It was the last day of school before summer holiday. L.Joe and Chunji were sitting in the empty classroom of 2-1. Both the boys were silent; L.Joe was looking out the window at the students in the yard having a water fight and hearing their screams and laughter on this hot sunny afternoon. Chunji was looking straight up at the ceiling, reflecting on the news L.Joe had just told him.

“So, she’s coming with you on your family vacation?” he repeated, still looking up.

L.Joe made no answer and continued to look down at his childhood friend. She was laughing and running around as usual. Then Chunji turned to face him and grinned.

“Lucky you then… You must be so happy, no?” he said teasingly. 

L.Joe was silent, but blood was rushing to his cheeks.

“Waah...” Chunji continued, “You should confess, man!”

More blood was rushing to L.Joe’s face. This time, his hand was forming into a fist. Chunji ignored and continued.

“Imagine you and Nayeong on a hill alone, just the two of you... Then you confess. Then she says ‘Ah! I love you too!!’” he said, in a high voice, “And then... fireworks come and you two share a lovely first ki--”

“S-ST-STOP!!” L.Joe interrupted, banging his fist on the desk. He was crimson from head to toe.

Chunji laughed with satisfaction, looking at his best friend acting this way. It was funny that the usual cool and calm L.Joe can react like this from just imagining a scene with his first love.

It’s been 2 years now. How long is he going to keep it from her? He thought.