I put my laziness aside, washed my face, put on a new dress, took the tab, diary, bottle, earbuds, and went out, thinking of going for a free walk somewhere. The sun was shining, and the gentle breeze brushed against my cheeks as I strolled through the streets, lost in my thoughts. Then, just as I was enjoying the solitude, my phone rang. It was none other than him.
"I know where you are. But for you, I will share a smile in Seoul. Be careful. I promised... I will come to you during the cherry blossom season. My Love, be patient until then... from 🌙," his voice filled the air, bringing comfort to my mind. It was a reminder of our love, a beacon of hope in the midst of our separation. Meanwhile, he had posted a photo of breakfast on Instagram.
It was nothing but kimchi egg, dakjuk, dalgona coffee... "my favorite dish for u"... We may have been physically apart, but through the post captions we shared, we expressed our love for each other. Seeing his smiling face, I knew that I was the source of his comfort. I couldn't forget his love, and it gave me strength.
I arrived at the high school for the first time in a long while. The nostalgic memories flooded my mind as I gazed upon the familiar surroundings. She was as beautiful as she was back then, the embodiment of youth and innocence. The girls ran around, their laughter filling the air. Some sat under the trees, engrossed in conversations about the latest dramas they had watched. I found a quiet spot on the ground and let myself reminisce.
"Ayoung... come and play," Du Ho called out, his voice filled with enthusiasm as he ran towards me.
"No... I'm drawing these pictures... you go," I replied, focused on capturing the essence of the school grounds on paper. As Du Ho went off to join his friends, memories of our childhood adventures came rushing back. I remembered how we used to run around, shoveling mud on rainy days, our laughter echoing through the corridors of the school.
"Sister, sister! Are you throwing balls?" a young girl's voice snapped me out of my reverie. I turned to see a little girl standing beside me, her eyes filled with curiosity.
I smiled at her and replied, "No, sweetie, I'm not throwing balls. I'm just remembering some old times." With a gentle pat on her head, I watched as she skipped away, joining the other children in their games.
As I continued my walk around the school, lost in my thoughts, my phone rang once again. It was Byung Ho,
"Ayoung, are you careful? Why didn't you tell me?" he asked, his voice laced with concern. I hesitated for a moment, then chose to tell another lie, shielding him from the truth.
"Ayoung, we're going to Singapore tomorrow... I sent you the schedule," he informed me. Hearing that Min was leaving made me feel a pang of sadness, but I didn't show it in my voice.
"Hmm... take care of Min," I said, trying to sound casual.
"You too, be careful," he replied before ending the call. The weight of everything I was trying to forget pressed heavily upon me. I glanced at the schedule Byung had sent. He would be joining the army next month, disappearing from my life for two long years. It felt like a colossal mistake to have left him when he needed me the most. But there was nothing else I could do. With a heavy sigh
, I left the school, casting one last glance at the place that held so many cherished memories.
Then I remembered what Jook Halmeoni, my wise old grandmother, had said. She mentioned Uncle Kwon, who could provide me with guidance and support. With newfound determination, I headed towards Uncle Kwon's house, hoping to find solace and perhaps a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty of my path ahead.