around the town. He didn’t know that the island had such rich history and culture. When evening came, they ate dinner at a ramen stall near the plaza before heading back to the inn.

He felt tired, but happy. He hadn’t had that much fun for a long time.

He walked back to his room after a quick shower and saw the guitar case resting on an ottoman bench at the foot of his bed. He stopped and simply stood there, rooted on the spot near the bedroom door. 

He thought about it for a moment, then walked over to open the case. Inside was a Takamine acoustic guitar. He took it out from the case and sat on the bed, placing the guitar on his lap.

Gently, he ran his palm over the guitar’s body, feeling the cool wood against his skin. It had been a while. The last time he took it out was almost a month ago, and it was only just to clean it.

The guitar was a double-edged sword for him. While it reminded him of the most beautiful times in his life, it was also proof of his loss. So he chose to put it away in its case and only take it out when absolutely necessary.

But tonight was different. It was as if it was calling out to him and he couldn’t avert his eyes.

He gave it a tentative strum, listening to the vibrations on each string, making sure they were tuned properly. Then he began to play a sorrowful song.

Outside, unbeknownst to Leo, a black cat jumped lithely onto the balcony of his room. It moved purposefully towards the glass doors and peeked inside, its emerald green eyes glowing in the dark.

The images came in waves, summoned by the sounds made by the strings as his hand slowly moved up and down.

Bright flashing lights. 

Loud music.

And the sound of thunderous applause.

She stood in front of him, wearing an off-shoulder silver serpentine gown that hugged her entire body and revealing her milky white shoulders. Her long black hair was swept to the side, soft curls cascading down one shoulder. Her lips were painted in red so bright that he couldn’t help but stare at it.

She shook his hand and accepted the small statue he was handing over to her. She smelled of cherry blossoms in springtime. Her smile was as dazzling as ever.

Then suddenly, the lights went out.

There was dead silence.

He heard her calling his name.

He found himself inside a labyrinth and saw a glimpse of her turning around a corner. He tried to follow her, but he always ended up missing her at the turn. 

All the while, he could hear her calling him.

He knew something wasn't right, but he couldn’t help but follow her deeper into the maze.

Everything became chaotic.

The world began to spin.

"Leo."

"Save me."

He woke up with a start, sitting up on the bed. 

He was shaking. His whole body was sweaty, and he was panting.

The room was dark save for the dim light of the bedside lamp. On the balcony, the two emerald green eyes that watched over him disappeared without a trace.

Leo couldn’t remember how he fell asleep. He remembered taking the guitar out and giving it a few strums.

The guitar.

He looked to his side and saw it lying beside him on the bed. He must have ended up sleeping with it by his side.

A hand unconsciously went to touch the cool wood.

It had been a long time since he last dreamt about her.

This time, she looked more vivid.

More alive.

He took the guitar in his hand and held it tight against his chest, whispering one word with a voice filled with longing.

“Yuna.”