Shin Eunkyung

I woke up to the sound of my alarm clock and stretched my arms wide while yawning. I slowly opened my eyes and stared at the ceiling. Then, looked at my window and then at the clock.

6 am.

I sighed. Guess, it’s time for school. In a swift movement, I pulled myself off the bed. I don’t want to do it slowly or I’ll stop and went back to bed. I walked across the room while rubbing my eyes. Why do I feel so heavy today?

Suddenly I felt someone lift me off the ground. I squealed as he did. He just laughed at me.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

Doojoon squeezed me closer to him. “Nothing,” he replied while smiling.

I smiled back at him. He must still feel happy about his re-friendship with Hyunseung. I remembered him telling me that last night – and not to mention hugging me a lot until I think he crushed my bones.

I tapped his arm. “I’m going to shower now,” I said, signaling him to let me go.

He leaned closer with a smirk. “Do you want me to go with you?”

I pushed his face away. “Ha, no thanks,” I said and jumped off him. He let me go willingly. I walked to the bathroom and said, “Bye,” before closing the door.

We entered the school hand in hand, shoulders against each other. I smiled along the way, feeling happy at how this felt. It was very different from what I felt a few weeks ago. Sure, the crowds are still there, so does the looks. But Doojoon didn’t rush this time and not hurting me either. It’s like I was going through my life again starting from the start, but even better.

He left me at the door of my class. Usually he would just go away but he stopped for a moment to look for Hyunseung. As usual, he was sitting at his desk and reading the book. But most likely, he’s just spacing out.

“Hyunseung!” Doojoon called.

He looked up and waved at him. “Doojoon.”

I waved at him too. It’s good to see them smiling – in peace and not bruised. I turned around and kiss Doojoon’s cheek. He smiled at me then left. I entered the class and sit at my chair next to Hyunseung.

“So you guys are good?” I asked him.

He nodded while smiling. “We are.”

I like seeing Hyunseung smile too and not looking like a hot-looking but very dangerous mafia. I missed his happy face.

Just then, the teacher walked in and class started like usual.

I spaced out at times during classes. I kept thinking about Seungho. I turned him down although in a good way but I kept feeling guilty. I should do something to make up for the time when I had done wrong at him – although I’m not sure there is. So that’s why I’m not eating with the rest and had to give a lame excuse. I wanted to check him out during recess.

I walked past the empty rooms at the abandoned block and turned left, behind the block – where we used to meet. I expect to see Seungho sitting on the pavement laid back and casually stare at the sky but he wasn’t there. There was nothing. Not even a sign that he might had been there and just left a few minutes ago.

I walked out of the block, sighing in disappointment. Where could he be?

I decided to check the parking lot to check on if he was hanging out at his bike. But he wasn’t there, so as his red bike that is so noticeable I couldn’t have missed it wasn’t there.

I went back into the building with an even more disappointment. Where’s his bike? He couldn’t go to school without his bike. He rarely went anywhere without his bike, let alone leaves it.

So I decided to go to the office and check him there.

I arrived at the front desk. “Excuse me?” I asked politely.

The clerk looked up at me, realizing my presence. “Yes?”

“I want to ask about Yang Seungho. Did he come to school today?”

“A moment.” She clicked her mouse a few times, scanning the screen and then looked at me. “He moved away a few days ago,” she said.

I frowned. Moved away? “Where did he go?”

She went back to the computer screen and then looked back at me saying, “I’m sorry but he didn’t inform where to.”

I bit my lips. What is happening? I tried to think things over and then asked her, “Do you have any information about him?”

The clerk shook her head. “No.”

I tap the desk and thank her before leaving the office. Just then, the bell rings.

I sat on the floor while stretching my arms out then lazily pulled my schoolbag nearer. Gosh, teachers really know how to tire people. I put my hand inside the bag and started to search for my homework papers. I touched a strip of paper and pulled it out. I looked at it then shook my head.

“Not this one,” I said.

I slid my hand in again and felt another paper. I pulled it out and looked at it. It wasn’t a paper, it was an envelope. There was no name written at the front. I opened it and was shocked when I read the first sentence.

Dear Eunkyung,

It’s for me.

                By the time you read this, you have known I am no longer going to that school. I moved away a few days ago, a day after that party, precisely. I didn’t tell you because some things are better unknown. The reason I moved is mostly because I was heartbroken that you chose Doojoon over me. But I have learned to accept it.  
                I love you and would do anything for you, but in this world, some things weren’t made for us and somehow fate had it against me. I decided to leave not only because I was heartbroken but I know I can’t bear to look at you and Doojoon together. I know Doojoon isn’t fond with me being near you. But don’t hate him because of that. I had already pulled you into a lot of trouble.
             Don’t look for me and don’t be worried about me. I’m fine. I can find my way through things. Plus, you have helped create beautiful memories of us together. I will cherish that forever.  
             If you have any problems, I wanted you to know that I’ll be there with you. I’ll be your secret guardian. Just remember to take care of yourself.

Seungho

I cried reading the letter. I felt like I was just been told someone I loved had died. I clutched the tears-soaked letter. How could he just leave and only left me a letter that only contains how he loves me and don’t look for him. Does he know how hard it is to not care to look for him once he had written all of this?

There’s a knock on the door and I quickly shove the letter inside my bag then wiped my tears hastily.

“Come in,” I said, trying to control my shaky voice.

The doorknob twisted open and Doojoon came in. “Hey,” he said.

“Hey,” I said, turning away so that my back faced him.

“Are you okay?” he said as he sat next to me.

“Yeah, yeah. Why?” I pretended to act normal like nothing happened.

“Nothing, I’m just checking out on my future wife,” he said, smiling.

I smiled too. It was a bit comforting to hear him say that.

“Eunkyung-ah,” he called. His hand slid around my waist and his chin rested on my shoulder. I tingled as I felt his breath on my skin.

“What?”

He kissed my neck and instantly I felt my cheeks turned hot. “I love you,” he said.

It is painful to know Seungho had gone away but my life isn't all too bad. 

I turned around and kissed him.

“I love you too.”