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
Hana turned on the transmitter radio mindlessly.“All by myself,Don’t want to be all by myselfanymore.”“That’s Celine Dion, ladies, and gentlemen, with her song AllByMyself,” said the DJ. “We interrupt this broadcast for some important announcement. We have a caller on the other line, let’s bring her in.”“Hello…” a soft and sad tone spoke, a voice Hana vaguely remembered.“Yes, mam. I’m speaking with Ji Hyo Kwang, right? For those who don’t know, Ji Hyo Kwang is the wife of the legendary basketball player, Haneul Lee. Although he’s no longer with us, we’re grateful for the honor he brought to our nation. And so, we appreciate your trust in using our station for whatever announcement you have. Go ahead, Mrs. Lee,” the DJ announced.Hana flinched, understand
Under the moonlight with the stars as their witness,Suholeaned closer, his forehead touching hers. And like two flames joined as one, it grew bigger and brighter as the stars in the sky.They are each other’s light, bringing clarity amid the blackness. Shining so brilliantly, their eyes blinded.“Hey, we’re closing,” the flashlight shone in their direction as the guard called their attention.Both bowed in chagrin, “We’re sorry. We’re sorry.”“You, kids, nowadays! Instead of studying, here you are doing something in the dark. Go home! Your parents are looking for you by now,” the older guard replied.Hana andSuhoscurried away, running and snorting at the same time. Their faces flushed crimson from being discovered by the elders, gasping for air, their voice resounding in the tranquility of the night.
“Aaaaah…” Suho screamed, but no one seems to hear him. Everyone was busy tending their own business. Hana appeared out of nowhere. She glanced at him with a curious expression.Can’t she see I’m in pain, his entire body trembled in fear.A black shadow slid from where he lay.“Where am I? What is happening?”Swoosh.The shadow under his bed popped out, towering behind Hana. Suho’s jaw fell to the ground, instinctively crossing his arms to hide his face, pushing away with his feet. But the monster kept moving closer, passing through Hana, its wide mouth about to swallow him whole.“Oppa, Oppa, wake up!” A loud thud on the door woke Suho from his nightmare. “Oppaaaaa…….”Suho jerked up and sat at the edge of his bed. Cold sweat appeared on his forehead, heaving, whooping for air as he drenched in cold water.
Christmas and New year of 1998 became an unforgettable experience for Hana and Suho. Giving Hana a taste of homemade, her eyes twinkled in the starless night and her smile shining brilliantly like the summer sun. For the first time after a long time, winter has never been sunny.Just like that, the clock ticked and the last year of the century came surging in. As the wintry climate subsided, white and yellow hues swept the entire peninsula, Spring came rushing in. The sweet scent of flowers and trees whiffed in the air, warming up the heartless. A new leaf turned, signaling new beginnings. It’s a new chapter for every senior high school across the country as they move to college. Finally, it’s graduation day. Everyone bustling about, comparing notes of upcoming vacation and college life. Seniors with their parents and friends frolicking about. Everyone was there, except for one.“Where’s Suho?” Go-eun inquired, searching around. Without another word, Hana left.Kwanghee’s parents we
“Hana, are you ready?” Suho inquired.“No.”“But, we’re just half in our itinerary!” Suho tilted his head, gazing into her eyes while Hana shunned him away. “I have a surprise for you.”“TA-DA!” Go-eun and Kwanghee popped out of nowhere. Hana jumped from her chair. And all four laughed as if it was just yesterday when they last met each other. Kwanghee winked at Suho; Go-eun gave him an o-kay sign. She became silent after all the glee, then zoned out.“What’s with her?” Kwanghee inquired, nudging at Suho.“I’m not feeling well,” Hana answered the question herself.“Eh… maybe you’re just tired. I can promise you this trip will melt all your stress away,” Suho retorted, his face beaming, eyeballs barely visible. Before Hana could protest, they hauled her outside of the house to where Kwanghee’s brother was awaiting. They traveled to Gyeonggi-do and took turns describing the place to Hana. A view with sweeping azalea blossoms, looking over a lake surrounded by cherry blossoms. All thr
Darkness loomed over the city as the sunset on the horizon. In mid-Spring, a Slight drizzle made Suho and Kwanghee retreat in the car, watching for Dr. Song to come back.Kwanghee put on some music from the radio. And the voice of Steven Tyler racking the airwaves, singing in a high-pitch tone to the pop song, “I don’t wanna miss a thing.” He couldn’t help but sing to his heart’s content, trying to distract Suho, who was twitching in his seat.Suho rolled down the windows in his haze. “Chill, man. Ani (no)... I mean, why didn’t she tell us earlier that she’s not feeling well? We could have saved everyone’s time and energy climbing up the mountain.”“But she did. You weren’t paying attention. Didn’t you see she’s been quiet the whole time?” Go-eun interrupted, crouching her head into the car next to Suho’s seat.“NO! We’ve been too excited to even notice. How can she just damp water on a fiery pit that’s roasting some good meat? She’s such a killjoy,” Kwanghee whined, making a face at