C H A P T E R  06 - - - A C Q U A I N T A N C E

I didn’t want to go home just yet.

The night breeze was chilly, but strangely it brought me comfort.

“I can stay out for a little bit.” I smiled thinking of the small time I would have to myself.

My father was mostly likely passed out anyway.

I wondered to a small park that was only a few minutes from my home.

As a child, I came here almost every day. It was my happy place.

Much hasn’t changed.

I still come by, but when I desperately needed a break from everything.

Which was every other week.

A place that held my happy memories, now a holds the bad ones as well.  

It was so peaceful and quiet, almost like another world.

I made my way over towards the swings and sat the beer case down before hopping on the seat.

Six minutes into my little swinging session, I heard footsteps approaching from behind me.

I quickly stopped the swing and grabbed the chains tighter.

The footsteps suddenly stopped.

Whoever it was, they were standing directly behind me.

My heart started beating faster and the thought to make a mad dash to my home crossed my mind.

Before I had the chance to act on it the person spoke.

“Did he touch you again?”

I turned around so fast that I swear I gave myself whiplashed.

I started at them, surprised, while they nonchalantly walked to the swing beside me and sat in the opposite direction.

“I hope you’re not going deaf?” They smiled at me and I returned a frown.

I snorted and started to slowly rock back and forth.

“Why are you here? It’s it a little past your bedtime?” I asked.

“Why can’t you ever answer my questions?” A frown appeared on their face.

“Keh, why do you constantly bother me?” I retorted back.

This wasn’t a one-time occurrence.

As kids, we used to play, but over time I drifted away.

I don’t know when it began, but I would bump into my nightly visitor occasionally.

“Bother? I thought you liked me.”

“I wouldn’t say I like you. It’s more so that I tolerate you.” Their frown turned into a pout after my words.

“And here I was beginning to think we were friends.”

“Woah. Now you’re jumping the gun.”

It grew silent after my statement and I felt the need to correct the atmosphere.

“…I guess acquaintance is acceptable. Wouldn’t you agree, Taehyung?”