If there was anything you’ve learned from interacting with people, it’s that if you avoid contact with them, unwanted situations would not be opened. Don’t want to go out for an errand? Avoid getting seen by your family. Don’t want people drowning you with their problems? Don’t talk to them. It was a simple principle you’ve learned and tried to stick to as much as you could. Today, however, is the day you're going against it.

The soles of your shoes bounced against the floor and your hands gripped your glass of iced tea tight. You looked down at your phone and pressed the home button, the figures 10:31 AM shining from behind its tempered glass surface. The store’s door opened and closed but the chair across yours stayed empty. Where exactly was Hyein?

It was the fated day that you've tried getting out of countless times but couldn’t. Even earlier this morning, Wonwoo made you promise to behave, cutting all hopes of canceling with Hyein.

“Stupid Wonwoo,” you grumbled. “Why can't we just move on from what happened like any other human being?” But it's Wonwoo we're talking about, you answered in your head. He never acted much like any other human being. Even after knowing him since childhood, there are parts of him that still surprise you especially with what happened the night before.

It was too surreal, almost out of character; Wonwoo's hand immediately reaching for yours and not letting go even after realizing, the reassuring squeezes from time to time, not much for you, but more like for him to make sure that you were indeed following him, and that vague thing he said. What was that all about?

The memory played in your head all night on a loop, sometimes clearly, sometimes in a blur. You lifted your hand before your eyes. His hand, now that you've noticed, was big but fit nicely and it was rough, not smooth as you thought all hands were.

Your surroundings paled as you thought of these things, keeping you from hearing or noticing anything else; not the excited 'hi' nor the scraping of the chair in front of you, not even the fact that someone has occupied the seat across yours.

I didn’t want you to get taken away by anyone again. Was there nothing else to it or did he mean something else?

“Oh, it's Wonwoo.”

The name registered and your little bubble of memories popped. You searched for your best friend only to remember that he had somewhere else to go today. Also, the voice sounded familiar.

“Just kidding.”

Your eyes wandered back to the person in front of you and finally saw who it was. It was who you've arranged to meet or more specifically, who you've been sorta-kinda-forced to meet. “Hyein.”

“You're red.”

“And you're late”, you said, subtly wiping your cheeks as if blushes can be physically removed.

“It's becoming a bad habit but I'm working on it,” she assured before letting out a sigh, her expression hardening a little. “Also, because a certain groupmate of mine won't stop nagging me about our project meeting later.” She closed her eyes and shook her head as if to get rid of the thought. “So. How are things going? You just finished your exams too, right?”

You were about to answer when you realized what was happening. There she goes again, acting friendly and close just like she did when you first met. You would like to think that you have nothing against people like her but there's just something about them that makes you uncomfortable. And especially since what happened, you expected her to be a little less friendly, so why? Nice people aren't nice for no reason, right?

You need to stop with your prejudice for others.

A bitter smile crept up your face at the thought. Even when Wonwoo's not with you, he somehow still is.

“I guess I did okay,” you answered, allowing yourself to loosen up a little. “Maybe. You? College exams are hell no matter what, I heard.”

“They are,” she said flatly. “But it's nothing you should worry about. You'll get used to it. Cramming and stress included.”

“Can't say I'm not already familiar with those.” You caught yourself midway before wiping the grin off your face. A little too loose, you scolded yourself. 

Thankfully, a waiter announced your name with the coffee you picked for Hyein earlier, giving you an escape exit.

“I see you know my taste in coffee,” she said, setting the cup of white mocha on the table. “Or maybe you just happened to guess correctly.”

“I asked Jeonghan.”

A mild look of surprise broke on her features before it melted away. “I see.”

“It's my way of...saying sorry.” You tried not to sound insincere but how is it that one simple word can make you feel like disappearing from the face of the earth? “I was out of line.”

“Mhmm. I thought so too. Can't say I don't understand, though.”

You frowned. Not exactly the response you were expecting. “You do?”

“Of course.”

With an air of mystery, Hyein took one more sip before giving you a knowing smile. But that was all. No explanations, no 'because'. Just an idea, a thought, hiding behind her smile which was, to be honest, getting annoying.

Her eyes traveled from her hot drink to her phone she just pulled out from her coat. “Sorry,” she smiled apologetically while typing. “It's that groupmate I was talking about earlier.”

“Why did you reject him?”

“My groupmate?” Hyein answered without missing a beat.

“Wonwoo.”

“Wonwoo?”

“He told me he got rejected even before he could tell you,” you said, trying not to spit the words out as Wonwoo's face of discomfort popped into your head. “Kinda harsh, to be honest, but I'm glad you didn't prolong his agony.”

You heard a soft chuckle prompting you to look back at her. A confused smile was on her face. She shook her head lightly and placed her phone down. “That guy…”

“Don't you like him? You seem to get along pretty well,” you said, focusing your gaze on your half-empty glass.

“Oh, we do get along. We have a lot of similarities too which was fun knowing,” she said. “But I’m quite sure he doesn’t like me...in that way.”

You scoffed. “What do you mean? He literally almost confessed to you meaning he wanted to date you which, by the way, is really out of his character. I mean, it almost sounded like love at first sight. And he doesn’t believe in those!”

Hyein had slightly open but no audible words came. Instead, a long, deep sigh escaped her lips. You weren’t 100% sure either but she muttered something that sounded like ‘you fool.’

“Are you going to tell me anything or will you keep on sighing?”

Hyein straightened up from her seat and folded her hands on the table. “Listen. I know there’s no point of me speaking for Wonwoo because you obviously know him more than I do so I’ll just speak for myself. I don’t like him romantically. I see him as no more than a friend. And I’m not sure where you’re going with it but I can’t do anything about his feelings since I don’t feel the same way. That's it. It’s that simple.”

“Why?” you asked. “Is it because you already like someone else?”

The question caught her by surprise. She tried to hide it but seeing her act that way somehow annoyed you even more. Her face was even flushed pink.

“Then why did you go to the date?” you asked, your voice getting a little louder. “You knew he asked you out because he liked you.”

But Hyein answered simply. “He told me he needed to tell me something so I went. Honestly, I just wanted to help sort things out.”

The calmness in her voice slapped you awake. You waited for your heart to calm down all the while keeping your eyes on your hands. “Is that...is that when he confessed?”

Hyein nodded slowly, almost unsure. “We talked and got things settled. We’re friends now.”

All those things made sense but getting compressed in her simple words made it difficult to digest at once. It doesn’t help that there was something else that gnawed your mind. 

Hyein would know what to say. She looked like she knew a lot about it. Besides, her major covers a lot of topics. She'll definitely know. “You said you didn’t like him romantically,” you started, still avoiding her gaze. “So, how do you know…if you like someone that way or you just, I don’t know, like them as family?”

A small smile grew on Hyein’s lips. Her eyes sparked with interest. “Hmm...that's a tough one. Even with all the historical people in my books, love has always been difficult to define and confine.”

The word sent a shiver down your spine. Love. It sounded...real. It doesn't even help that it wasn't a topic you were used to. Sure, you've seen movies and read books, heard love songs and had friends in relationships. But it was just something so external, something that has always been there in your life yet not really.

"I guess you'll just know," Hyein said.

"Huh?" It wasn't the answer you thought she would say. You expected a full-on lecture about theories and concepts and scientific stuff. Aren't those what they study on? "What do you mean you'll just know?"

Hyein nodded, frowning. “Fuzzy, I know. Let’s see. From how I understand it, loving someone in a romantic sense isn't a completely separate thing from the love we have for family. Don't those people we love romantically become family too? It's basically the same thing. The only difference is that romantic love furthers the existing familial relationship you have with that person. That's what makes important people special, you know?”

Important? Special? How are they different? Hyein must’ve sensed your confusion or maybe it was painted as plain as the day on your face.

“This whole thing is complicated to begin with and there's really no definitive answer. But you don't have to worry.” Hyein smiled and the spark in her eyes returned. “When it happens, you'll know.”

The faint smell of Hyein's coffee wafted over. The barista’s voice resounded in the small café. The bell on the door dinged once, twice, thrice as diners came and went but it all paled and cascaded into the noise and chaos brewing in your mind.

“When it happens, huh?”

Wonwoo frowned at the phone in his hand. It’s been more than an hour since your meeting with Hyein and he knew there was nothing to be worried about. He made you promise to behave yourself today with your favorite hobby, unannounced home visits, on the line. So, what’s up with the silence from your side?

“I’m not asking for much but can’t we have more restaurants like this back home?” Wonwoo’s brother whined taking another bite of his pasta. “They taste great and they’re cheap too!”

“You don’t have to wait long. You’ll soon be able to eat here more frequently,” his mom answered. “But I thought you said you were dieting?”

Wonwoo smiled as he watched his brother polish off his food in response. It’s been a while since he had a meal with him and his mom. If only his dad was allowed a day off, they would’ve been complete. If only you were there too.

“Oh dear,” Wonwoo’s mom said, her eyes watching the scenery outside. “Good thing we brought an umbrella.”

Wonwoo waited for his brother and mom to get in the house without him. It’s been hours since he sent his last text message to you but never heard back. He walked up the steps and rang. The door opened.

“Hi. I’ve got stuff from home,” Wonwoo greeted your mom, lifting a bag of souvenirs his family brought with them. “By the way, is y/n home? She hasn’t been replying to me.”

Your mother nodded, taking the bag from him and inviting him in. “I’m not sure if she’s awake. She came home soaked.”

“Soaked? Is she sick?”

She shook her head. “She said she was only having a headache but she hasn’t come out of her room since. Why don’t you take a look? I’ll prepare dinner.”

Wonwoo knocked on your door lightly before opening it. You were sleeping, alright, bundled up in your blanket with your back facing the door. He walked over the side of your bed and put a hand on your forehead.

Wonwoo frowned. “Geez, y/n. You’re burning up.”

It was faint, almost like the passing wind, but his voice was enough to wake you up. You rolled on your back and opened your eyes. Wonwoo’s cold hand rested on your forehead. He was standing beside your bed with a frown. “Hey, Jeon. You’re back,” you said with a smile. “Are they here?”

“Yeah. They’re resting at home now.”

You nodded. “I don’t feel so good.”

“You have a fever. Of course, you won’t.” Wonwoo sighed and sat on the bed. “Why were you soaked from the rain?”

His tone told you he was serious but the whole mood didn’t stop you from grinning. “I didn’t bring an umbrella. Ow!” you cried after Wonwoo flicked your forehead. “What was that for? Is that how you treat your sick best friend?”

But Wonwoo only sighed. “How many times do I have to tell you? Never forget to bring an umbrella.”

“I can’t come over but maybe they can. Did Bohyuk bring anything for me?” you asked, evading his nagging.

“I don’t want him getting sick the day before his exam,” he said, messing your hair. “There’s seafood and persimmons. You should probably get up and eat something.”

It was a tempting offer but your head pounded and things started to get blurry. “I think I need to sleep this off a little more. I’ll eat later.” You pulled the covers up to your chin and rested on your side. It was difficult to keep conversation by now. Sleep has been lulling you back.

“Alright,” Wonwoo said patting your leg and stood up. “You’re stronger than fevers anyway.”

“Cause I'm more stubborn than them,” you mumbled.

“That you are.”

He was about to go when you grabbed the hem of his shirt. “Wonwoo, why do you always see this side of me?”

“What side?”

“The ugly side. Childish. Weak... Childish.”

Your eyes remained closed but you can already picture the grin on his face once you heard him chuckle. “Did you forget how I was when we were younger?”

The image of kid Wonwoo and pre-teen Wonwoo came to mind. He was skinny and bony even then but Wonwoo was a total rascal in those days though no one you knew now would believe you.

“You were so different back then,” you chuckled. “Always getting into fights because of your face. And when you tried to reason with them, they would get so annoyed with how you talk…but then again, you never backed down. If I didn’t know you, I would’ve thought you liked being in pain.”

“Hey. I was in my rebellious phase okay?”

“But how come you were able to leave all that in the past?” you whined, letting go of his shirt as you stretched and got comfortable in your bed. “I'm growing too slow.”

“I think…there’s nothing bad about taking things slow. Even if you’re to get slower than that, I'll be next to you. So,” Wonwoo thought about which words to use but it looked like you already dozed off. He shook his head and whispered, “Good night.” 

He walked towards your bedroom door when you called him on his way out. Your voice was small and the words started to swirl in your mind and on your tongue but the thought was already up there, ready to be brought to light. “You know you’re important to me, right? Like family?” you added after being met with silence.

“Yeah,” Wonwoo answered softly. “Like family.”

“But you’re not just important, Wonwoo. You’re special to me too.”

“Special?”

“Mhmm,” you answered, slowly getting lulled back to sleep. “Like those dumplings your mom makes.”

Wonwoo let loose the breath he was holding. “So, it was fever talk,” he muttered to himself.

“I want dumplings…” You grumbled as you rolled over to your side with your back facing him like when he first walked in.

He allowed himself to stay and waited until he was sure you’ve slipped back to dreamland. Wonwoo smiled. “You’re special to me too.”

You tapped your fingers on the surface of the table, mimicking the rhythm of the music playing in the cafe. It's been two hours since Wonwoo's brother entered the school right in front to take his entrance exam. Just one more hour to go.

It was an amusing sight when you walked in the cafe this morning with Wonwoo and his mom. Aside from the music that switched from a soft acoustic to an emotional ballad, hushed murmurs and silent prayers hung in the air. The cafe was packed with what obviously were friends or family of the exam takers waiting in anxiety and you couldn't help but taste the bittersweetness of it all. It wasn't that long when you and Wonwoo took your own high school entrance exams. You can faintly remember how worried you both were before and during the test. Now, it was your turn to wait.

You glanced at Wonwoo who was busy playing a game on his phone. He was the least worried from you three. He had confidence that his brother will do well no matter what the result. It was the opposite for you and his mom. You tried distracting yourselves with the food and with catching up, telling yourselves that whatever happens happens for a reason. But you knew you were both watching the school gates and listening to the clock tick. Waiting is such a pain.

Finally, the clock struck 12.

One by one, then in groups, students came out of the gate. You all waited at the entrance, your eyes peeled for him when you saw him near the gates with a wide smile. You all knew: he did it.

You spent the whole afternoon at a nearby mall, walking around, shopping for things to take back home, and just celebrating the end of the exam. Bohyuk told everyone how the exam went, from the downs to the ups. Mostly, it was ups, according to him.

"Of course. You prepared well," his mom told him with pride. "I know how much you put your heart into it. That in itself is enough."

Wonwoo nodded. "Great job."

The afternoon went by in a flash and Wonwoo's family had to go back. They couldn't stay long due to classes still ongoing and his mom's job but promises of visiting each other in the summer were made.

You stood a few feet from the platform barrier as the family said their goodbyes, Wonwoo with his arm over his brother all the while holding his mother's hand. A smile grew on your lips as you watched them. It won't be long until they become complete again. But there was one other thing that dampened the thought and you knew you had to tell him soon.

“Kinda weird, huh?” you voiced while exchanging thoughts with Wonwoo on your way home.

“What is?”

“Your brother preparing for high school, us preparing for college…we're getting old.”

“And you say I'm the grandfather of thinking," Wonwoo laughed. "I know what you mean. But hey. It’s the natural order of things. It's bound to happen.”

“What do you want to major in, Wonwoo?”

“I'm thinking of game design, you know...since I love gaming but I haven't picked a school yet." Wonwoo shrugged and placed his hands inside his pockets before looking your way. "You? Film school?”

“Pretty much," you nodded. "I’ve even talked to a couple of schools already.”

“Really? That's news."

“And there’s this school that I’m aiming for. It’s the best one out of them. Actually, my teacher from film club recommended them to me and sent them a letter.”

Confusion clouded Wonwoo's features when he noticed how you were avoiding his eyes. It didn't help how your tone sounded unsteady too. He knew. This isn't a random topic at all. “What is it? Is there something wrong?"

“It’s almost two hours of travel from here, Wonwoo," you smiled sadly before meeting his gaze. Your heart hammered against your chest as it did when you received a letter of invitation for an interview this morning. "I've decided. I’ll be moving away.”