You must be lonely
4 WeeksKuanlin came to the shop with a mission, but he entered the records store with a heavy heart. The last time he was there, he was with his hyung. His father was seated behind the counter, reading a newspaper. He saw Kuanlin walk in but he paid his son no mind. Kuanlin greeted his father and told him his basketball club ended early so he’s ready to fill in for work. But his dad told him to go and eat. Kuanlin wasn't hungry but he was dying to know more about the notebook he just discovered. So he asked his old man if it’s okay for Kuanlin to go with him when he goes to the capital to meet Mr. Hwang. Kuanlin would use this chance to look for translation books to decipher the entries inside the Produce 101 note. His father said yes without bothering to lift his eyes from the newspaper.
Then Kuanlin left the store just as he was told. For the mean time, Kuanlin had zero idea about any of the characters inside the pages. And it's a problem that nobody can see them. Only Kuanlin could see the words inked inside. He went to the food park to look for a distraction. He found the master who made noodles for him and his hyung during the first night they went together for dinner. Kuanlin took a seat at the ramen store.
The master took one knowing look at Kuanlin and asked, “Two servings again, lad?”
Kuanlin’s brow furrowed, “But I'm alone.” Kuanlin looked around again just to make sure.
“Yeah but last time you ate, you finished two bowls.” The master gave a hearty chuckle.
“You forgot, I was with my friend. He was a foreigner.” Kuanlin knew he sounded desperate but he just couldn't let it go.
“Okay. So just one bowl?” The master didn't sound convinced.
“Erm. I don't think I'm hungry after all. But thanks anyway. ” Kuanlin bowed politely but he was honestly insulted. He felt like he was being patronized.
He walked aimlessly over to the rest of the food stalls in the almost empty street (it was too early for dinner). His feet brought him to the stall where he had flatbread sandwich with his hyung.
This is where we had our last dinner together. Just like pizza, he used to say.It's too sad to think that he was only able to have two meals with his hyung. His first and last.
Kuanlin fought back tears that threatened to overflow.
The cook greeted him brightly when Kuanlin walked in.
“Hello.” Kuanlin replied and sat on the wooden bench situated in front of the stall.
"If it isn't Mr. Popular, I remember you kid. You ordered a lot last time, am I right? How's your appetite today?” The cook asked as he kneaded the dough and started the fire.
“Yeah. My friend really liked it. We enjoyed the food so much. Thank you.” Kuanlin couldn't ignore the feeling that his hyung was being forgotten. It was as if Kuanlin had been alone ever since.
“Is that right? I recalled you ordering too much.” Then with a softer voice the cook added, “Didn't notice you were with someone.” The cook suddenly looked a bit embarrassed before motioning for Kuanlin to choose his toppings.
“Why does everyone seem to think I'm always hungry? It wasn't me. I thought with the way my friend was wearing those colourful clothes, he'll be too hard to ignore.” Kuanlin laughed mirthlessly. He knows he's being pushy, but he just cant let it slide.
“Here's your bread. I made it a sandwich again.” The cook handed him the food. He was looking extremely uncomfortable but the cook kept saying,
“I will be honest with you kid. You're a very handsome boy. All the girls eating here talked about you a lot. But they told me you were a bit weird. They said you keep to yourself every time they see you here.” Kuanlin dropped the food which he was about to bite. He looked at the cook to say something but he was at a loss. He couldn't believe his ears. If this is true, then would that mean nobody had ever seen Park Jihoon? Kuanlin shook his
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