The elevator ride to the ground floor was the slowest and agonizing lift in Hana’s life. Outside, the climate has turned a new leaf. Rain clouds prevented the sunlight from radiating, covering the entire blue sky. An impending downpour not far from the horizon.The immediate drop in the temperature didn’t appease Hana’s mind and anger. Cold sweat formed on her forehead while her face allflashedin red—her ears buzzing from the loud noise coming off her chest.Hana knew only one thing — SHE MUST GET OUT THERE IMMEDIATELY!Her trembling hands and shortness of breath made leaving a struggle. Hana could hardly hold herself up as her knees wobbled. Unlocking the bike was tough.Mounting her bike, Hana couldn’t contain her grief. The agony weighed her down, and her heart stabbed from all directions. “I knew it. This was a big mistake,” she lamented.&n
Dingdong. Dingdong. “Hana, Hana, are you there?” A loud knock drew her back to earth. Hana closed the box, jostled on her feet, and dropped the gift on the nightstand. “I’m here, Go-eun.” She opened the door and saw a giant balloon bouquet and an armful of presents and things standing in front of her. “Happy Birthday!” Go-eun peered behind the bouquet, beaming at her. Hana lit up, “Go-eun! Let me help you with that.” Reaching for the wreath and the plastic pouches in her hand. “Wow! You carried all of these.” “I know, right? They’re from the party. And since you didn’t come, I carried them here instead.” “Oh! Didn’t you eat? Come in.” Hana held the door for Go-eun. “Well, we did. We ate some kimbap, Mandu, and japchae Suho brought. Kwanghee also brought some ice cream. And we finished that one too, or else I’ll bring you colored liquid. Jim and I made this bouquet for you.” “Really?! I didn’t think you’d get a party going for me. Oh, you can set them down there,” Hana po
“Sunday night came but still no trace of Suho?” Hana wondered what’s up with him. He had been missing in action since her birthday. And if not for the gifts, she would’ve assumed he neglected her altogether.Mrs. Lee came earlier that morning to refill the food inside their refrigerator. She also brought some seaweed soup for Hana.“Oh, Hana. I am sorry. I only found out from Naeun about your birthday last night after helping her stitch up… Oops. (pretend you didn’t hear that — she whispered) That’s supposed to be a surprise,” Mrs. Lee laughed. “Anyway, have some seaweed soup, it’s food that’s usually served on birthdays.”“Thank you, imo. By the way, Is Suho home?“Not anymore. He took off early with Kwanghee. Sometimes I think those two are up to something.”“Maybe they’re just busy readying f
On the day of the basketball try-outHana had been restless after not seeing him for the last four days. He didn’t drop any message except for her birthday greeting. The basketball court was full, and every player brought in their own cheering squad to the game. Hana’s eyes darted left and right, searching for Suho, but he was nowhere in sight. She descended and started seeking for Kwanghee, who had been absent at the shelter as well. Hana caught up to him as he was leaving the gym.“Hey, Kwanghee. Where’s Suho?”“He’s not here,” Kwanghee answered, his back against her. “Obviously. Why would I ask you if I can see him here? So tell me, where is he?”“He’s busy.”“I know, but shouldn’t he be here? He had been waiting for this opportunity. I am sure he’ll not let this pass. So where the hell is he?”Kwanghee turned around, flustered, “Why the hell are you mad at me when it’s your fault that he’s in a hut, Kwanghee mumbling to himself.”“What?”“Hana, Hana…” a voice called out behind h
“I’m sorry, eomma. I should have explained to you sooner,” Suho mumbled.Mrs. Lee stood by the door, listening attentively to what Suho had to say.“I just didn’t want you to worry too much. I guess I’m paying for all the bad things I’ve done before. But I promise you I’ll do better.”“Go ahead. Rest now. That’s all that I wanted to hear,” she responded, closed the door, and walked away.Suho stared at the closed door. For some reason, he’d prefer that his mom would’ve screamed at him like she constantly does. At least, that meant she’s over and done with what happened. But seeing her calm and composed response ripped his heart to a million pieces. So, he vowed to make it up to her by studying hard and passing the exam.Then, Suho remembered he still had one more person he had to explain things to.&n
The freezing breeze whiffed fallen leaves in the air, sending dust all over the place and shivers to the skin. Thousands of leaves scattered all over the place, painting the dark soil splashes of browns, oranges, and yellows.Each leaf Suho stepped on crunch underneath his feet, sounding like his heart was twisted every time. The cold weather only numbed his skin but not his heart.Suho sat on the wooden bench in the shelter, staring absentmindedly in space.It’s not about Kang Jun. But his lack of confidence to face Hana and be with her that’s crushing him. He saw the sadness in her dark brown eyes as tears filled up its corners.The look of concern and guilt no one, except her mom, gave him.No.He didn’t dare to listen to what Hana had to say. Because he knew she’d be disappointed. He knew she’d be hurt. Knowing he’d been away from her for too long and now seeing her with Kang Jun made him realize, “I miss her badly.”For Suho, there’s nothing that he could do nor words that could e
Suho watched the leaves fall down from trees one by one as winter gradually crept in. Some trees were bare naked, while others still have a few leaves left on their branches. But there’s a promise that after the cold season came spring, bringing forth new lives to the trees. A circle of life he seemed to have forgotten. Yet, he marveled, what part of the season was his life in?A beautiful swan swam idly in the pond. Cygnets followed it attractively, oblivious to the crowd around them. Daly Park at its peak — people flocked by the hundred, drowning in the beauty of fall. The entire landscape was painted in a multitude of colors, magically transforming the place to nature’s wonder. People buzzing around, taking pictures, gallivanting about, and having picnics with family and friends.Everyone seems to have fun—all except for one — Suho.Rays of the sun bounced back from the pond, hitting Suho on the face. He cr
Beep“Oppa, I’m sorry if I disappeared just like that. Something urgent came up. I’ll make it up with you.Please press #1... Toot***The result of the college entrance exam has finally come. Every senior and their families were on their toes. Tension filled the air as they sat next to their home phone, awaiting the golden hour of the verdict.Suho was no exemption. He had been shuffling in his bed the previous night, unable to sleep soundly. The handset sat in silence on his table desk, next to the windowsill. Suho drummers his fingers impatiently, watching the minute hand strike 12.The time came. Suho picked up the telephone, dialed the number, and gave his student number.There was a long pause.The receiver slid from Suho’s grasp. Tears fell from his eyes. No words could explain how he felt that day. It felt like the winter has started, and it’s the longest night there ever was.***The following morning.“Hana, you need to come to the shelter at once,” Go-eun’s voice sounded urg