The Second Meeting
The Little ThingsDecember 9th, 2007
He never liked winter. The rain made fields slushy and prevented him from playing soccer. Having to wear extra clothes bothered him; he’d much rather be in a hoodie and sweatpants than the coat that Key hyung pushed on him.
'Yah! Choi Minho! You better put on more layers or Manager hyung is going to murder you for catching a cold!'
Minho couldn’t help but roll his eyes at the nagging memory. Shinee hadn’t debuted yet and all the members really had no idea when they would. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he aimlessly walked in the streets of his hometown, knowing he would have to meet his parents and hyung.
I wish it was snowing. At least there would be a decent reason on why it’s so damn cold right now. I don’t understand how people in America stands not having snow, he thought while looking up at the grey sky.
His father had just came back from Los Angeles after attending an international soccer coach convention. Minho had tagged along, hoping to use the opportunity to convince his father to push him to become a sportsman. The plan was fruitless in the end; Minho had to leave early and catch the first flight to Seoul to prepare for the upcoming album.
The flight, though long, was uneventful. He enjoyed being in the States but really couldn’t understand how it could be December and still burning out. Both glad yet regretful to leave, he just wanted to sleep through the entire flight. No one knew he was an SM trainee so there were no fans asking for pictures or autographs. The girl who sat next to him was polite and kept to herself. He preferred it this way; Taemin once expressed his concerns to the group about privacy after they would debut. Minho had a feeling that international flying wouldn’t be as peaceful the next time around.
He found his way to a café that he frequented before moving to Seoul. He wasn’t really the type to indulge in sweets, especially nowadays with the company nudging him to stay fit and on the skinny side.
“But a cake for my seventeenth birthday shouldn’t hurt. I’ll just keep this a secret from hyung,” Minho murmured quietly as he browsed the cakes. “I’m pretty sure Onew hyung is preparing something when I get back to the dorm. They kicked me out with too much enthusiasm for it to be not suspicious.”
“Excuse me…” he said to the worker without looking from the cakes. “Could I have a slice of the vanilla winter cake?”
“Ne. Would you like to eat it here or packaged?” a voice responded.
“No, I’ll have it here please,” He pulled his scarf closer to him and looked down at his watch. Nine thirty in the morning. His parents were expecting him by ten.
“That’ll be 3,500 won please.”
He reached for his wallet, finding that he only had 3,000. Aish… Minho closed his eyes in frustration and grimaced. I forgot that I lent 10,000 won to Jonghyun hyung last night.
“I’m sorry, but.. Um.. I’m short by 500 and.. “ He started but looked up at the worker.
Oh…
It was the girl who sat next to him on the plane. Although he hardly said more than two words to her, he was sure it was her. Brown wavy hair, porcelain features, and the pink tinted cheeks were all present. Her black eyes widened in recognition as she stared back at him.
“Ah… You can have it for 3,000 won I guess,” her voice was dainty yet clear, matching her appearance. She brought up an arm behind her head and smiled nervously. “Just don’t tell my manager, okay?”
Minho couldn’t help but feel a bit drawn to her smile.
Somehow, his body acted on his own. He nodded and handed the girl the money and walked to a table with his purchase. Shivering slightly, he remembered the café never seemed to have a decent heater.
Well, that’s weird. Never thought I would see a person I sat next to on a plane again. Let alone in a café, he thought, taking a bite of his cake. She was quite pretty and looked around his age. He doubted she was from here though; the fact she was on a flight from Los Angeles to Korea when students were preparing for exams marked her as a foreigner. And her voice, though fluent in Korean, carried an American accent.
Wait.. What am I doing? I don’t even know her name. No need to rudely examine a stranger just because this is the second time we met. Besides, omma and appa are probably waiting for me -
A slight thud broke him out of his thoughts. A banana milk was placed next to his cake.
Minho glanced up to see the girl smiling slightly, handing him a straw. Confused, he looked questioningly at her face while saying, “Excuse me. I didn’t order this.”
“This is a free service, customer sshi. Happy birthday,” she smiled.
She laughed softly at his expression and he suddenly thought of childhood days of playing soccer on a snowy afternoon and crowding over a warm heater with his friends, laughing over their aches and recounting their games with vigor.
Suddenly, he didn’t feel so cold anymore.
Second update in Minho's point of view.
This is set a little over a week after the plane ride.
See you guys next time.
Second update in Minho's point of view.
This is set a little over a week after the plane ride.
See you guys next time.
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