First snow.

 

Isn't this fitting? I came back just as the season changed.

 

I watch as a speck of snow lands on my palm.

 

I remember now why this is my favorite season.

 

Winter. It never fails in making me feel calm, appeasing my heart and assuring my soul.

 

It also brings a memory, one I've kept hidden in my box...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Waiting for someone?"

I wasn't. I just wanted to enjoy a hot cup of coffee and admire the first snow falling outside.

But with him standing in front of me, I wondered if I had been.

"Jong Suk-sshi."

"Hyo Joo-sshi."

"Noona. You always forget." I smiled as I took a sip from my cup.

"Aniyo."

He smiled at me, a smile I know too well.

I brushed it off. That's just how he was. "What brings you here?"

He sat on the empty seat beside me. "I'd like to ask the same question."

Guess he hadn't changed one bit.

"You always throw back the question to me."

"I'm just surprised. I didn't expect to see you here."

"Why? Can't an ahjumma enjoy a cup of coffee?"

He laughed, showing off his boyish charms.

"I wouldn't call you an ahjumma."

"Oh, really? Then what?"

His eyes lingered on mine. For a moment, I fogot where I was or why I was there in the first place.

"Hyo Joo-yah..."

I smiled even as I felt a pang in my heart.

"I didn't know we were still close." I put my mug down and stare outside.

"Hyo Joo-yah -"

"Jong Suk-sshi."

I met his gaze.

"Our drama has ended."

I gathered my things and stood up.

"We don't have to act anymore..."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jong Suk-sshi.

 

I watch as the snow dances on my palm - graceful, serene.

 

I wonder how you're doing now.

 

Walking past the quiet street, I adjust my mask. A year ago, only a few of us wore this cover. We needed it in case our presence might cause chaos.

 

With only a few months after a national crisis was erradicated, only a few people flock the street, all of which wear the same cover.

 

Somehow, it gives me comfort, knowing that after all these years, I've finally become like a normal person.

 

Yet the sense of familiarity can't give me what my heart so desires.

 

Warmth.

 

I wrap my arms around myself, hoping some self love will do.

 

This is fine. This is alright.

 

I smile, feeling a little warmth coming my way.

 

You're back.

 

I stare at the message on my phone.

 

Aniyo. I'm still in Prague.

 

Gojitmal. Your face is all over the news.

 

That must be my doppleganger.

 

Maybe. She looks prettier than you.

 

Aigoo. Here he goes again.

 

You need to have your eyes checked, ahjussi.

 

I smile, pleasantly surprised that he checked up on me.

 

Are you busy?

 

Not really but I plan to catch up on sleep.

 

Can you spare me two hours?

 

Two hours?

 

For what? I enter the backseat of my car.

 

89mansion, Sinsa. Come at six.

 

That cafe again.

 

Can't we meet somewhere else?

 

I don't feel like drinking coffee right now.

 

Don't ask. Just come.

 

And I know there's no possible rebuttal when he's locked on like this.

 

Arasso.

 

Maybe it's time we meet again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"SURPRISE!"

 

I cover my mouth in disbelief.

 

"Welcome back, Hyo Joo-yah!"

 

I wrap my arms around my Han sister.

 

"Gomawo, Min-unnie." I bury my face in her hair. "I miss you!"

 

"Ya! What took you so long to come back? We thought you'd live in Hollywood now."

 

"My role got extended." I proudly say. "And I didn't even shoot in L.A."

 

"I thought you were hiding from him." 

 

Si Eon-oppa winks to the man beside me.

 

"I'll find her wherever she goes."

 

"Aigoo. Are you sure you've broken up?" Ji Min-unnie teases as she hands me the party hat.

 

I link my arm to his and smile mischievously at my friends. "Are you sure we've broken up?"

 

Catcalls and cheers resound in the room.

 

"You better take responsibility, Hyo Joo-yah. Look at Dong Won's ear." Ki Young-oppa jokes.

 

"This girl." Dong Won laughs while playfully taking off his arm that's linked with mine. "How can I score a date if you make people think I'm still yours?"

 

"You can never escape me, oppa." I . "Even your ears say so."

 

"I fumble because there's a pretty ahjumma in front of me."

 

Everyone laughs. I would have joined to if not for a memory that suddenly flashes...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Can you take off your gown?"

 

I kept my gaze at him, anticipating his next words.

 

"You're sad that I don't remember it and I'm frustrated too."

 

He raised the comics in his hand.

 

"Shouldn't we do everything we did in this comics?"

 

My heart raced as I got lost in his eyes.

 

"I want to feel what Chul felt in the comics."

 

Just as I was about to lose myself in his gaze, he burst into laughter.

 

"I can't do this. This is so embarrassing." He almost choked as he laughed.

 

I was grateful that he fumbled.

 

If not, I would have made a fool of myself.

 

"Your ears are red."

 

I walked towards him and cupped his flaming ear.

 

He suddenly got shy and somehow, got more charming in my eyes.

 

"This is too hard."

 

He grabbed my arms and playfully shook me. 

 

"I lose my focus."

 

I laughed as I played with his ear. He looked so cute when shy.

 

Suddenly, I felt him wrap his arms around me.

 

Gently.

 

Tenderly.

 

Then he said it, almost a whisper. 

 

Words that only the two of us could hear.

 

"There's a pretty noona in front of me..."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Welcome back, Hyo Joo-sshi."

 

I blink, not sure if I'm still back in the past

 

I think I heard his voice but I'm really not sure.

 

"I'm happy to see you again, noona."

 

I open my eyes but I still can't believe it.

 

I'm seeing him, standing right in front of me yet, I can't believe it.

 

I'm looking straight into his eyes and he's staring back at me yet, I refuse to believe it.

 

But it's him. It's really him.

 

"Jong Suk-sshi..."