Crimson Chambers 2 Part 1

Yu Han snapped back to his senses and sprang back up, hurting the stranger's back in the process. The stranger got up slowly so as to not hurt his back further and fracture it. He failed to noticed it, but Yu Han heard a loud crack when he finally straightened his back.

'That must have hurt...'

Yu Han felt pity for the stranger and gestured him to sit on the edge of his bed. The stranger showed hesitance and maintained a distance between him and Yu Han. Beads of sweat had crusted around his forehead and a sense of fear was written all over his face.

"What were you even trying to do?" He shot a glance at the stranger, who tried to avoid any eye contact.

"I just wanted to say sorry, but all the mess happened... I really didn't mean to offend you." The stranger's words trembled.

"It's not your mistake anyway, why care to apologize?"

"Sometimes, apologies can have the power to mend broken hearts... If my apology can heal even a little part of you, it will make me happy."

Those kind stranger's words hit him straight in the heart.

Although he showed a rigid expression on his face, he was melted on the inside. He scrutinized every part of the stranger's face: his melancholic eyes, his sweaty face and the half pursed lips that displayed the plethora of words at the edge, waiting to come out. He couldn't find a sign of insincerity or unfaithfulness anywhere. Assuring himself, he lifted his hand and placed it in front of the stranger.

"I am Yu Han. Nice to meet you. What's your name?" He questioned in uncertainty.

"My name is Kuuro." The stranger replied.

"Strange." Yu Han paused and wondered. "Kuuro is the name of my favorite food vlogger on YouTube."

"You mean the host of FoodieWorld?" Kuuro sounded curious.

"Yes."

"Are you one of my Foodies?" Kuuro's excitement knew no bounds now.

"Wait, are you telling me you are 'the Kuuro Nakamura' ?"

"Yes. I am Kuuro, the owner of the channel and host of the show."

"I can not believe it..." Yu Han's tone became monotonous. "You cannot be Kuuro. He is a food god. Besides, he is really good looking and you... well, you look like a typical Japanese."

"That comment was pretty racist, I must say. Even so, the good looks is all because of makeup. And the bright colored hair you see is a wig." Kuuro tried to justify.

"Lies. You are lying to me. If that is the case, tell me, what is Kuuro's favorite place to visit?" He questioned intently.

"Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam." Kuuro immediately shot an answer.

"It could be that you are a serious Foodie." He placed a finger under his chin. "Tell me, what incident happened when he visited Thailand last year? "

"I did not want to bother my Foodies and hence posted a video on my other channel. It was spring season and I tried to go to a floating market but my boat capsized there. I must say, you are one of my few fans who follow the channel."

"Hmm... Great in depth knowledge too." Yu Han remarked. "This one is difficult, but tell me, who is the loyal fan who keeps sending him personalized gifts?"

"This one is a difficult one for sure... I do remember receiving special curry blocks from China. The fan's name was probably Dark Knight in Mandarin."

"How the... How did you know that? Kuuro never showed his fan mails online." Yu Han was taken aback and it was evident that he had begun giving in.

"It's because I am Kuuro." He emphasized his words. "Even if you don't believe, I don't want to prove it any further. Tell me when the owner of this place returns. I want to talk to him."

"He will come back soon, but you can meet him only in... mornings." Yu Han's voice trembled and Kuuro noticed.

"Why did your voice tremble just now?" Kuuro seemed worried.

"It's nothing... I think you must leave now. The restaurant is about to close for the day." Yu Han's unusual panic set off.

He grabbed the stranger by his arm and dragged him to his room door and left him there, locking this door in a blink. The stranger was left to ponder about the situation. He descended down the stairs and proceeded to exit the restaurant, where Bo Jian had held the plastic curtain up.

"Make sure to visit us next time!" Bo Jian exclaimed with a tinge of plasticity in his voice.

"I will, for sure." Kuuro had a frown on his face.

Bo Jian went inside and locked the glass doors and windows. He took out a bottle of beer from the chiller and sat down on a table, slumping down due to tiredness. Popping the bottle cap, he chugged down the entire bottle in a single gulp. The expression of distress was sharply embossed on his face.

"I don't know how we landed in this." He muttered. "I am sorry Yu Han."