[CHAPTER 4]

“For a Better Tomorrow“

Hakyeon was not only struck by the man’s appearance but also the other’s rather rude and sharp speech.

What did he just say? Is he upset that he’s seeing the first snow with me or something? Hakyeon replayed the other’s words in his head and he was rather upset.

Hakyeon tried to ignore the younger and decided it was best not to stay any longer next to the younger man or else he might get mad. He took a deep breath and was about to head back onto the route. However, the snow that fell grew into a strong blizzard. The strong blizzard wind pushed him back under the cover and made him freeze.

“Come in,” the young man sighed and invited Hakyeon inside.

“Huh? No, it’s okay-“

“Just come in.”

The young man insisted and pulled Hakyeon within the shop. Just as Hakyeon stepped inside the shop and the door closed, the clanking noise from the tin cans above woke up his senses.

He really didn’t want to be intruding a shop that was still in the middle of preparations and the young man’s behavior wasn’t very inviting either. But he turned around to see the conditions outside and he would have been a fool if he were to walk through the storm. It looked dangerous and the sky was rather dark now.

Hakyeon let out a deep sigh. I guess I have no choice, but I need to leave once the storm clears out.

He walked through the dimly lit store and finally took notice the scent of vintage books around him.

The young man the lights for Hakyeon in which surprised Hakyeon to see the full interior of the new shop for himself. It was a small place with a loft upper floor. The flooring was covered with wood that had a raw finish to it rather than a fancy waxed finish.

Every bookshelf was high enough to reach the ceilings and though it was left empty at the moment, Hakyeon could just envision the amounts of books that would eventually fill up those empty spaces. At the very center of the shop was a counter for the young man and a small vintage register.

Where did he manage to find something like that? Hakyeon wondered. He approached the counter to look at the vintage register closer in detail and was amazed at how beautiful the engravings were on a simple register.

At the very ceiling of the shop was a simple chandelier that had fake candles for lights in order to mix in with the rest of the vintage feel of the shop. Even the spiral stairway to the loft floor was very fitting along with a thin golden lining on the railings. Just as Hakyeon was about to take a step to the top floor, the young man interrupted him.

“You can put your bag and jacket on that sofa over there,” he pointed to Hakyeon.

Hakyeon nodded obediently and turned to the sofa instead. It was a dark burgundy colored leather one-seater sofa with a glossy wooden rim around it. Hakyeon traced his hands to feel the leather and wooden rims of the sofa to feel the details of a simple chair. It was beautiful even though it was old.

“Where did you find all these furniture?” Hakyeon asked in curiosity. “These are so beautiful…”

The young man looked at Hakyeon strangely for a second.

“Uh, it’s okay if you don’t tell me-“ Hakyeon felt strange for asking suddenly.

“Some shop in the furnishing alley of Itaewon,” the young man answered. “You like them?”

“Yes.” Hakyeon couldn’t help but admit that he was completely mesmerized by the interiors of the shop. It was something he’s always loved and wished for if he were to ever have his own shop.  “Um, thank you for sheltering me.”

“Lee Hongbin.”

“Huh?”

“My name is Lee Hongbin.”

“Uh, hello. My name is Cha Hakyeon,” Hakyeon felt awkward with their sudden introductions.

“After you put your things down, help me carry these boxes to those shelves,” Hongbin suddenly demanded.

“W-what?” Hakyeon was struck dumbfounded.

“That’s the least you can do for me sheltering you here right?”

What? It’s not like I wanted to come inside… Hakyeon felt a bit upset again. He wanted to refuse but took a deep sigh.

“Okay.” Hakyeon decided.

Hongbin pointed Hakyeon around the shop and carried the boxes of books from one corner of the shop to the next. It was a very heavy task to do but Hakyeon almost forgot how heavy the boxes were when he took a glimpse of the books inside the boxes. When he opened the boxes, he was amazed at the selection Hongbin was able to collect.

It wasn’t just novels but there were literatures from all over the world and from different times. There were even some inspirational titles of authors who have passed away long ago and forgotten. As a literature nerd, Hakyeon would never forget those names but he never thought that he would have his hands in any of these books.

“Don’t just stand there and get moving,” Hongbin snapped Hakyeon out of his world.

“Uh, yeah. Sorry.”

Hakyeon couldn’t help but want to read each one of the titles in this shop eventually.

After an hour of cleaning and organizing, Hongbin brought out a cup of hot cocoa for the both of them.

“Here, take a break.” Hongbin said but in a rather demanding tone in which Hakyeon had no choice but to sit down with the younger.

The two of them were silently sitting across one another at the counter and slowly sipping their hot cocoa. The shop was completely silent and the only sounds they heard were the subtle clanking of the tin cans at the door whenever the wind from outside would blow through the small opening of the door.

“So, um, I heard you’re collecting books for this place?” Hakyeon decided to erase the awkward atmosphere by starting a conversation.

“Yeah. Did you see it from the flyers?” Hongbin asked back.

Hakyeon nodded.

“This place is still quite empty so I guess collecting old books would help fill this place up. That way, I don’t have to spend time to buy new ones.” Hongbin said.

“But that’s not all right? I mean, I really like the idea of collecting old books. It feels like this place can be a new home for unwanted and old books.” Hakyeon said in a bright tone.

“You like reading I assume?”

“Mhmm. A lot.”

“Do you like this place?” Hongbin suddenly asked.

“Uh, yeah.”

“Hmm…” Hongbin suddenly stopped talking which made Hakyeon felt even more awkward.

Does he think I’m strange for liking to read this much? Hakyeon worried and swallowed hard on his drink in which made him choke a bit.

“Slow down, it’s still hot.” Hongbin patted his back in which surprised Hakyeon.

“Thank you.” Hakyeon blew into his drink a bit more to cool it down so that he doesn’t burn himself. “Why did you open this shop though? This location isn’t very well-known and hard to make a business.”

“It’s not mine. This place is my… grandfather’s.” Hongbin seemed hesitant in his answer.

“Oh?”

“I’m just looking out for the place while he’s not around.”

“Do you not have to go to school? You seem younger than me…” Hakyeon asked.

“I’m not interested in going to college. There’s nothing interesting for me to do. I don’t want to study just for the sake of studying. If I’m going to spend the next few years dedicated to learning, I rather learn something that I’m interested in and can spend the rest of my life learning about.”

Hakyeon was amazed at how mature Hongbin’s thoughts were and even thought about his own students back in school. Is that how young people think about nowadays? After all, Hakyeon have always wanted to be a teacher since he was young so he never had to struggle with what to do for his future.

“Anyways, enough about me. What about you?” Hongbin asked.

“Huh? I… I’m a teacher at a high school.”

“What do you teach?”

“Literature.”

“No wonder you seem like a nerd when you saw the books.”

“Hey!” Hakyeon wished Hongbin would stop talking to him in such a rude tone. “I’m pretty sure I’m older than you so you should talk more formally to me.”

“I’m from overseas so I don’t know anything about formality. I’ll speak the way I’m used to,” Hongbin said arrogantly.

Hakyeon didn’t know how to argue back. He’s never had to argue with anyone before and even if he did, he was always the one who lost the fight.

“Anyways, you sound boring. Is there really nothing more about yourself that’s interesting to talk about? I’m sure there’s something you’re hiding about yourself that you don’t want others to know about.” Hongbin said.

Hakyeon was caught in surprise by the younger’s sharp insight. Hongbin was right. Hakyeon had too much he didn’t want others to know about himself because even he doesn’t want to remember.

“I’m sure you have more to say about yourself but you’re just not saying it. Keeping everything inside of you just so that you can hide your true self from others. Am I right?”

Hakyeon gulped.

“That’s why I’m saying you’re boring.” Hongbin said.

Angered and annoyed, Hakyeon got up from his seat. What did he do to deserve such an arrogant behavior from someone younger than he is? It’s only the first time that they’ve met one another yet Hongbin was already asking such personal questions towards Hakyeon as if they’ve known one another for a long time.

Hakyeon saw that the sky had cleared up and the snowstorm had finally calmed down. He couldn’t stay any longer inside the shop while enduring Hongbin’s rude attitude towards him. Just as Hakyeon was about to storm outside though, Hongbin called out.

“Hey, catch!” Hongbin shouted and threw a book at Hakyeon.

“What the! That’s dangerous you know!” Hakyeon was alarmed from the book flying his way, which he luckily caught it just in time.

“Read that,” Hongbin demanded.

“What? Why should I?” Hakyeon questioned.

“Just do it. Think of it as a reward for helping me out."

Hakyeon looked at the title of the book, which read ‘For a Better Tomorrow’. Hakyeon looked at Hongbin strangely while questioning why the younger would make him read such a random book. It was a title that Hakyeon have never read though, so he grew a bit curious about the contents. He turned to the summary of the book and the story tells of the protagonist who endured many obstacles, overcome a lot of challenges in his past. Eventually, through all those hard times, the protagonist was able to find a better tomorrow as he persisted and never once gave up in his life.

Why did Hongbin give Hakyeon such an inspirational book to read?

*  *  *  *  *  *

Hakyeon returned home that night, feeling tired all over his body. He was helping Hongbin with the bookstore even though it was the first time he’s met the younger. Hakyeon could have refused to help but he was also the type that found it difficult to say no.

He sighed as he flopped onto his bed, ready to go to bed after a long night. But as he turned around to see the book he received from Hongbin, he got back up. Hakyeon was curious.

He wondered what could have been so interesting about the book for the younger to tell him to read it. Hakyeon grabbed the book out of curiosity and flipped onto the first page.

Initially, he thought about sleeping after a few pages but he was wrong. He stayed up all night long and unable to put the book down until the morning alarm went off.

Shoot! I have class today! Hakyeon got up in a hurry and realized that he had not taken a shower since the night before. He rushed in to take a shower and changed into a new set of clothes before he went to work.

Hakyeon who stayed up all night from reading was yawning throughout the day at work.

“Aren’t you yawning too much? You’re making me feel sleepy just looking at you. What did you do all night?” Minhyuk asked.

“Reading…” Hakyeon sighed. He didn’t plan on losing sleep over a book after all.

“Seriously? You’re too much of a bookworm.”

“It’s not like I intended to staying up to read. I was just given the book and didn’t know how to put it down after starting…”

“Given? By who?”

“There’s this new bookstore in my neighborhood and the store clerk there gave it to me.”

“Really?” Minhyuk looked at Hakyeon with a wide grin on his face, “is she cute?”

“Sorry to disappoint you but it’s a guy.” Hakyeon knew exactly what Minhyuk was thinking.

“Che~ that’s no fun. So what’s so interesting about the book that kept you up all night?” Minhyuk asked.

“I don’t know… for some reason, it’s just really interesting and strangely encouraging. As if, I needed the encouragement.” Hakyeon really couldn’t word out what he felt as he read the book. It was just like a lot of other inspirational novels in the world but for some reason, while Hakyeon was reading the book, he felt as if the story was specifically talking to him and he could relate to it.

For the next several days and nights, Hakyeon was unable to put the book down and finally finished reading the book. He felt a strange and uplifting feeling after he had completed the story. He didn’t think that a single book was able to relieve him of so many thoughts and stress. Preparations for the final exams have been very tiring for Hakyeon especially since he stayed after school everyday in order to help tutor his students.

As Hakyeon was ready to finish up the week again and head off to work, he froze as he met a familiar face.

“W-what are you doing here?” Hakyeon stuttered while still holding his house keys in the air, ready to lock his doors.

“Did you finish reading the book?” The other asked.

“Uh, yeah. But wait, more importantly, why are you here?” Hakyeon asked again in surprised.

The other sighed.

“I live next door, that’s why.”

“What?!”

It seems that Hongbin have rented out the unit next door to Hakyeon and will be staying there temporarily while he’s in Gwangju attending his grandfather’s bookstore.

“So, should I give you another book to read?” Hongbin asked.

“Uh…”

Hakyeon couldn’t help but admit, he’s been intrigued and curious about what type of book the younger will suggest this time. So, he nodded hesitantly and shyly.

“Yes, please.”

*  *  *  *  *  *

Hongbin stood in the middle of the bookstore that was still in the process of being completed. Many of the books have yet to be put in place and the furniture still needs to be rearranged. He has been cleaning up the old and isolated building for the past several days since he bought the lease for the shop.

Why did I do this to myself? I should've written that this bookstore was already fully furnished so I wouldn't have to do this myself, Hongbin asked himself and scratched his head as he saw piles of books lying on the floor and boxes that needs to be put in place.

“Should I make him come help me instead?” Hongbin was thinking about Hakyeon who was just a few streets away.

He knew exactly where Hakyeon lived after all. But he didn’t want to seem like some sort of stalker or clingy person around someone he’s supposed to have met for the first time.

Hongbin flopped onto the wooden floor and rolled around while thinking of an idea to sort out the mess he’s started.

“If you’re in such trouble, why did you bother coming here in the first place?” Someone said to him while Hongbin was still lying lazily on the floor.

It was his friend, Wonshik.

“Get off my back would you?” Hongbin was annoyed at his friend’s all-knowing tone. He didn’t like the strict and lecturing voice Wonshik always used while speaking to him.

Wonshik sighed deeply, not knowing what to do with the foolish decision Hongbin chose in the end.

“Do you realize what you’re getting yourself into? You’re interfering with human fate and an unrecorded human’s life on top of that. This Cha Hakyeon was never once registered in the records and even his book’s appearance is too strange.”

“Of course I know that. Anyways, you worry too much. I got myself into this and I’ll get myself out as well. I just want to know what makes this Hakyeon so special.”

“It’s not just me who’s worried for you. Even Jaehwan-hyung has been thinking about you too. We shouldn’t have agreed to let you come inside to this story. We’re breaking the laws of the universe and meddling with other’s fate. You should know clearly the consequences if you were to get caught.” Wonshik warned him.

“I know. Don’t worry. I won’t drag the two of you in this mess any further. You guys helped me get here and that’s all I need help with.”

“That’s not what I mean. I’m just w-“

“It won’t be long,” Hongbin interrupted Wonshik. “Whether or not I find the answer to my question in the end, I promise I won’t stay in this place for long.”

“Hongbin-ah…” Wonshik couldn’t help but worry for his foolish friend. He was worried yet he couldn’t say any more because he has never seen Hongbin like this before.

The Lee Hongbin who was known for hiding away at home, having zero curiosity or interest was finally changing. The one who made him seek question and intrigued him was a book entitled by a human named ‘Cha Hakyeon’.

*  *  *  *  *  *

Hongbin eventually lured Hakyeon to helping him set up the bookstore by telling the older that he had many new books and stories in the shop. Hakyeon who couldn’t put off a good title, decided to help the younger in exchange for a new book every other night. Soon, Hongbin’s bookstore was opened up without many people knowing except for a regular customer named Hakyeon. Hakyeon would visit the store often after work to read in his designated spot of the bookstore.

Neither of them said much to one another whenever Hakyeon visited but they didn’t need to converse with one another to know that both were just comfortable with the silent nights. The only sounds that could be heard would be the sounds of the pages flipping and the occasional noises of the tin cans above the door. That’s how Hakyeon spent his nights until the exams were over and the winter holidays officially started.

*  *  *  *  *  *