*** This story was inspired by a reader who contacted me because he could relate to one of my stories. His email was used as the framework for this story. Thank you J Hall for your positive feedback.
Yoga was the perfect exercise for me. After a minor back injury, and seeing one chiropractor after another, I took up yoga when my favorite chiro suggested it. Within the first month, I could tell the notable difference. I even did stretches at home which I had learned doing yoga.
It was a very surprisingly effective exercise.
The yoga studio I had joined offered a number of classes, including; beginners, advanced, hot, sculpt and restore. Hot and Sculpt were the most challenging, so those are the classes I gravitated towards. But honestly, any yoga class was better than no yoga. Due to the frequency with which I visited the studio, I started to get to know some of the regulars. So, when Ari came to class, she definitely stood out. She was tall for a Korean girl, but slightly shorter than me. She had long black hair that stopped just above where her derriere began.
Hot yoga was about to begin, and I couldn't help but notice, she picked a possibly compromising workout outfit. It was white, top and leggings. The material was thin, and if there is one thing about hot yoga, you will sweat...a lot. The top was a skimpy type, the back was a series of strings that created loose mesh leaving her back nearly nude. The front, that approximated a sports bra, was tiny and thin material.
The class began and we went through the series of beginning moves and postures. The heat intensified as minutes passed. Ten minutes into the workout and I was already wiping the sweat off my brow. I could see Ari in front of me, and her tights were predictably becoming sheer as her sweat was soaked up by the material.
We entered into the middle flow of movements and poses; this is the more challenging part of the work out. Sweat was flowing out of every person in the studio. I was using my small cloth towel to wipe away the sweat any chance I got. Ari's tights were a gray now, a nearly sheer gray that let me see she was wearing nothing under her tights. These yoga leggings were something else; they wrapped around each butt cheek like a glove. It was impossible to see not the shapeliness of her buxom bottom. When class ended, the yogis bowed in namaste, and then to each other. When Ari turned to me, I could make out her taut nipples through her tiny top. Once she stood, I could make out her kitten was shaved except for a racing stripe.
I was smitten.
I intended to ask her out, and see if she was available for dating or possibly a relationship.
If anyone else noticed her revealing outfit, they didn't say anything. As luck would have it, we were walking out to our cars in the same direction. We were walking between cars when she glanced over. Once again I was afforded a view of her nipples due to her sweat filled top. She smiled.
If I was smitten before, I was twice as besotted now.
"Great workout!" I gave her a thumbs up.
"Yes, I really enjoyed it." She offered me her hand, "Ari, what's your name?"
"Ian, I really like your long hair." I offered.
"Oh thank you! It's so much to take care of. Have a good day, bye!"
She got into her car, and I got into mine. As she slowly backed out and started driving away I noted down her driver's license plate. I texted it to a friend of mine that moonlighted with a P.I. A few hours later, I got the rundown.
Ari Choi, graduated Loyola Marymount with a degree in marketing. Single. Employed 7 years at her current employer, CyberMarketing. Car, Prius which was paid off. Attend's Onnuri Korean Church, to which she had made several donations. Member Alpha Phi Sorority. It also had a phone number and address.
I was surprised at the amount of public information that you could have. I felt stalkerish knowing her phone and address, but I couldn't think of how this could help me get a date. Then I clued in on the church she attended. A quick google search gave me the location and website of the church. As I browsed the website, I saw they were offering volunteer opportunities the next few weekends. I signed up for the next two saturdays.
I saw her once or twice at the studio, and nodded hello. She would smile at me, but I didn't know if she was being polite or if she thought I was cute. After class on Friday, I stayed back and talked to the girl behind the counter.
"Hey, by any chance could you tell me what classes Ari likes to take?" I smiled trying to be innocent.
"Oh, another chaser." she smiled knowingly. "You're not the first to be interested in her. Sorry, I can't divulge any information about her classes. But I can say she seems very selective."
"Okay, I understand. By the way, why do you say 'selective'?"
"I've noticed she has dated guys, but after a month or two they quit dating her. That's all."
"Okay, thanks anyway." smiling at her helpfulness.
So she definitely dated guys, and was single, and seemed like the type that needed to be impressed. I was starting to get a strategy going. Tomorrow, with any luck, I would see her at the church. After arriving at 8am and working four hours packaging food for the homeless, no sign of her at all. Oh well, at least I made a good impression on the lady running the operation.
We were calling it a day, and as I was passing the open door to the office; Ari stepped out with the matronly lady supervisor.
I smiled in recognition, and waved 'hi' to them. They both waved back with polite smiles. As I continued, I heard rapid fire Korean between the two ladies. The rest of my weekend was spent playing pickup games of basketball and watching college football.
The week that followed, I signed up for each of the hot yoga classes on their calendar. I hoped it was her favorite, and figured she might attend at least one. Tuesday, my wish came true. As luck would have it, it was a pretty full class, and the last spot was next to me. Last time, I got to see her ass and body since she was in front of me. Today, we were next to each other, almost like working out in pairs. Once again, I could tell her choice in outfit would be revealing by the time we were done.
Class over, we walked out to our cars, making small talk. Once again, luck was on my side because she had parked next to mine.
"So imo (aunt) said you work very well. Do you go to church?"
"No, but I try to find ways to help the homeless. I did the same at college."
"Oh, what university? I attended LMU."
"Cal Tech, I'm an engineer." hoping that would impress her.
"Well see you next class maybe." she waved, smiling her pretty anime style smile. I smiled back, being able to once again see her nipples and cameltoe clearly outlined.
Thursday, we were in hot yoga again, but now she was 3 people away from me. We still walked out together, the girl behind the counter smiling, knowing I had inquired about Ari. We talked as we headed to our cars. When we reached the parking lot, I asked,
"If you're not too busy, I would love to take you to dinner. I know a great French restaurant."
"When would you like to take me to dinner?" asking coyly.
"This Saturday if you're available." I offered.
"Oh, I'm going to a late service" maybe next time. She did a little bow Asians are known for. What's the saying... 'Asians are the politest people at saying no'.
"Well, can I ask for your phone number then?"
"Oh, but I like you as a friend Ian." she smiled and bowed apologetically again.
"I understand. See you around then." waving to her.
I was committed to go help again the following two Saturdays, and I seriously thought about canceling. She was a tough nut to crack. I was starting to see why guys gave up on her. Saturday, I was again there at 8am and did my best to impress the older lady, 'imo' Ari had called her. Three hours later, Ari showed up and was talking to the lady. She looked up and saw me. She seemed surprised, then waved to me. I nodded, and continued working. When the imo called us to stop for the day, we drank water and started leaving. Imo said a 'thank you' to us all, and I replied "Have a good day Imo!"
She laughed. I was slightly confused.
When I got to my car, Ari was sitting in her car with the window down, tapping into her cell phone. She looked up, saw me and smiled. "Imo is a term of affection, it means 'aunt'. Mrs Park thought it was funny you called her auntie."
I blushed and smiled, shrugging my shoulders.
"Maybe we can see a movie. The Regal at 7pm?" she smiled that beguiling smile and backed out.
After all the work I put in, I finally had a date.
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I stood in front of the Regal theater at 6:55, with a bouquet of flowers. Out front and center, where I would be easily seen. Married couples smiled at me, knowing I was on a blind date. A few moments later, Ari walked up in high heels and a slim tight fitting dress. Her long black hair waved back and forth as she walked. This is why she's worth all the hassle I thought. I couldn't wait to get her in bed. But to have any chance of that, I had to be patient and play the long game.
"Oh Ian, we are just friends!" as she took the flowers and sniffed them. She then placed her free hand inside my elbow and leaned into me as we walked into the movieplex. Talk about the mother of mixed signals.
I picked a romantic chick flick, it even had several scenes of intimacy. Hoping it would tip the scales in my favor, we walked out and she once again was draped on my arm. Any who saw us would think we were an item. When we got to her car, I leaned in for a kiss. She turned her cheek towards me, and all I got was a peck on her cheek.
"Maybe for our next date, I can take you to that French restaurant I mentioned?"
"That would be nice." she smiled then, got in her car and drove home.
I simmered, and thought 'if this is progress, I won't get anywhere anytime soon'.
I texted my friend and asked if he could find out more about her. He replied anything else would be more invasive and would cost money. It might also put him in a bad light with the P.I.
I thanked him, and on a whim looked through his text until I found her address. I drove to her address, and sat in my car looking at her house. She was seated in her living room drinking a glass of wine. I noticed she was writing in a little red notebook, it had a Chinese gold emblem on the cover.
Monday I texted my friend about what I had noticed and he could possibly help me out. When he texted back, he said I would owe him big time.
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