See you around

Her arms were almost numb from carrying the bags full of groceries. She always considered that living uphill was a blessing in disguise. A way to keep a lean figure and a healthy heart. 

But right now, she just wanted to die of tiredness. 

‘Jesus ing Christ’ was the only the thought in her mind as she looked upwards. The long road ahead mocking her. Not even the fast beats of her favorite singer seemed to distract her from the multiple muscle spasms. 

At least the weather was nice, not too hot, not too cold. The October breeze made her cramped calves feel somehow relieved, but not enough to keep her going. She wondered briefly why the hurry. Her sister was at work and Yongsun herself was done for the day. She spotted an occupied concrete bench under a tree. It was rather long, so she didn’t mind sitting next to a stranger. 

The stranger in question was a young woman, like herself. She was unfaced when Yongsun slumped against the cold concrete. Huffing when the heavy plastic bags finally stopped strangling her delicate fingers. She ran the back of her hand through her damp forehead. Her sweat made the small hairs in her forehead stick disgustingly to her skin. 

Yongsun inhaled deeply, finally taking a break from the shallow breathes that came with carrying heavy containers of yoghurt and fruit. She saw from the corner of her eye that the woman next to her was simply staring at the majestic tree that sheltered them from the sun. 

She just watched her surroundings for a few minutes. Her breathing regulating itself thanks to the lack of effort. The pet store that was directly in front of the bench was full of colorful toys and expensive brands of kibble. ‘I should buy some for Yongkey…’ but she stared at her groceries and decided that online shopping was the only option that did not involve trying to carry a 15-kilogram bag uphill. 

Yongsun’s peripheral vision cached movement, and she noticed the stranger’s lips moving. She immediately tapped her wireless headphones to pay attention to the woman, wondering if she was talking to her. 

She may be tired, but she was never rude. The melodious voice of BoA was replaced by a rather deep voice. 

“… but it’s still a good season, you know?” said the stranger calmly. 

“Sorry, I was wearing my headphones. Did you say something?” said the tired woman. 

“Oh, I’m sorry” she said, a soft smile gracing her lips. Her face was still tilted upwards. Some specks of sunlight caressing her cheeks and nose. 

“No, it’s okay. What were you saying?” Yongsun turned towards the stranger, her attention now fully focused on the woman next to her. 

“Nothing important. Small talk” she said, finally facing Yongsun. 

“Oh, right.” She felt bad for not listening to what the stranger said. 

Yongsun was a woman of few words when it came to people she didn’t know, but this woman had an air of confidence that reminded Yongsun of some of her colleagues. People usually came to talk to her and not the other way around, but this time she made a small effort to talk to the young woman. 

“Well… If you were talking about fall then yes, I must agree. It is a good season” she said giving her a shy smile. The stranger did the same. 

“Summer is just exhausting; the heat is unbearable. But winter comes with emotions and a sadness that I can’t really explain, so fall it is!” said the brunette, in deep thought. Her hair was long, and even though Yongsun knew that the hue came from a bottle, she thought the color favored the woman. “Moon Byulyi” she said extending her hand, but just a little bit. 

Yongsun took the hand in hers. ‘What a strange woman’. 

“Kim Yongsun” she shook Byulyi’s hand. It was soft, but her calloused fingers felt foreign against Yongsun’s delicate ones. “So Byulyi ssi, are you waiting for someone?” said the blonde woman. She didn’t mean to pry but small talk has never been her forte. 

“Are you hitting on me, Yongsun ssi” said Byulyi, her once smiling face now completely serious. 

“What?! No! I-“ this happened regularly in Yongsun’s life. But usually the roles were reversed. 

“I’m kidding. I’m waiting for a friend. Her shift ends in a few minutes”.

Byulyi’s smile was cute. Yongsun felt the embarrassment coloring her face and ears. She was always surrounded by beautiful people, so why did a stranger that hardly reached her standards make her blush?

“Byulah!” 

Yongsun turned to see a short woman taking off a black apron. The white paw clearly indicated that the woman worked at the pet store. 

“Ah, that’s my cue. Bye Yongsun ssi. See you around!” she said laughing while standing up. 

That was a weird thing to laugh about, right? They probably weren’t going to see each other ever again. And then Yongsun understood the stranger’s joke. 

Just when the pet shop girl was getting closer, Byulyi unfolded a white cane. 

“Get it?” said the stranger–Byulyi– smiling widely. A blinding smile, like she just told Yongsun her best joke. 

And with that, she left. 

Yongsun saw the short girl hooking her arm with Byulyi’s. She watched them cross the street and walk until their figures were barely recognizable. 

‘I didn’t even notice’ she thought. She had always considered herself to be quite scatterbrained, but this was just another level. Not noticing that she was talking to a completely blind person must be a new level of being distracted. 

Or maybe she was just focusing too much on how the woman looked. 

She knew it was a bad habit, but she was a model, she couldn’t help but look at other people and analyze their features. She noticed Byulyi’s pointy chin, triangular mouth, the weird dimples her nose made when she smiled. 

Yeah… she should definitely stop looking too hard at peoples features. With that thought in mind, she inhaled deeply and got up. The plastic bags crinkled and felt heavy against her knuckles. With the strange girl in mind, she began walking uphill once again. 

__

She honestly just wanted to cry. Curl herself into a little ball and cry, but her body was just too tired. 

She was currently shooting for a “health” magazine, so basically, she had to starve herself for a month and the editor himself told her that she wasn’t allowed to drink water for at least 24 hours. 

When the shoot ended one of the staff members gave her a robe and a water bottle, and she didn’t think twice before chugging the whole thing. ‘Water really is a vital force’ she thought. With each drink she felt more like a human being and less like a corpse. 

She changed her clothes into a comfy pair of sweatpants and thanked everyone on set for their hard work. The shoot started in the early morning, so she was done by the time every regular worker was too. 

It was a nice November day. The weather had gradually shifted, and the trees no longer protected her skin from the sun’s passive radiation. As the car the company sent to get her home passed the streets, she noticed a familiar pet store. With a familiar figure sitting on a concrete bench. 

‘Moon Byulyi’ she thought briefly about the girl. She remembered her own surprise when she saw Byulyi’s cane. She remembered the girls slightly crooked lips, her black roots just begging to show the girls real hair color and her glowy skin. 

When she got home, her sister was already serving the bland homemade meal she made for her starved little sister. Yongsun immediately collapsed on the chair in front of their small kitchen table. As soon as Yonghee placed the yellowish broth and small bowl of rice in front of her, Yongsun arched her eyebrow. 

“Unnie, I-“ she started.

“Yong, you survived on eggs, pumpkin and lettuce for a month. You need to ease into foods” said Yonghee, knowingly. The younger woman huffed, blowing short puffs of air on the silver spoon full of soup. “But you can have as many servings as you want”. And that had Yongsun smiling. Because even though her sister absolutely hated Yongsun’s job, she always made sure that Yongsun took care of herself. 

As time passed and their bowls were empty, Yongsun’s body started to feel the weight of the last month. The endless work out sessions, the restless and strict coach, the long sleepless nights wondering if her career choice was the right one. It all seemed worth it when she checked her bank account. 

Being a model wasn’t nearly as glamorous as people say it is. The long hours, uncomfortable clothes, the constant leering of weird men. All of it sometimes made Yongsun feel like saying ‘Yes’ to that lady that gave her a card while she was shopping with her mom wasn’t worth it. But Jessica Oh was the woman that made her kind-of-famous, and just like her manager, Yongsun just couldn’t stay away from a challenge. So she made a career out of it. 

She was by no means an eminence within the fashion world, but she had a steady income that allowed her to live a verycomfortable life and be recognized by some important figures in the Asian designer’s sphere. ‘I should be more grateful towards Jessi unnie’ she thought, making a mental note to buy her a nice pair of designer shoes. 

Of course, she was grateful towards her manager, but sometimes she couldn’t help but wonder what it must feel like to not worry about the way others see her so often. When the thoughts and doubts clouded her mind, she usually went for a run, but she was in no condition to move further than her bed. She occupied her mind on daily tasks, like applying her overpriced-but-effective skin care routine, and while she was sending a few emails a thought crossed her mind. 

‘See you around! Get it?’

Well, of course Yongsun’s mind would instantly associate a blind girl with her desire to be validated in ways that didn’t involve her face or body. ‘Ugh, I hate my brain’, maybe she was just as shallow as the world she liked to question so much. 

‘What is wrong with me today? Must be the lack of ing food and water’ she sighed. 

She tapped on her phone and browsed for a documentary about something she absolutely did not care for but would lull her to sleep. Background noise for the doubts about her future, her age, if she made right investments and a charming laugh coming from a cute set of lips. 

__

“Yongsun, I went last time, don’t be an ” said Yonghee annoyed while putting on a pair of small hoop earrings. She was late for a date with a guy, and Yonghee was absolutely never late. They were currently deciding who was going to buy Yongkey’s kibble, as their usual delivery was out of the brand their dog liked.

“Okay, I said I’ll do it” said the younger girl from the kitchen. Her greasy hair and oversized pajamas were evidence of her self-imposed holidays.  She informed her manager she would be taking two weeks off work due to stress. She wasn’t lying, she needed to rest, but Yongsun had been in bed for just two days and was already bored out of her mind. 

“Yeah, because getting Yongkey was your idea, and you need to be responsible-” 

“Jesus, Yonghee, I said I’ll do it. Go, have fun!” she said moving her hands theatrically. A spoon of yoghurt hanging limply from her lips. 

“Okay, bye, Yong!” said the elder sister while putting on her black heels and opening the door. Her sister left the house and silence immediately enveloped her. Their dog Yongkey waved her tail but remained laying on the couch. 

If she was going to go out, might as well take her ‘little girl’, her ‘child from another species’ as she liked to call her in the privacy of their home. She put the remains of her yoghurt in the fridge and started her day. At 5 in the afternoon. 

She took a quick shower and washed her hair, chose a comfy outfit and put on a thick coat before grabbing Yongkey’s leash. 

“Yongkey, c’mon. Omma is taking you out”. The pup jumped excitedly before staying steady, allowing Yongsun to hook the leash. 

‘Okay, so Super Pet is out of kibble…’ she thought while she typed on her phone, searching for pet stores that were far enough that Yongkey would get a good work out, but close enough for her not to be exhausted. 

The words ‘See you around’ crossed her mind. She laughed to herself. What a dumb joke, yet it brought a smile to her face. 

She walked for about fifteen minutes before reaching the pet store, she eyed the concrete bench but there was no one there. Of course, Moon Byulyi wouldn’t be there. Why would she? 

She opened the door a could hear the soft chimes of doorbells. Yongkey following close behind. 

“Hello, welcome to Pet Family House, how can I help you?” said a bored voice from behind the counter. It was the girl from a few months ago. The one that hooked her arm with Byulyi. The one with the dimple. 

“Hey, I’m looking for –“she was interrupted by a ringing phone. The girl pulled a face that gave Yongsun the impression that she really wanted to take the call. “Go ahead, I’ll look around”. The girl smiled and slightly bowed. 

“Byulah, I’m at work. What’s wrong?” said the girl whispering aggressively. That got Yongsun’s attention even more. It was a coincidence, Yongsun knew the girl knew Byulyi, so why did she feel like it was… meant to be? 

‘I swear my mind is not my brain, I barely know this girl’.

“Yeah, three drops in each eye… I don’t know Byul, you’re the one that told me that you could ‘hear a teardrop fall a kilometer away’ you figure it out’ she heard a sigh, and Yongsun almost couldn’t help but laugh.

‘She’s funny’. 

“Yes, Hyejin is on her way… No, I know. No, I’m not saying you’re not capable I’m saying YOU said you could– aish you’re messing with me. Look there’s a client here, just… take care of Ggomo. Bye” and the girl hanged up the phone. 

“I’m really sorry, my cat got an eye infection and… sorry, how can I help you?” 

Yongsun lifted a small bag of kibble and smiled. The girl–Wheein, as it was indicated on her name tag­– was a lot nicer once her phone call ended. The short girl gave her a few  treats for Yongkey for free and the older woman immediately decided this was her new favorite pet store. 

The walk back home was filled with slow paced songs and recurring thoughts about Wheein and her friend. 

__

If Yongsun’s new running route suddenly included jogging right outside of Pet Family House it was a mere coincidence. It absolutely had nothing to do with the fact that she was back at work, stressed, and wanted to laugh while listening to Wheein and Byulyi’s banter. 

Two strangers that probably didn’t remember her name. 

‘I swear I’m not a stalker’ she thought as she approached the store for the fifth time this week. 

And for the first time in three months, there she was. Moon Byulyi. Sitting calmly on the concrete bench outside the pet store. 

“Byulyi ssi” she said while removing her headphones. She had no idea what alien force made her talk to the woman “My name is Kim Yongsun, we met once, a while ago” said the blonde, a little breathless. The younger woman’s expression went from clueless, to thinking, to smiling in a millisecond. 

“Ah, Yongsunssi, what a sight for sore eyes” she said smiling. The crinkle in her nose lifted her sunglasses.

‘Ah, there it is. I like her humor’ she thought. She felt a little nervous, and she wasn’t quite sure why. Maybe it was related to the fact that she had spontaneously started a conversation with a stranger. Maybe.

“I told you we would see each other again” said the now-red-haired girl. 

“Well in order for that to happen, you would have to be able to see me” said Yongsun without thinking. In her mind it sounded a lot more like a joke. Byulyi stayed silent for a second and Yongsun started sweating.

‘What the actual is wr-‘

And Byulyi broke out laughing. A laugh that was so contagious that Yongsun herself started to crack up. Letting her dolphin like squeaks fill Byulyi’s ears. 

“You’re funny. I like you” she said smiling. 

“I’m surprised you remember me, we literally spoke for one second four months ago” said Yongsun sitting next to Byulyi. 

“Whoa, obsessed much? Have you been counting the days?” said the girl jokingly. And Yongsun felt self-conscious and momentarily grateful that the woman next to her couldn’t see her blushing. “I’m joking Yongsun ssi. You have a rather unique name, and I know for a fact that you haven’t met a lot of girls named Byulyi. Or have you?”.

“No, I have not. How old are you, Byulyi ssi. Let’s talk informally” said Yongsun, leaning back against the cold concrete. 

“I’m 27, what about you?

“28”

“Then can I call you unnie?”

“Of course,” said Yongsun. And after that they stayed silent for a while, and Yongsun felt calm. Peaceful even. She wasn’t expecting to see Byulyi, but she had been a recurring thought in her head… 

‘So why can’t I think of anything smart to say?’.

“So, what do you do for a living, unnie?” said Byulyi, oozing confidence and warmth. Yongsun liked her voice, it was deep, and it made her stomach flip in a weird way. She was excited about the prospect of new friendships. She was a shy person, and even though her line of work was one full of social gatherings, Yongsun went home as soon as she could after a shoot or an event. 

“I’m a model” she said trying to sound humble. She hated the way it sounded, ‘model’. 

“Oh my, I would love to see your work sometime” said Byulyi smiling. Yongsun couldn’t help but look at her nose dimples. She was genuinely so funny, and Yongsun giggled as soon as the words left . 

She stared at Byulyi’s face for a while, her cute chin, jawline and full lips. How hadn’t she noticed that Byulyi was rather pretty before?

“Ah, it’s not as it sounds. Just a few uncomfortable clothes and a lot of camera flashes” said the older girl. “What about you? And be serious, don’t say something like professional bird watcher” and both stifled a laugh.

“I’m a musician”

“Oh my,”

“It’s not like it sounds. It’s mostly classical and not cool at all” she said picking at her cuticles. It was the first time she had seen the girl show an ounce of nervousness. She kind of liked it. “Sometimes I teach kids or adults how to play instruments, other times I make jingles for 4 a.m. informercials” she commented shyly. 

“I think…” she said softly as she got a little closer “that sounds really cool” and the older girl could see Byulyi blushing. 

Of course, Kim Yongsun knew how to flirt. People flirted with her all day. Staff, editors, photographers, journalists, people loved to flirt with her and her co-workers. It was, sadly, part of the job. Even if her personality was rather shy and awkward, her sister always told her to ‘fake it ‘til you make it’. So that was what was happening right now. 

“Byulah!” said a voice Yongsun recognize as Wheein’s. 

The shorter girl eyed her for a few seconds before asking “Who are you?... wait I know you…” her index finger tapping gently on her chin. “You’re that girl, from the ad”

“Right…” said Yongsun, suddenly nervous. Wheein’s stare felt heavy, protective. 

“Unnie, let’s go. I’m tired. Bye, ad-girl” she said dismissively, once again hooking her arm with Byulyi’s. 

The older girl unfolded her white cane and faced Yongsun. “Bye, unnie. See you later” she said smiling. Yongsun heard Wheein laugh softly, and she smiled brightly. 

“Hope so”

And they disappeared into the distance, leaving her sitting in the concrete bench wondering how long she would have to wait to see Byulyi again. 

__

The answer was two days. 

She was jogging lazily when she spotted the younger girl sitting on the concrete bench. She immediately changed her trajectory.

‘Why wait outside? Does she wait for Wheein often?’ she asked herself. Or maybe it wasn’t just to herself because suddenly Byulyi was very much responding to her question. 

“Well hello to you, too. And sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t” she said smiling softly. “Jealous much?”

“You wish” she said laughing softly, sitting next to Byulyi. “I think we should go get coffee” she said smugly. Byulyi looked surprised, and once again her confidence seemed to falter. 

“Lead the way, unnie. Nice shirt by the way” she said while standing up. Yongsun stared at her top.

“Thank you, I got it at… Hey!” she laughed once again. She noticed her laugh was plentiful when she was with the younger girl. Or perhaps it had been a long time since she laughed so frequently. Was that sad? Was she unhappy?

It seemed like the younger girl noticed the change in her demeanor, because she reached for Yongsun’s arm and hooked it with her own. 

Yongsun leaded the way towards one of her favorite coffee shops. The pastries were to die for, and the coffee was freshly roasted. The fact that one of her best friends was the owner had absolutely nothing to do with her preference for the shop. 

“Yongsunah!” said a male voice that made both women turn around. “Looking beautiful as always” he said cheekily. 

“Changsub, nice to see you work a shift every once in a while” she said laughing and giving him a side hug. “This is my new friend Byulyi”. And the younger girl unconsciously shifted behind Yongsun, waving shyly. 

Th