Once they met again, the barrier of five years dissipated between them. Suzy wanted to believe that everything was like old times again. But there was something missing in Hongbin’s smile. She sat next to him, after Ken and Taekwoon left, holding his hand. She half-wished that his friends would not go, because a least it was not awkward, as it was now. They talked about frivolous things, like the weather and the amount of snow to expect in November, and the icy blizzards afterwards. Hongbin also promised to take her to his apartment in the city, once he recovers with some help of the seabreeze.

    Their conversations then diverted back to the orphanage, which was a building that was eaten by wild flora, but still fresh and immaculate in the core of their memories.

    “I have two cats back at my apartment,” he said, his voice laced with newfound enthusiasm. “I can’t wait for you to meet them. One of them looks exactly like Mr. Kitty-.”

    At the thought of their feline friend’s name, Suzy began to laugh. It had never occurred to her what an absurd name it was.

    Hongbin grinned, his dimples visible. “I know why you’re laughing. It’s the name, isn’t it?”

She fanned her face with her hand. “I have no idea what you were thinking when you named him that. Do you remember Jongin’s reaction?”

    He scratched his chin, and joined in the laughter. “I admit, that was pretty funny. Jongin was the smart one, wasn’t he? He realised that the name was odd.”

“You were so hyper, Hongbin.” The awkwardness from earlier seeped in. She realised the shadow over his face, as if her words triggered something. She hurriedly searched through her scattered thoughts, for another topic that should help him. But she came across nothing.

    He cleared his throat. “You must be hungry, no? And sleepy too? I mean, the jet lag’s unreal when you get here.”

She did feel very tired, but now that she was reunited with her best friend, she could not think of sleeping. “I want to talk for a bit, and then I’ll go to sleep. We could have something to eat, in the meantime.”

She stood up, searching for the kitchen. She then noticed that he did not follow her. Hongbin was staring at the floor, his smiles and laughter vanished like a fleeting summer’s breeze. Suzy gasped, understanding how indiscreet her actions were.

    “Do you need any help?”

He lifted his gaze. “My wheelchair’s just in the kitchen. If you wouldn’t mind, could you get it for me?”

Her heart bled, flooding her chest with a heavy sadness. “Of course,” she said, in a wobbly voice.

    She entered the lavish and wide kitchen. There was a marbled counter in the middle, with cream coloured cabinets, and a large Samsung fridge with all the food. The wheelchair was stacked neatly in the corner. She readjusted it, going through some trouble to have it perfectly fitted again. When she was done, she pushed it back into the living area. Hongbin tried to lift himself but she grabbed his shoulder.

    He sent her a piercing look.

“Let me help you, Hongbin.” She had a sudden urge to touch his face, but refrained herself. “And I won’t take no for an answer.”

    He appeared uncertain, but in no time, she helped him ensconce on the wheelchair. She pushed it into the kitchen then, unable to shake away the sadness that was eating her from inside out. Hongbin was the kid that climbed trees. He was the young man that climbed hills and mountains. She could never imagine confined to a wheelchair.

    Before she went to open the fridge, he caught her wrist.

“Suzy, I--” He paused, and shook his head. A small smile graced his lips. “Thanks for coming.”

    She could have leaned in for a hug, but was unsure why she did not let herself to do so. “I’m glad I came.”

After they ate something small, Suzy took to bed. The weariness of travel eventually overthrew her. Hongbin showed her to her empty bedroom. It was spacious, with enough wardrobe space for two people. There was also a dressing table made out of ivory wood, which he claimed he bought recently. Because girls liked that kind of stuff.

    As she changed and got ready for a nap, it occurred to her that not once did she hear or see Lunafreya. She wondered if the girl was residing back in the apartment in the city. Perhaps that was so, and it meant that their paths would eventually cross. Suzy was not sure if she was ready for that. After all, she never once met Myungsoo’s girlfriend, Victoria. They were not dating anymore, because his parents eventually found out.

    These thoughts forced her to stay awake for longer than she should. It was difficult to adjust to a new bed. She shifted her position a few times. Eventually, sleep fell upon her. And when she awoke, it was twilight. She rang her mother then, to let her know about what happened. The older woman was anxious about Hongbin’s condition.

    “He’s fine, mother.” Just very sad. “Jongin’s coming over this weekend. Anyways, try to take some time out of work, so you can come too. Hongbin said he’ll buy your ticket.”

    “How kind of him,” said her mother. “But I cannot let him do that. He should just focus on recovering as swiftly as possible. The poor child.”

“I think he’ll be happy if you do come, though.” Maybe happier than when he met her. “Besides, you’ve always been a mother to