The next day the boy came again. 

Jiyong reminded himself to make some small talk and gain his trust before he starts going to the forest again. This is what he did with his previous caretaker too which helped him get away for so long. 

With Seungri's personality he estimated it will take only 2 days to gain that boys' trust. 

"Enjoy your meal." Seungri said after setting up his table. He turned to leave the room but Jiyong called him back.

"Hey, come here."

"Yes?"

"How old are you?" 

"21... Why?"

"Woah really? You look really young!" 

There is a short silence as Jiyong starts eating his meal, Seungri takes it as a sign to leave but he calls him back again.

"Hey, what's the rush? I know you don't have any schedule until 4 PM for Ms. Roseanne. I just want to talk to someone." Jiyong points at the chair near his bed, "Come."

The caretaker approaches slowly and sets himself. He folds his hands over his lap.

Jiyong giggles, "why are you so stiff? Was the old care home that strict with professionalism?"

Seungri gives a half smile and says, "Yes. There were many rules to follow. It was just for me though..." The boy becomes silent again. 

The other doesn't miss out on how the boy's voice gets quieter by the end. He was hiding something. 

"So, did you go to a school?"

The boy is quiet and nods, his eyes downcast.

This was so very different from the expression he gave yesterday. Jiyong couldn't shake off the feeling that he might be doing something wrong by asking such personal questions - he really felt as if he was walking through a field of landmines. He understood then why the boy didn't prefer staying long or the fact that he worked for God knows since when in an elderly home. His reluctance to talk about his education made him curious too. 

Another silence. 

"You can leave. Sorry to keep you."

Seungri gets up and starts to leave, just before closing the door he smiles and asks the other to call him (that is by pressing a switch near their bed in case of emergencies or calling their caretaker) when he's done.

This guy... will take some time... Jiyong eats slowly as he looks out through the window near his bed, he looks at the trees, the birds, the clear skies and the difference in colour of nature when the sun rays cover them. I guess I will have to stay here for a while.... I need to know him... For the first time in years, something other than the forest and the pond was starting to inspire and interest him.