Seventh Part| Streets

Irene

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” I muttered blankly, realizing that Seulgi literally landed below the Eiffel tower with that widest grin on her lips. “You did not just drop me off to France and tell me to have a date, Kang Seulgi. No one does that!”

            She laughed, fixing her red Fedora hat, and laughed once again.

            “Oh come on, it can’t be such a bad idea!” She shrugged with her grin still intact. Wow, now I really want to punch that smile away. “Besides, this is like the last day that we’re together. Don’t you want to spend time with me?”

            It must be a trick question. And yet, I caught myself tongue tied. Just how are you supposed to answer that anyway? Do I say yes? Do I say no?

            Why are you hesitating? You know the answer of your heart. My mind whispered, making me groan in surprise. Seulgi even raised her eyebrow in confusion. “Are you okay, Irene?”

            “It’s nothing…” I mumbled, hoping that my mind won’t continue playing tricks on me. Why would I want to spend time with her?

            ‘You couldn’t just barge into my life, turn it upside down and leave the next day as if you never happened…’ Isn’t that what you told Seulgi before? Isn’t that enough of a reason to spend time with Seulgi? Stop denying yourself of the pleasure of these feelings…

            I want to slam my face on the next corridor with the words floating in my head. Sometimes it really feels like my mind has a world of its own.

            Suddenly, I felt Seulgi’s warm hand holding mine. It felt familiar, comfortable… better than the first time we did. She cocked a smile, and I felt my nerves calming. Maybe she’s right. Maybe this isn’t a bad idea.

            I always thought that seeing the Eiffel Tower overlapping the skyline was remarkable. The whole architectural design was magnificent, and for someone who can appreciate art despite not understanding it well, I think it’s pretty great.

            The sun was already setting, it’s orange and pink hues were lining up the sky like of paintbrush. The scenery left me awestruck that I couldn’t help but put my phone out to take a picture—well a lot of pictures. The shutter sound was endless, as well as the smiles on my face upon the breathtaking view.

            The sky was always beautiful for me, and my sentimental side was showing every time I marvel the sky. However, that special afternoon, I found myself falling totally in love with a different scenery.

            It’s when I caught Seulgi on my camera’s frame, looking up to the sky. The wind was blowing gently, the breeze pushing her shirt back that I can see her perfect figure hidden with the loose shirt. The red Fedora hat was on her head but I didn’t mind. It wouldn’t be Seulgi without it.

            Suddenly, she took a glance at me. I blushed, realizing that I was caught. My cheeks were heating up while a soft chuckle escaped her lips.

            “Like what you see?” She teased.

            “Yeah.” I mumbled, not planning to deny it anymore. What was there to lose anyway if I’m being truthful? I’ll cherish this day as if it meant to be our last day together… even if I really wish it wouldn’t be.

            She seems surprised, her jaw almost dropping at my proclamation. When I tried to hide a smile, her grin went back. And damn, her smile looks totally beautiful with the background.

            I snapped a photo, thankful that it wasn’t that much against the light. I would like to keep that memory for a long time.

            “Do you want to go up to the tower?” She offered, offering her hand for me to hold once again.

            “Tss… It would take us forever to even get a ticket or even reach the elevators.” I mumbled, still giving her my hand. She squeezed it a bit and shook her head. Her infamous grin still not leaving.

            “Come on, we’re in the city of Love. Do you think I wouldn’t be able to pull some strings?”

            Oh yeah right, why did I even forget? Seulgi led me well through the growing crowd of Paris. She talked to a few people in French, which I know she could speak because it’s the ‘language of love’. We effortlessly reached the third floor, the people around casually giving us the space for only the two of us. I gave Seulgi a look and she just laughed.

            “What did you do…?”

            “I’m a daughter of Aphrodite. The least I could do is charm people to give me some special time with you, right?”

            Feelings… I didn’t know how it happen but I feel some pulling strings in my heart, making me feel these feelings I can’t describe. I looked away and down into the dark horizon lit up by the city lights.

            Yeah. Maybe these were all caused by being in Paris. Maybe that’s why I’m feeling all these strange things…

            “Do you wanna hear a story?” Seulgi asked while we’re having our dinner in this fancy restaurant near the Louvre, sharing a table for two. I was almost embarrassed eating at such high class place while being on a simple short skirts and shirts but Seulgi doesn’t seem to mind. (‘You’re pretty no matter what you wear anyway. You almost make all Aphrodite’s kids look bad.’ Seulgi even said that that I couldn’t help but laugh.) The people around were talking among themselves, noises silenced in the peaceful night.

            “What story?” I asked, taking a slice of steak in my mouth.

            “I… actually met my soulmate—my significant other—already.” The words mumbled out of Seulgi’s lips, her thumb absentmindedly fiddling on her wine glass. Her eyes wasn’t looking back at me, and the whole atmosphere around seemed dim, almost sad all of the sudden.

            “O-oh…” I managed to croak out, wondering where the story was heading. “When…?”

            She looked up and her eyes met mine. Her smile was there, but tainted with a hint of sadness… from what, I didn’t know.

            “I’m not sure… seven years ago? Time is hard to tell when you’re immortal. It’s like you’re in the same page of your life while the world around you moves.” She paused, the sad smile on her lips was still there but her eyes seemed a little brighter. As if she recalled some memories. “It was never easy for me… but then when I saw her the first time, I was really thankful I was a match