I spaced out, looking at the ceiling, and thought about what happened earlier. It seemed like I was in that certain situation, just like that 'almost-a makeout-session' with Kim Seungwoo. Does that mean I am not daydreaming that time but an episode of clairvoyance? Unlike before, what happened today was vague, and I was more self-aware than I wasn't daydreaming. I couldn't pinpoint who the man I was talking to, or where it happened. Though I didn't feel threatened by the events' sudden progress, I felt butterflies in the stomach. That means the man I was talking to in that situation was someone I knew.
But the most important thing is this, I discovered the owner of the mermaid's tail that I have been looking for—the reincarnated prince.
"Suji-eonni," I was now staring at Mira's face rather than the ceiling. She was holding a black plastic bag. "I brought you some tteokbokki---"
She gasped in shock and stepped backward. I sat up and stared at Mira's face, who seemed to be too shocked to speak. She was able to calm herself down and sat right beside me.
"Eonni, your eyes turned turquoise!"
"Calm down," I reassured her. "I know. Is it back to normal now?"
"Yes,"
"We are the same," her eyes widened in disbelief. "I am a reincarnated mermaid too."
"How did you find out?"
"You do know that when we use our powers," I replied, "Or we see someone who is deeply connected with our past life, our identity is more visible to other people who are the same as us."
"Does that mean we are deeply connected with our past life?"
"I guess not. I saw your identity when you used your power to suppress that Bang Yeji, who bullied you."
"No, I don't know. I am not using any powers though you are correct that I am a reincarnated mermaid. We have the same curse, I think? And that is to make our past life's beloved fall in love with us in this life."
"You were," I replied as I held both of her hands. "Don't worry; I am someone whom you can trust,"
"Thank you so much for saving me last Saturday, eonni." She held my hands tightly, "You should have some tteokbokki though, it's a token of appreciation."
She opened the plastic bag, and I saw a rectangular styrofoam food container. Tteokbokki! She handed me the disposable chopsticks and got herself one too.
"Thank you so much for this, Mira," I smiled as I took a bite of the tteokbokki. "What brings you here, though? I'm sure you only got to know my identity after you found out my eyes earlier, right?"
"Ah, yes, it feels weird to be able to find someone like me." She said, "I'm not quite sure about the supersonic voice that you mentioned that I have. I did notice it ever since I was a kid. Do you know what was yours?"
"I'm still not quite sure yet, I haven't had this for a long time, so I thought I was an exemption. I guess not,"
"I see." She nodded and smiled faintly. "I hope you like tteokbokki, I called Rina-eonni, but she didn't answer."
"Yes, I like tteokbokki. I'll give the remaining tteokbokki to her. She was having her lunch!" I replied enthusiastically, "I really LOVE spicy foods!"
"That's great! I have a question, do we have the same curse?"
"Yes, to make our past life's beloved fall in love with us in this life?"
"I mean, do you turn into a mermaid whenever your legs are poured with any types of water?"
I leaned in for a whisper, "Yes,"
+++
Mira and I separated after we had our conversation. Both of us went down using the elevator and went to make her ride a taxi on her way to her university as a thank-you gift for her making an effort and giving us some tteokbokki. I said goodbye to her and paid the taxi driver in advance. Mira said that this is a never-ending payment of debts. I just laughed at what she said. This is a kind of friendship that I am looking for. I took note of the plate number mentally, texted it to Mira, told her to be safe always, and texted me when she arrived at her university.
I went inside the building and used the elevator. The moment I saw the elevator almost closing, I decided to wait for another one that will come.
Ting!
It reopened, and I saw Seungwoo's smile and his dimples. I saw who was beside him, and guess what Team Leader Bae was. I didn't want to enter the elevator. I mean, there are still three other elevators that are available for use. I mean, three elevators that are going to be available for use if I wait for two to five minutes? It isn't that crowded, and I mean, it IS awkward.
"Aren't you going?" Team Leader Bae asked me, while Seungwoo was still holding the elevator's 'open' button. "Hurry up, and make up your mind."
I didn't know what went inside my brain, but I took a step and entered the elevator. I mean, I didn't want to ride the elevator with the Team Leader, but she made me hurry up as if I don't deserve anything, just like the exhibit project that she has taken an interest in.
I was in front of both of them, the three of us forming an equilateral triangle. The three of us were silently riding the elevator, peacefully. I don't want to do any small talk as it is very awkward, but then again, the other one is a superior of mine--and the other one is a 'friend' of mine too.
I can do this.
I turned around and acknowledged both of them by giving them a nod and smiling lightly. I think this is the most awkward moment of my life!!! As I turned my head back to face the door elevator door, I heard Seungwoo calling out my name. He better not say anything weird.
"Did you eat already?" Seungwoo asked curiously if I have eaten already.
"Ah, not yet," I replied as I turned my head again to face them. "Did both of you finish eating lunch too?"
"Yes," Seungwoo replied. "We didn't eat together. We just met when we were on our way to the building."
"I see," I replied as I turned my head back slowly to face the elevator. I didn't know riding an elevator takes a lot of time. Really, why don't we arrive on the fifth floor already? Please, I am begging you! Anyone who can make this thing go up faster!
Ting!
The elevator opened, I looked up, and sadly, we were still on the 3rd floor. I looked ahead of me, and I was shocked to see CEO Seo alone. He took a step forward, entered the library, and glanced at us who were inside.
"Hello, CEO Seo" All of us greeted in unison. He greeted us back with a smile and stood right next to me. I took a step on my right to give him some space, with Seungwoo at my back.
The elevator closed. After just a moment of silence, CEO Seo decided to speak up, "I missed your home-cooked food, Miss Suji. How I wish I could try some of your kimbap again,"
My god.
Why is he suddenly bringing that up?!