Oktoberfest

The wind had finally picked up the autumn cold now that it was late September. Although September was classified as fall, I couldn’t feel the cold wind, nor could I see the falling red leaves until now.

Ironically enough, I was attending an event called Oktoberfest in late September. Maybe it would make more sense if Oktoberfest was an event to welcome October, rather than a festival during the month of October. Thinking about it that way seemed to be the correct interpretation, because why else would they organize it during late September rather than October? I guess I learned something new today…

A car went by as I stood on the sidewalk, waiting for my date to arrive. A special date that made my heart flutter and warmed my cheeks every time I saw her.

I watched as the yellow maple leaves drifted down from left to right and left again, gently until I heard a call for my name nearby.

My head turned in that direction. The leaf drifted away, revealing the one I was waiting for, Lena Marshal.

Ditching her old looks, she came with a nerdy girl style as she wore a black frame glasses, an oversized oak-brown jumper covering her white shirt, a calf-length pastel-yellow skirt, white socks and black loafers. All while carrying a white canvas bag I’d seen before.

She got her hair a slight trim, giving it a neat but still reserved look, and a part of her bangs was tugged to the side and clipped to keep it a little playful.

“...How do I look?” Lena asked as she rubbed behind her pinkish ear.

“Adorable,” I answered. A smile grew on my face as I appreciated how cute she’d become now that she decided to dress up.

Another gust of wind blew through us and messed up my hairdo. I readjusted my hair and started a small talk.

“It’s starting to get chilly these days, huh?”

“Yeah, my hands are all cold. Even before I left my house.”

“Really? Let me see.”

I reached out for Lena’s hand, slowly in case she wanted to reject me, but she never did. Her hand was cold. Unexpected since she dressed so warmly.

“You’re right.”

So I pulled her hand closer to my mouth, blowing warm air to give her a bit of heat. Her hand twitched, probably from the unexpected warmth coming from my breath.

“Let’s get going, shall we?”

Lena nodded, and I led her forward, our hands still connected. She reacted in kind by tightening her grip on my hand as we walked.

I mentally gave myself a pat on the back for coming up with a way to hold Lena’s hand so smoothly. Perhaps it was all thanks to the years of acting that taught me how to improvise in the moment.

Where they were holding Oktoberfest wasn’t far from our meeting place, so we walked along the sidewalk, admiring the shower of yellow and red leaves. There were more people in the street than usual; maybe they were the Oktoberfest attendees like us.

At some point, I stopped following the map, instead choosing to follow the people in the street as well as the music booming in the distance until we got there.

We knew that we got there when there was a big tent with the sign that said Oktoberfest written on it. The entrance was crowded with people walking in and out of the tent. Some dressed in traditional Bavarian attire, which helped intensify the festive mood.

I glanced at Lena to see how she was holding up, knowing that she didn’t like this kind of atmosphere. She looked calm, maybe because she’d already prepared herself for this, knowing what kind of event we were going to.

After we showed the ticket to the security, we entered the tent. The inside was larger than expected.

“Let’s go get something to eat first.”

Since it was Oktoberfest, we decided that we were getting the beer first and foremost. We headed to the bar and paid for our drinks before we wandered around the food area. The pleasant scent of German food blended as we explored the food options available. Pork knuckle, roasted chicken, even German Sausages, every type of food from meats to greens and to dessert was there for us to try.

As we were getting our food, some people recognized me and asked to take a photo with me. I obliged, though I wasn’t pleased about being interrupted on my date. After they were done, I returned to Lena; she stared at my fan as they walked away with a solemn expression.

“Sorry, I should’ve worn some disguise.”

“It’s okay. I understand.” She stepped closer to me.

I felt bad for having to leave her alone. Like Lena, I wanted to look my best for her, but that came at the cost of being recognized and our date being interrupted. Perhaps next time I should find a way to incorporate a disguise into my outfit while we are out together.

Now that we were done buying food and drink, we headed to the resting area. Multiple rows of picnic tables were all lined up, with people scattered into their own respective groups. It took some scanning for us to spot an empty seat with enough space to enjoy our time privately.

I sat down as well as placing the food on the table, and Lena sat down next to me, scooting closer until our arms touched. I’d picked this seat expecting us to sit across from each other, but this worked better for me. I leaned against her slightly to better enjoy her warmth before taking a swig of the beer.

“Whoa, they have some good stuff here.”

“It’s Oktoberfest, so they use German beer.”

“Ah, no wonder why it’s so good.” I took another swig.

We bought all kinds of food so that we could share and try everything at the festival. They were enjoyable, especially the beer and the pork knuckle, to the point that we had to get a second serving.

As we started to finish the meal, we discussed what to do next. I pulled up the organizer’s website to see the attraction at this festival.

“How about bumper carts?” I stopped at the picture of the ride and glanced at Lena.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea after eating all these…”

She made a good point.

I nodded and scrolled past the bumper carts.

After a bit of discussion, we agreed to go to the ring toss, the merry-go-round, and the Ferris wheel. There were many more attractions, but we judged that it would be too much for our stomachs after trying out all the foods and desserts here.

Lena and I took turns on the ring toss. We didn’t manage to win anything, but since we didn’t want anything from the prize, we weren’t disappointed.

“I don’t think I’ve ever won anything on this sort of booth.”

“Me neither.”

“But then I again. I haven’t really gone to this sort of booth a lot.”

“You don’t?” Lena asked, her head tilted.

“Yeah. Why is that surprising?”

“I thought you would go to this kind of festival a lot because… You know…” Lena glanced back and forth. Maybe the way I presented myself gave her some kind of misunderstanding about my personality.

“What kind of person do you think I am, Lena? Some kind of clubber?”

“Well, I mean... I heard you friends like that sort of stuff, so I just...”

“I’m not really that close to them…”

Perhaps from my tone and expression, Lena didn’t ask further questions. Though if she did, I would’ve tried my best to dodge it. Even though I wasn’t close with them, I wasn’t about to gossip about them. I didn’t want to spend this evening with Lena wasting my time talking about those people.

The merry-go-round wasn’t quite eventful; we just got on the ride, spinning around in place while listening to nursery tunes until we were finished. It would’ve been better if Lena and I got to sit in the same seat, but apparently, two adults sitting in the same seat would break it.

And then we moved onto the Ferris wheel. The line to the ride was longer than most of the ride, so we had to wait a bit longer. After the operator gave us a go, we got into the carriage before it rose at a steady pace.

Going up into the air felt exciting. I tightened my grip on Lena’s hand as I observed the carriage. It was quite old, with some peeled paint showing patches of rust scattered across the carriage. The crane shook as it sent us upward as if it was an elder trying to walk without a cane. I was starting to worry about our safety.

Feeling budding anxiety inside my chest, I glanced at Lena in an attempt to subside it.

She was looking out into the cityscape, down below us. I leaned closer to her to see the view from her perspective.

The spots of light coming from streetlamps and LED bulbs looked as if they were speckles of stars scattered across the city of London. With all types of people, men and women, young and old, living amongst them. We would be included in that space, but right now, for this moment, we were above them, staring at them at such a height that it felt like we were disconnected from that world.

“Rachel…” Lena spoke up without taking her sight away from the window.

“Are we… friends?”

Our eyes met. It felt awkward to give her my true answer because I wanted to be more than that. But for now, the answer she needed was...

“Yes… Do you hate that?”

“No! It’s just…” She lowered her head. “I couldn’t understand why you want to be friends with me.”

From her words, I could guess how she looked at herself. And so, I thought of what I should say so that she could accept it.

“There’s no reason for it other than that I like being with you.”

I leaned against Lena as I caressed her hand. She finally turned in my direction, though only looking from the corner of her eyes.

“Your presence brightens my days. Every moment I spend with you feels special to me, even if it seems mundane. I just like being with you, simple as that.”

After a brief silence, Lena nodded and turned to look out the window again.

I didn’t know what she was thinking, but I hoped that she could feel my sincerity and that it would bring us closer.

Our Ferris wheel ride came to an end. I stepped out of the carriage and offered my hand to Lena. She accepted it and used it to balance herself as she stepped off.

And with that, our Oktoberfest date was over. We ate many things, we rode rides, and we looked around as much as we could. Aside from getting interrupted by my fans from time to time, I would say that it was enjoyable, but I wondered if Lena felt the same.

A veil of silence fell between us on the walk out. She probably had a lot to process, especially after our talk in the Ferris wheel.

Lena spotted a convenience store and nudged me.

“Can we stop by here for a bit?”

I nodded, and we entered the building.

Lena walked straight towards the drink cooler and to the alcohol section. She pulled the door and grabbed the peach soju she liked and headed to the counter. I was sure that she drank a lot at the festival already, so I was a little worried that she wouldn’t be able to handle the drink.

We got out of the store after she paid for the drink. Standing near the garbage bin, Lena handed me the soju.

“H-Here. Try it.”

I recalled the promise and took the drink from her. I carefully read the label of the drink.

Kinro Peach Soju. 16% alcohol content. A lot more than my Zero Lemon.

I twisted the cap open and sipped the drink. The wave peachy flavor filled my mouth, followed by a bitter aftertaste of the alcohol lingering in my mouth. I coughed a little as I didn’t expect such a strong burn after that pleasant flavor.

“It burns a little.” I handed the drink back to Lena. She took it and sipped the drink, gulping it down with no problem.

“Yeah, but the slight bitterness is what makes it good.” Lena took another gulp before she continued.

“Thanks… for choosing me.”

I gestured for her drink, and she handed it to me, drank it and wiped my mouth.

“And thanks for staying with me,” I answered.

We handed the bottle of peach soju back and forth until its contents ran out, with Lena being the one who finished the drink. Twisting the cap back on, she threw the empty bottle into the bin nearby.

From my calculation, Lena drank more than I did, and combined with how much she’d drunk at the festival, I was getting worried about her.

“Hey… are you okay?”

“A little drunk but…” She stumbled before we even took off. “I’ll manage.”

I held her up by her shoulder.

“Should I call you a cab?”

“Then what about you?”

“I’ll be fine. Besides, my place is nearby, so you don’t have to worry.”

“Then... let’s go to your place…”

I shook my head and asked her to repeat herself.

“I’m sorry?”

“Let’s go to your… place…”

Her answer remained the same.

I gulped down my surprise. I knew that alcohol could change someone’s behavior, but I’ve never seen it happen right in front of me before.

“You’re awfully bold when you’re drunk, huh?” I muttered.

“What was that?” She asked, and I answered by shaking my head.

From what I remembered, Lena still lived with her parents, so they might be surprised if their daughter didn’t come home after going out. I had to make sure there was no trouble now that she’d chosen to come over.

“Shouldn’t you let your parents know that you're staying over?”

“...You’re right. Maybe I should…”

Lena called her mom to let her know the situation. But since I was holding her close to help her walk, I could hear a slight worry in her mom’s words. It was understandable, after all, we’ve started talking to each other for only a few weeks, so to her mom, I was practically a stranger.

“Can I talk with her for a bit?” I asked. Lena agreed and handed the phone to me. I introduced myself and my relationship with her, as well as giving her contract details in case something happened during the stay. Hearing all of that, Lena’s mother’s worry lifted a bit, and I handed the phone back to Lena. They talked a little more before she hung up.

“All good?”

She nodded.

After a lengthy walk, we arrived at my place. I fitted the key to my door, I twisted it and pushed the door open. I took off my shoes as I entered, Lena did the same.

“So uh… welcome to my place. There’s… nothing much to see but… welcome nonetheless!”

“Looks nice...” Lena looked around.

There was nothing interesting about my place. I didn’t do much to decorate it, so there wasn’t anything I could show off to her.

“You need something to drink?”

“Yeah…”

Normally, I would’ve given the guest a cup of tea or coffee, but after how much she drank, I gave her a cup of water instead. She drank all of it, leaving only one bead of water in the clear cup.

Lena looked like she could fall asleep any second now. Her head cocked like some kind of weird pigeon looking for food.

“Endure it for a little. I’ll prepare a guest room for you.”

“No…” She groaned. “Wanna sleep… you…”

I stopped and turned to her.

“What was that again?” I asked as I leaned in to hear her clearly.

“I wanna sleep with you…” She tugged on my shirt.

I let out an interpreted breath and asked for her confirmation again.

“Are you sure...?”

Lena gave a single nod before she leaned closer as she groaned.

“You really do get bold when you’re drunk…” I sighed to myself.

Holding her by the shoulder, I led her to my bedroom, which was on the second floor and laid her on my bed. When Lena fell onto the mattress, she curled up like a pill bug.

I caressed her hair as I watched her sleep. Seeing her in such a defenseless state, I decided not to honor her request.

There was nothing wrong with friends sleeping together in the same bed, however, I wanted to be more than that to her. Combined with the fact that we were both under the influence of alcohol, I didn’t want anything to happen between us when we weren’t ready.

I took off her glasses, placed them on the nightstand and wrapped my blanket around her to make sure that she was warm and cozy. I grabbed her hand and pressed my lips on her knuckle.

“Good night, Lena.”

I turned off the light as I left the room, but had to go back and grab my pajamas before leaving again.

I made the right choice, I was sure of that; it was better to go slow and steady rather than risking Lena hating me for being overbearing. I went to bed in the guest room with that kind of thought as my consciousness drifted away from me.