Destined

Questions

"So, tell me more...about Ko," I probe.

The three of us, Nam, Javi and I are at the Cricket's changing rooms, untying our skates after a sweaty day of spins and footwork.

"We don't actually know much about her... She just started working here two months ago. She's really mysterious, and she's quiet. We don't even know her full name! I think she's a medical student though. She's been living around here for a long time. By the way, did you see that girl who walked in just now? She was totally hot! I wish I got her number..." Javi rambled on, distracted.

Nam quietly untied his skates, not saying a word.

"Nam, what...wrong?" I tried to ask.

The others suddenly stopped, looking concerned.

Nam didn't look up. Thinking back, he looked quite distracted today.

"Hey, you ok?" I managed to say rather smoothly, shaking Nam's shoulder. Good job Yuzu, you're getting the hang of English.

"I'm fine," Nam reassures, shaking my hand off. He looks pale and he's sweating way too much.

"You don't look good..." Javi questions, placing the back of his hand on Nam's forehead.

"Christ, you're running a fever bro. Not so spicy anymore, eh? You should go home," He patted Nam on the head, ruffling his hair.

Nam silently nodded, giving us a weak grin. He wore his sneakers and tried to get up, before weakly collapsing on the bench again. We try to cushion his fall, and I support most of his weight, swearing in Japanese.

"We...bring you home," I mutter, quickly settling Nam and packing my skates.

Javi informs Brian, and Brian rushes into the changing room, frowning.

"Dear lord, that little guy needs some sleep. Boys, do me a favour and bring him home. Javi, you know where his home is, right?" Brian asks, before hurrying to call Nam's mother.

On the way to Nam's house, I piggyback him since he's way too tired and weak to walk back. Javi makes lame jokes while playing with Pooh.

"Please don't drop Pooh-San," I mutter.

Nam looks like a bamboo stick, but boy, he's heavy. Or maybe I'm just too weak.

Nam sighs and mutters something about spicy quad battles.

When we reach Nam's house, Mrs Nguyen is already waiting at the doorstep. She ushers us in hurriedly, concerned. Mrs Nguyen is petite, with warm brown eyes and a bright smile. She pecks Nam on his forehead and runs a hand through his hair.

"Thank you boys so much for bringing our Nam home. That kid, always pushing himself too hard. His bedroom is the second to your right on the second floor, you can come down for tea afterwards, Javi and..... Yu?" She lingers, unsure.

"My name is Hanyu Yuzuru, nice to meet you," I manage to say.

She smiles and pats my shoulder.

"Second.... Right?"

Nam's room is messy, furnished with shades of orange and green. I lay him on his bed and remove his jacket and shoes. He opens his eyes and shudders.

" 'm cold, why'd you do that for"

"Shush noodle you're burning hot"

"I'm spicy hot"

Javi throws a pillow at him, and we snicker as we go down to the living room.

That evening, on my way home, I walk past Ko's house again. I hear the sad lullaby of music again, and I can see her silhouette. I open an application on my phone that allows me to track music.

"Kumru Ballad by Fazil Say" the screen reads.