Part 1 - Chapter 4
I Wanna Love4
Niel stood at his tiny folding table, a box stood open in front of him. With tears standing in his eyes he took down the photo of Jilly and lay it in the box. Beneath the frame were movie ticket stubs, a handwritten letter, and a folded tank top Jilly had given him. With a sigh he pulled the ring from his finger and laid it in the box too.
Their last phone conversation had not gone well. After thinking it over all weekend Niel had called to talk. It wasn’t until Tuesday that he found his nerve. The conversation had been short and painful – like pulling off a band-aid.
“Why are you calling me?” She had answered in a neutral voice.
“I just wanted to know you were ok? I was wondering… maybe you wanted to come over and talk about this.”
“We’re finished talking Daniel, it’s all done.”
“Jilly, come on, please, it’s us.”
“No Niel, it’s not. Not anymore, ok? I’m finished talking, it’s over. It’s time to move on.”
“Jilly…”
“Goodbye Daniel.” There was nothing but resigned sadness in her voice. Niel was finally able to accept the truth.
“Bye Jilly. Please… be happy.”
Now, a day later, he was packing away all their memories. It hurt too much to look at them anymore. With a tear sliding down his cheek he sealed the box and put it by the door.
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Changhyun stood by the edge of the bustling markets, waiting for Jonghyun to arrive. His palms were sweating uncontrollably and he couldn’t stand still for too long. As he paced back to the grimy wall of the building he spotted his date winding his way through the crowds easily.
Damn, he thought in admiration. Wearing a long, fashionable trench coat over an all-black outfit, Jonghyun looked even better than he remembered.
His eyes lit up as he spotted Changhyun, a smile split his face and he came to a stop in front of the smaller man.
“Hello.” Changhyun said, unable to hide the happiness in his voice.
“Hello.” Jonghyun smiled down in reply. “This place is awesome.”
“Yeah, shall we have a look around and then go to dinner?” Changhyun suggested, gesturing towards the markets.
“Sure.” Jonghyun nodded.
They meandered through the stalls casually.
“So how long have you been in Hong Kong?” Jonghyun asked as they wandered, pausing by a store that sold pirated DVD’s and models from videogames and animes.
“About 7 years. My family all moved over when I was in high school.” Changhyun replied, examining a miniature Bulbasaur. “What about you?”
“Uhh about 6 days.” Jonghyun admitted.
“Really?” Changhyun asked, looking up at him in surprise. “Did you move over for work?”
“Uh, no. I don’t actually have a job yet.” Jonghyun admitted, blushing furiously.
“Oh. Ok.” Their conversation lapsed a little before Changhyun decided he didn’t care, it just meant Jonghyun really was the Anti-Evan. “So, what do you do for fun?” He continued.
They paused at a stall selling tea pots and kitschy tableware. Without thinking Changhyun held a pig-shaped teapot in front of his face and snorted at Jonghyun. Jonghyun laughed in reply. He smiled as he set the teapot down again; Jonghyun had a great laugh, it sent butterflies through his chest.
“I like to work out. I used to play games when I was in Korea. And I dance, or I used to.” Jonghyun replied, showing off the disgustingly fluorescent art-deco candy jar he had found. Changhyun giggled, he was relieved that they seemed to share a sense of humour at least.
“Nice.” Changhyun replied to Jonghyun’s comment.
“What about you?”
“Hmm, I game a fair bit too. I used to go out a bit as well, dancing and stuff.” They continued through the stalls.
“Maybe we should go dancing together sometime.” Jonghyun pointed a toy gun at Changhyun, mouthing “pow” as he pretended to shoot. Changhyun pretended to die before taking up his own gun and shooting Jonghyun in reply. They chuckled and continued walking. It was surprising how natural they felt together, more than anything Changhyun wanted to take Jonghyun’s hand and lean into him. His heart thudded loudly as he considered slipping his fingers into Jonghyun’s. He didn’t want to come on too strong though and left his arms swinging freely by his sides.
“That would be fun, by the way. Going out dancing.” Changhyun realised he hadn’t really answered. Turning and grinning toothily at the taller man he led the way off the street towards a restaurant.
So far, so good. He thought to himself, fighting down a blush.
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Byunghun stood awkwardly on the sidewalk waiting for the employees of the supermarket to change shifts. He had decided he needed to talk to Jilly; Chanhee was on nightshift and wouldn’t be home wondering where he was.
Jilly emerged from the store, enthralled in her phone as she pulled on her jacket. Byunghun followed her a few steps before calling out. Jilly turned, surprised.
“Hello Byunghun.” She said politely, clearly confused by his presence.
“Hey Jilly.” He smiled at her, “How are you?”
“Good.” She paused, “Do you need something Byunghun?”
“Um. Yeah, can we talk?”
“Uh… Sure. Walk with me?” She offered.
Byunghun fell into step beside her as they walked towards the ferry station. There was an awkward silence as Byunghun found his nerve.
“Can I ask you something?” He said quietly.
“Yeah.”
“What happened with you and Niel?
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