Chapter 4!

“I don’t have a boyfriend because… I’m waiting for someone.”

I wasn’t able to respond. I don’t even know what to say or how to answer back.

“Oh, are you shock? Coz you didn’t expect that this meanie had a softie side?”

As she said the words, there was sadness… I felt it. I simply let out a soft laugh,

“Of course not, everyone has the right to love and do whatever is necessary to have it, to be loved. Waiting is just part of the process. I also waited for someone before. For how many times did I try & even failed? I lost count.”

“Really? You? Waited and you failed? Are you serious, I thought you had girls drooling over you. Haha!”

“Why? Do I give off that kind of aura? Did you even…”

“What?”

“Did you even drool upon seeing this piece of juicy meat in front you. Hahaha!”

“Oh my god! Hahaha! Sorry Junho-sshi but I don’t drool. Ever.”

Okay, as I tried to focus on my unfinished plate and as I noticed how he enjoyed the moment, I had to resist laughing… thinking… admitting that yes, I… for once… somewhat entertained “drooling.”

“Hahaha, look at you, Hyoyeon-sshi! You’re blushing, hahaha!”

“In your dreams, you’re not my type, haha!”

I couldn’t help but laugh… and I am enjoying every minute of this conversation with Hyoyeon. It’s true, she can be quite a handful. She could be grouchy, snobbish & even unapproachable at times,  but looking at her now… I see a different Kim Hyoyeon… someone who is afraid to let her guard down… someone who is trying to hide her weakness via this strong and stable façade. And even though it’s hard to break down her wall, that same resistance and hesitation caught me. It was like a pleasant trap and the more I moved closer to the pit, the more I loved the idea. I had no plans of turning back.

She fiddled and such restlessness could only mean discomfort. This conversation that we’re having wasn’t really comfortable for her but she decided to play further and continued. I had to observe how she put the fork down, opened her purse and briefly looked at her phone as if she was waiting for a call or something.

I was silent for a few minutes and she noticed it,

“Hey. What’s wrong? You seemed so quiet? I though we’re just joking around. I just told you that you’re not my type and you became so silent”

“So I’m not really your type?”

“Junho, I told you, I’m waiting for someone.”

“I know.”

“Then why are you even asking me that?” Then came that irritated tone.

“It’s too bad that you don’t. Coz I do. I like you.”

“Hahaha, now that was a joke, haha!”

My nuances may have gone overboard and normally, my playful mind would have gloated but with her… no… not really.

So, I did back out. I don’t want to ruin this.

“Just kidding! Don’t take it seriously okay…”

I then added and I saw her flash that smile again.

“Good. At least we understand each other.”

“Of course, so maybe, we could be friends? I mean, really, friends.”

It took her a few more seconds to answer,

“Sure. I might need a plumber… but mind you, a handsome plumber… but, don’t take it seriously too! :P Hahaha!”

“Nice one, Hyoyeon-sshi. Nice one,haha!”

=================

I don’t want admit it but I had fun. It’s been a while since I went out… eat with someone… aside from Yuri.

Junho was kind. A gentleman. A jokester, yes, but he knew when to say the right things… he was sensitive enough to say sorry thinking that I might find his words offensive. I like that.

But when I told him that I was waiting for someone… it was true. If I met Junho years ago… If I met him first… it would be easy for me to think that maybe, if ever he showed interest, I would date him. No questions asked. I would try. But no… I couldn’t get myself to do it… not after what happened… I am still waiting.

I went to the terrace and occupied my favorite spot. I was enjoying the view…. the calmness… the silence. Being alone had its perks. And for the first time in a long time, I did not shed a tear, even though the thoughts of him are visiting my mind again…

I didn’t even notice that my phone was ringing… unfamiliar digits.

“I wonder who this is.”

“Hello!”

“Hyoyeon-sshi!”

“Huh? Wait, who’s this?”

“Tss. It's Junho! Hurry look to your right, haha!”

And then I saw him. He was also outside stargazing. He was right; we were separated by merely two units. I smiled at him.

“Yup, I see you, by the way, how did you get my number?”

I could clearly see how he chuckled. From such a short distance, we were again having this unlikely moment….

“I asked Nickhun. Sorry. I forgot to ask your number earlier. I know, it’s unethical but I’m really sorry. I hope you’re not mad?”

Under normal circumstances, yep, I would freak out. I would be angry. But Junho had this effect on me. He was kind…and cute and always smiling…god Hyo, stop it.

“Ah, nope. I’m not mad. I’m sure by now, Yuri already know that you asked for my number. And I would expect her to call me tomorrow and say, Hyo! Why didn’t you tell me that you & Junho know each other? So did he call you? Are you guys going on a date or something? You know things like that, haha!”

I could see him laughing and just like that, the once weird scenario became pretty. This phone convo has become both pretty and weird.

“Hahaha, and there you are, gawking at me again, haha!”

“Haha, No, I’m just happy because the last time I saw you… in that very spot… you looked everything but happy.  You’re smiling now. And it’s much better.”

And then it hit me. He did see me here. That night, after the party, I was then having my “emo” moment.

“So you really did see me a few times, not only in the party.”

“It’s late. You should get some rest.”

“What’s with the sudden change of topic? Hahaha, okay then… Happy birthday again Junho-sshi.”

“Thank you, Hyoyeon-sshi… good night.”

“Good night.”

The call ended. He waved at me. I waved back. And as I went inside, I was still smiling… for whatever reason I felt great… it felt right and it was because of Junho.

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