The next day, after the convention, in the convention room…

“So, what do you wanna do now boss ?” – Sean.

“Dunno, maybe just stroll around, what ‘bout you ?”- Ryu.

“Me ? hmm…” – Sean, glancing at the cute speaker.

“No, don’t tell me, I know I’ll go alone again this time. Don’t worry about me, okay, take your time.” – Ryu.

“Thanks boss, you really know me well, hehehe.” – Sean, as he walks toward the cute speaker. “Hey, maybe you can find that mysterious woman again.”

“Boys, that’s why he keeps broke all the time.” said Ryu to himself and smiles.

Ryu then went for a walk around, it was afternoon, about 2 p.m. He walks around, until just about 1 km from his hotel, he saw some crowds around a shopping mall and a very very long line. Ryu decide to come and see what was there, and he really surprises to see not what was there, but who is there. There is the woman that he met yesterday along with two others. There is a big banner above where the three women sit and giving signatures, it says ‘CEC’ with pictures of the three women. ‘CEC ? Now I remember who’s that woman, she’s Chun Li from CEC group, I used to be her fan. No wonder she looks familiar’ thought Ryu.

He then quickly leaves the crowd and returns to his hotel room with a speed like a dog chasing behind him, wraps all the undies in a paper and puts back in the bag, writes a short letter, and runs back again. He then squeezes his way through the crowd, ignoring some glares and swears until he reaches the front line. “Miss Li !!!!” shout Ryu, as Chun Li turn to him, he quickly throws the bag and it lands nicely in front of her. Chun Li quickly grabs the bag and inspects inside the bag, seeing an envelope, she opens it and read, it is a short letter is English.

Miss Li, inside the paper are your shopping ‘things’, we accidentally swapped our bags yesterday when we collided. Hopefully you still have my shirts and please return them to me, I’ll be waiting in front of Hotel X at 4 p.m.

If you can’t come by yourself, at least please send someone to return it, and if you decide to come by yourself, don’t forget to put some disguise, as maybe some fans are around.

Thank you. From a guy who wants his shirts back.

She smiles as she read the letter, she remembers him of course, a handsome gentleman, and polite too. She decides to come later on after the event finish.

In front of Hotel X around 4:17 p.m.…

Ryu sat on a chair, waiting for Chun Li to come. ‘If she comes.’ he chuckles ‘I mean what I am to hope that she will comes by herself and gives the shirts.’ he thought. And unconsciously said “She is so beautiful.”

“Who is so beautiful ?” – a voice suddenly came from Ryu’s back, startle him so much his soul almost fly away. He turns and his face become as red as steamed shrimp, he didn’t realize that Chun Li has come.

“Err… nothing, I mean nobody, I mean uh…” – Ryu still blushing and scratching his head.

‘So cute when he blushing’ thought Chun Li, decides to put some more pressure. “Yes, who is so beautiful ?” with a naughty smile on her face.

‘God, that smile, so beautiful’ thought Ryu, stunned by Chun Li smile. “Umm… nothing. Err… you bring my shirts ?” trying to change the subject.

“Yes, I do, here they are, a bit crummy ‘coz I tried them yesterday, sorry. But nice shirts you got, you have a good taste.” – Chun Li.

“Err… thanks, and you’ve got your things right ?” – Ryu, imagining Chun Li in his shirts.

“What things ?” – Chun Li, teasing Ryu.

“Your…” realizing that Chun Li is teasing him, he continues “I mean those underwears.”

Caught up off guard, she blush a bit, and decide to tease him back “What do you think, are they look good ?”

“Yes, they… uph”- Ryu, didn’t realize what he said. He blushes again, this time is far worse than before.

Chun Li giggles, “Sorry ‘bout that, thanks for returning them, I really appreciate it. “What’s your name ?” She feels a bit sorry for teasing him too far.

“My name is Ryu, Ryu Hoshi.” – Ryu.

“Ryu, hmm… nice name, does it have any meaning ?” – Chun Li.

“In English it means Dragon.” – Ryu.

“Wow, that’s a good name. Well, Ryu I have to go now, my friends are waiting. Thanks again ok.” – Chun Li.

“Okay. Umm… Chun Li wait.” – Ryu.

“Yes, what is it ?” – Chun Li, she stops and turns to Ryu.

“Umm… I… I know this maybe annoying, but if you don’t mind and if you have time tonight… err… I would like to ask you to have dinner with me.” – Ryu.

“You mean like a date ?” – Chun Li.

“If you say so, yes, a date.” – Ryu.

Chun Li thought about it for a moment, and then she said “Okay, why not ? what time ?”

‘I can’t believe this, this must be a dream’ thought Ryu, pinching his hand behind his back and feel the pain. “What about 7 o’clock ?”

“Okay, pick me up at 7. We’re staying in Hotel Y, at room 708.” – Chun Li.

“Okay, I’ll be there at 7 sharp, and Chun Li…” – Ryu.

“Yes, Ryu ?” – Chun Li.

“Umm… just wear something casual, ok ?”

“Alright, no problem, see you at 7.” – Chun Li, and she turn and get into her taxi, waves to Ryu.

“See you.” – Ryu, smiles and struggles not to faint and waves back.

7 p.m. at Hotel Y in front of room 708…

Ryu, standing nervously, tries to calm himself, checking his clothes, white polo shirt, black jeans, sport shoes ‘Hmm… is my zipper up ?’ trying to humor himself. Then he knocks on the door.

“Yes, who is it ?” – a woman voice, but not Chun Li’s.

“Its Ryu. I’m looking for Miss Chun Li.” – Ryu.

“Oh, wait a sec.” – the woman.

The door opens, revealing a pretty blonde woman, she is about 167 cm, good figure, and looks so elegant. “Hi, my name is Eliza, so you’re Ryu, Chun Li’s date ?”

“Yes, err.. nice to meet you, Miss Eliza. Umm… is Chun Li ready ?” – Ryu.

“Nope, she still doing make up, come in first please.” She moves aside, giving way.

“Umm…” – Ryu, don’t know whether if he should come in or not.

“What’s the matter ?” she smiles “Do you want to wait outside, for at least half hour more ? Or you afraid to enter girls room ?”

“The second option is the answer.” – Ryu, smiles.

She giggles “You’re strange, Ryu. Don’t worry, we won’t bite. Come in.” she pulls Ryu into the room.

Ryu comes in and he is amazed by the room looks ‘Wow, look at this room. This room’s at least about three times my apartment in Japan. Three queen-size beds, a big wardrobe about the size of my kitchen, balcony. Wow, I can live forever here. Hey, is that Cammy White the other member of CEC ?’

“What’s the matter ?” – Eliza.

“Umm… nothing, just impressed by this room, so huge.” – Ryu.

“Who’s he, Liz ?” – Cammy.

“He’s Chun Li’s date, his name is Ryu.” – Eliza.

“Hi, how are you ? you must be Cammy White ?” – Ryu, as he bows a bit.

“Hmm… a gentleman. Yes, I’m Cammy White. Have a seat Ryu, want a drink ?”

“No, thanks.” – Ryu, he take a seat on a big sofa .

“I’ll, check if Chun Li is ready.” – Cammy. She gets up from bed, bangs the bathroom door “CHUN LI, RYU IS HERE, ARE YOU SET OR NOT ?”

“NO, NOT YET, TELL HIM TO WAIT, JUST 5 MINUTES !!!” – Chun Li, from bathroom.

“That makes 50 minutes.” Cammy smiles at Ryu. “Sorry, I guess you have to wait at least about an hour more, hehehe.”

“I HEARD THAT !!!” – Chun Li.

Ryu just smiles, don’t know to believe who, but thinking maybe Cammy’s right, considering what will girls do before go on a date, so he decides to talk with Eliza and Cammy. “Are you girls going to have concert in here ?”

“Yup, the day after tomorrow, tomorrow we have the last rehearsal. Are you going to come to the concert ?” – Eliza.

“I guess not, I didn’t know that you girls are going to have concert here. I haven’t buy the ticket, and I think now will be too late.” – Ryu.

“Not if you know the CEC personally luv, tell you what, we’ll give you a pass to the backstage.” – Cammy.

“Woow ! Really ?!” – Ryu.

“Yes, really, but you have to wait until tomorrow, coz we have to squeal the pass from our manager, and he is now somewhere with a girl that he found this afternoon.” – Cammy.

“Okay, I can wait, thanx a lot Cammy.”

“No problem Ryu.” The bathroom door opens “Guess I’m wrong about the time, hehehe.”

“I told you it’ll take only 5 minutes. How do I look, Ryu ?” – Chun Li as she comes out.

Ryu jaw almost drops to the floor. Although not too glamour, Chun Li looks so beautiful. She tied her hair with ponytail style, her lips look so challenging, like begging for a kiss. She wears a white sweater and blue jeans, that somehow looks stick to her body. “Beautiful, you looks beautiful.”

“Really ? Thanks, and you look great too. Shall we go now ?” – Chun Li, glaring at the other two girls who’re giggling at the sight of Ryu gaping at her.

“Okay, if you ready, let’s go.” – Ryu “Bye Eliza, Cammy, see you two later.”

“See you Ryu, Chun Li. Have fun.”- both Eliza and Cammy.

As Ryu and Chun Li about to get out, Cammy called Chun Li in Chinese *”Chun Li.”*

*”What is it Cammy ?”*

*”Don’t forget the rubber.”* - Cammy grins, and Eliza laughs so hard that she almost falls down from the sofa.

“Cammy !!!” – shout Chun Li, glaring at her, but quickly changed with smile and laugh.

“What is it, Chun Li ?” – Ryu, confused.

“Nothing Ryu, just go and have fun ok !”- Cammy.

On the date…

First, they have dinner, Ryu takes Chun Li to a small restaurant on the street instead of big expensive restaurant. Its not because he is stingy, but because he likes to eat on a small restaurant like that, and he knows that the food really taste better there than any big restaurant. And he doesn’t like to got to big restaurant just to impress a girl, even on the first date, he rather shows his true color.

“You know Ryu, you really strange.” – Chun Li.

“Why ? do I have four hands ? or two heads ?” – he smiles, teasing Chun Li.

She giggles “No, its not that. I mean, like now, usually when a guy take me to dinner, he will pick an expensive and fancy restaurant, not this kind of street restaurant.”

He shrugged “Well, maybe I’m not that kind of usual guy.” smiles “No, I don’t really have a reason, I just like it to eat in a street restaurant like this. I don’t like to eat in fancy restaurant unless if for business, too many rules, etiquette, and the foods are not as good as in the restaurant like this.”

“O, really ? why is that ?” – Chun Li.

“Well, I don’t really know, maybe its just comes with me, I was raised with simple things in my life, including foods. And I guess simple things like this kind of restaurant match my taste.” – Ryu.

“Hmm… maybe, and I have to admit the foods taste great too, in fact it is better than the foods in fancy restaurant.” – Chun Li.

“Glad you like it. Well, where do you want to go now ?” – Ryu.

“I don’t know, aren’t you the one who suppose to plan our date ?” – Chun Li smiles.

“Well… I’m a democrat. But since you asked me, how ‘bout a walk at the harbor ?” – Ryu .

“Why not ? Lets go.”

They walk around the harbor – holding hands, watching the full moon, talking – to get to know each other, buy ice creams and sit on a long chair like a real couple.

“You know Ryu, you’re really a strange guy.” – Chun Li.

“You’ve said that before, and what is it about this time ?” – Ryu.

“Sorry, its just that… you really different with other guys that I know. You really know how to make a romantic situation in simple way, I really like it. I never felt like this before.” – Chun Li, then she leans on Ryu’s chest.

Ryu’s heartbeat goes on about a hundred mile per hour as Chun Li lean on him, he doesn’t know what to do or to say, so he just keeps silent and smells the scent that comes from Chun Li hair. ‘Ohh… this is really must be a dream, and if this is a dream, I never want to wake up anymore’ thought Ryu.

“Ryu.” – Chun Li.

“Hmm…” – Ryu.

“Why are you so quiet ?”

“Nothing, just don’t know what to say.”

Chun Li gets up, and turns to Ryu. Their both eyes locked each other, like there is a strong chain that connect them. Silence for a moment, Chun Li closes her eyes. Ryu feels confused, should he kiss her ? His head going down slowly, his eyes closed. Just as their lips are about to touch ‘No’ thought Ryu, he jerked himself back. Chun Li felt the movement, opens her eyes “What happened Ryu ?”

“I… I’m sorry Chun Li, I can’t. I… We… We’re not lovers, I can’t kiss you.” – Ryu without looking at her, afraid to see if she is hurt.

‘What a gentleman’ Chun Li smiles ‘He really is a true man’ “Don’t worry Ryu, I understand. I’m not mad.”

“Really ?” – Ryu.

“Yes.” – Chun Li.

“Thanks. Umm… what do you say if we walk again. Its getting late, and tomorrow you got rehearsal to do.” – Ryu.

“Okay.” – Chun Li.

As they walk through a park, they saw a statue of a couple dancing. Chun Li asked to stop and “Ryu, how ‘bout if we dance ?”

“Here ? Now ?” – Ryu, surprised.

“Silly, of course here and now. Come on.”

“But… no music, and beside of that, I can’t dance.”

“You can’t ?!?!?! well, you have to learn how to dance then. Come on I’ll teach you now.” – Chun Li takes Ryu hands and starts to teach him to dance. After 3 times Ryu steps on Chun Li feet, and vice versa, Ryu finally knows how to dance. They dance for some time, with Chun Li humming some songs as the music.

They stop after dancing for a while. “Wow, Ryu, you really a fast learner. Are you sure you never dance before ?” – Chun Li.

“No, I never dance before, thanks for teaching me Chun Li. I’m really happy to dance with you.” – Ryu. Chun Li blush a bit, lucky for her that it’s quite dark around, so Ryu can’t see her blushing.

“Its okay, I enjoy it as much as you do. Now, err…lets go back ?”.

“Okay.” – Ryu.

They walk back to Chun Li’s hotel, until the reach at front of Chun Li’s room. “Well, Ryu, this is it.” – Chun Li.

“Yeah, this is it. Good night Chun Li.” – Ryu.

“Good night too Ryu, I really enjoy this night, thanks.”- Chun Li.

“Umm… I enjoy it too Chun Li, good night.” – Ryu, he turns.

“Umm… Ryu, wait, are you going to come to our rehearsal ?” – Chun Li.

Ryu turns back “Lets see if Cammy didn’t forget to squeal a pass for me, then I'll go.”

“I’ll make sure she won’t.” she moves quickly and kiss Ryu on his cheek, then turns and goes into her room.

Ryu stands in front of her room for about a minute, stunned, didn’t believe what was happened, then he turns – still feels like flying - and goes back to his hotel, with a million of sweet thought.