Station Two.        

~ crossing intersections ~

“Ryeowook?” Kyuhyun said almost at the same time. Shock visible in his eyes the same way as Ryeowook’s had. He didn’t expect to meet him there tonight. He had just moved back in the city after spending years in another while studying in university.

He stood in front of his long lost friend, suddenly his childhood memories rushing in to his thoughts. Those were the memories that got left behind when he moved to a new environment, where new experiences were learned. Those were the memories that got buried by the hundreds of books he studied in order to succeed in his chosen profession. But despite their lost communication, he still fondly remembers the happy days of his childhood. That is why he had come back again, to retrace his way back in track. Hopeful to reconnect with an old friend he dearly misses.

“H-hi,” Kyuhyun stuttered, still not prepared on what to say once he meets him again. “It’s been a long time,”

When Ryeowook took his face mask off, Kyuhyun studied his features, looking intently at the smaller man before him. Although they were now both older than the last time they saw each other, he only saw minimal changes. Kyuhyun noticed that his friend looked years younger when in fact they were of the same age, with only months in difference.

“Yeah… i-it’s nice to see you here,” Ryeowook sounded uncertain but the look in his eyes tells that he is surprised yet delighted to see him. “Why are you here?”

“I’m back here again. I transferred my stuffs this weekend and just now I bought some groceries,” he motioned to the large paper bag he was holding.

“For good?” The two continued their conversation while walking towards the exit gates to tap their card tickets.

Kyuhyun nodded. “I’m alone though. My parents wanted to stay there,”

“Ahhh... I see...” Ryeowook hummed not knowing how respond next. Well, how do you continue a conversation with an old friend you had last talk to almost seven years ago? Ryeowook just smiled awkwardly while they kept walking towards their neighbourhood. They have the same route by the way.

Kyuhyun stole side glances from his friend, wanting to talk to him. But it’s as if something is keeping his mouth sealed. Is it out of shyness? Or is it out of fear? This feeling is somewhat familiar to him, back in the days when they were still getting to know each other. He was the quiet one between the two of them. That’s because he was the newcomer in the place and he barely know anyone. He still vividly remember how the cheerful young Ryeowook started conversations with him – from talking about his favourite food, giraffes and any topic under the sun. But as time goes by, as their friendship develops, Kyuhyun began to open up and reveal bits of himself.

This time, as their tracks cross each other’s paths again, Kyuhyun will take the first step.

“Is that the same burger house that we used to go after school when we were young?” he asked pointing to a small old restaurant down the street. Ryeowook stopped walking and looked far ahead before nodding.

“Yeah, a lot had changed here but you still recognized it,” he commented.

“I noticed the change here that’s why I recognized it. Do you mind if we can pass by to eat for few minutes?” he might be insane to ask this question when the snow was still falling continuously from the sky and they should be getting home fast as they could. But Kyuhyun took the risk. This reunion is long overdue.

“Just like the old times huh?” Ryeowook said, a small grin on his face.

“Hey Kyu, do you eat burgers?” Ryeowook asked one afternoon while they were on their way home.

The quiet boy nodded. "I do eat anything," he whispered but Ryeowook heard it nonetheless. He cheerfully held Kyuhyun's hand and tugged him forward.