“I’m sorry” I quickly said

Then I look up at the person

“So cute” I thought when I see her face

I bumped into a girl. She looks so cute. I’m just standing there and staring at her. I don’t know why, but I can’t take my eyes off of her. I feel like time around me is stopped. There is only me and her.

“So beautiful” I thought to myself still staring at her, my mind still can’t process anything.

“Uhm...Excuse me” I hear her say in a small tone

Her voice snaps me out of my thought. Now I realize that I was still holding her waist, and our faces are very close to each other. I immediately withdraw my hands from her waist and steps back

“I...I...I’m sorry” I stutter

“I... it’s okay Thank you for catching me” She said to me with soft tone

“Her voice is so cute” I thought

“No problem” I said while scratching the back of my head

Then silence fills between us. I try my best to think of something to say to her. I want to be her friend

“I...I guess I will go now” She said to me as she turns around and walks away

“Wait, what is your name? Do you want to go on a date with me” I blurted out without thinking

She turns and looks at me with a confused look. Realizing what I just said, I blush for my stupidity

“I mean...ah...uhm….I mean, are you free for a drink? I want to apologize for bumping to you”

I can feel my heart beats extremely fast. This is a feeling that I’ve never had before

“My name is Park Chorong. And yes, I’m free” She said and smiles

“What a cute smile” I thought

“Thank you” She smiles and said

“Huh? Did I say that out loud?”

“Yes” She said

“Did I say that out loud again?” I said

She laughs softly

“You are so cute” She said

I can feel my face is getting hot

“So, what’s your name?” She asks me

“My name’s Yoon Bomi” I smile and said to her

“Nice to meet you, Bomi-sshi” She said to me

“Nice to meet you, too Chorong-sshi. By the way, just call me Bomi or whatever you want” I said and smile

“Okay, then feel free to call me Chorong” She replies and smiles

“Okay” I nod happily

Then once again, silence fills around us

“So Bom-ah, where are we going?” She asks me

“Where?” I ask her forgetting what I just said

“You asked me for a drink. If you forget then okay, I will leave now” She said and turns away

“Wait” I catch her hand

“I’m sorry. Let’s go” I said to her

Then we go to a coffee shop nearby. We sit by the window and look at the big Christmas tree.

“Why are you here all alone?” I ask her

“Why do you ask?” She asks me back

“Today’s Christmas Eve, a lot of couples go out. It is rare to see a beautiful girl like you alone” I said

“Thank you for your compliment again” She smiles at me and said

“Actually, I don’t like crowded places much. I only came today because my cousin dragged me here. She had a fight with her boyfriend. Then, she forced me to go out with her. Then her boyfriend came and apologized to her. After that they left. That is why I’m here alone.” She said to me

“I’d rather stay at home and listen to music” She then added

“What a coincident, we’re just the same.” I said in surprised tone

“You too?” She asks me

“Un, my cousin called me here because he thought his fiancée is busy. But, his fiancée just wants to give him a surprise. That is why I’m here” I told her

“I also like to stay at home alone and enjoy my own time” I continue

“I see.” She said

Then we continue our happy talk for a while.

“It is already late. I guess I will have to go home” She said

“Oh okay” I said sadly “I hope to see you soon” I added in small tone

“Okay” She smiles and said

I look up in surprise. Then I see her take out her notebook and write down something.

“Here is my phone number. Call me if you want to have a drink some other time.” She said and gives me the paper

“Really? That’s great” I happily receive the paper from her

“Bye Bom-ah. It is a great pleasure to meet you” She smiles at me and said

“Bye Chorong. I’m happy that I came here today” I said and smiles

Then we part our way

On the way walking back home, my mind just plays back her cute smile. My ears just echo her soft voice. When I got home, I go to my room and lie down on the bed. I take out the number in my pocket and save into my contact list. I look at the phone and wonder if I should call or text her. I want to, but I don’t know what I should write.

“Chorong-ah, thank you for today” I texted her

I take a deep breath and hit the send button. I nervously wait for her response. Then my phone rings. I quickly take the phone and open the text