I came out of my room and got to see a beautiful sight of my father laughing and chuckling with Anna while they prepare for the breakfast together. "Good morning", I greeted them enthusiastically now that my mood has brightened up even more after looking at them. I sat on the dining table as healthy breakfast is being placed in front of me. Fruit salad, orange juice and bread with peanut butter. The food on the table may not be extraordinary but the environment surely is. Having a family who eats and laughs together is like a dream to me.
After breakfast I helped Anna in cleaning. Once we were done with the work, she got ready to leave. "I'm sorry I can't come to drop you. I have a lot of homework to finish." I made an excuse to let them have some alone time so that they can talk to each other freely. "You can call me anytime if you want to talk. I am always there for you." She gave me a goodbye hug.
I went to my room and got ready before leaving the house. I took a bus to a nearby mall. I wanted to buy something for Mr. Min as a token of my gratitude. I didn't had anything particular in my mind. I went to a clothing store first. My eyes landed on a black and white striped full sleeve t-shirt. He will look stunning in this, but all the girls would fall for him in an instant. I don't wan that to happen.
I didn't find any other good options in clothes so I went to almost all the stores in the mall only to find nothing that would catch my eye. My final destination was a perfume shop. I've seen him from close so I know that he always smells good. After a careful consideration, I chose the one which smelled sweet and addictive. This is exactly what I was looking for. Every time he wears this perfume, it will remind him of me. I went to the counter and paid the bill got it gift wrapped. I hope he likes it.
When I came out of the store, I saw Minho and Jiwon walking hand in hand. Holding each other's hand is not uncommon between friends. However the loving expressions on their faces were saying a different story. "Han Jiwon", I yelled her name making them stop on their tracks. They turned around to see me walk towards them. They let go of each other's hand and smiled awkwardly. "What a coincidence to see you guys here", I giggled. I don't want to ask them anything upfront, instead I hope them to tell me on their own. "I wanted to discuss something with Jiwon so I called her to meet me here." The fiddling of Minho's fingers were an indication that he was lying. He must have forgotten that I know them very well. "What did you want to discuss?" I asked cornering him to tell the truth. "Areum, we were about to go to the food court. I am very hungry. Let's eat and talk." Jiwon interrupted helping Minho who seemed out of words to lie.
The food was about to finish when Minho cleared his throat to begin the conversation. "Areum, the thing is that I and Jiwon....Jiwon and I....we like each other and we're-we are dating", he stuttered.
I couldn't believe my ears. How could they hide such a big thing from me? If I hadn't caught them today, I don't know how long they would've hid it. "Woah", I crossed my arms as the mixture of anger and disappointment started burning inside me. "How could you guys not tell me about something so important?! We have been inseparable for the past four years and this is how little I mean to you!"
"Areum, that's not true. You really mean a lot to us. We wanted to tell you bu-" Jiwon tried to explain. However, I raised my hand gesturing her to stop. "I don't want to hear your excuses. Do you have a slightest bit of idea of what I have been going through since last month? Do you know how hard I am trying to keep myself sane? I felt so bad when you guys didn't ask me the reason for the change in me. Actually, the truth is that you didn't care because you were busy amongst yourselves. From now on, you are not obliged to tell me anything because from now on, we are not friends anymore." I removed the bracelet that Minho had bought for us as a sign of our friendship and threw it on the table.
I took a bus back home thinking about a lot of things together. I have always shared my happiness with them if not sorrows. This was such a big news and they decided to hide it from me. I was hurt.
Upon reaching home, I found my dad sitting on the dining table and drinking. He does this every time he misses mom. I kept the shopping bag on the couch and went to sit next to dad. "Dad, I am also missing mom today. Shall I drink with you?" His eyes widened in shock. "Hey you punk. You are still a minor. You are not allowed to drink", he looked at me with murderous eyes. "Dad, I was just joking", I laughed. He kept his hand on mine. "My daughter is such a brave girl. She knows how to overcome hardships. But Areum, your dad is supposed to be your hero. The one who protects you", he started crying. I got up from my seat and hugged him. He already has so much on his plate, how could I burden him.
Next morning, upon entering the classroom I saw Jiwon and Minho talking to each other. I ignored them and went to my seat. Opening the text book, I got prepared for the upcoming class. I am still not able to concentrate completely, yet it's still better than before.
During lunch break, I went to see Mr. Min instead of going to the cafeteria. I walked to the second floor where his office is located. "May I come in?", I asked opening the door. "Can you wait outside for some time? I am in the middel of a session", he said politely. I closed the door and stood outside imagining his reaction for my gift.
After a few minutes, the door opened and the person who was with him came out. "Your session is scheduled for tomorrow. You came here now. Is everything alright?", he asked standing at the door. "Will you let me in first?" He smiled and gestured me to come inside.
"What is it?", he asked taking his seat. "I have two reasons to come here. First is this..." I removed the wrapped gift from my bag and kept it on the table in front of him. "What is this?", he laughed examining the box. "My way of thanking you." He opened the packing delicately not to ruin it. His lips curved up into a smile once again making my heart pound in my chest. He sprayed some perfume on his wrist and brought it to his sharply carved nose to smell it. His reaction clearly showed that he liked it. I felt a sense of relief upon seeing his reaction. "Thank you so much. I appreciate your sincerety so I will accept it this time, but no more gifts, okay?" He treats me like a little kid. It makes my heart melt when he talks to me in this tone.
"Now tell me the second reason." My expressions change from happy to serious once the topic arises. I told him about what happened at the mall without leaving a single detail. When I was done with what I had to say, he took a deep sigh. "Areum, they are your friends. You know them better than anyone else would know. You should have listened to what they had to say. If you were in their place, wouldn't you think that you deserve a chance to explain yourself."
I knew he was right. I was already regretting the things I said to them yesterday. I have known them for so long that I know almost everything about them. They are not the type of people I accused them to be. I hope it's not too late for me to apologise.