“True love is like ghosts.

Which everybody talks about and few have seen.”

C H A P T E R  T H R E E

When I have my eyes on his, I can’t picture a scene of two of us sitting

across and talking to each other, as if the world has stopped and it’s ours.

I’ve never thought first impression isn’t always right. Those eyes— leave

such an impact to me. Those two pools of mesmerizing eyes make me burn

on the inside. And I can tell the way he looks at me isn’t the same like the

one I always have with those male cashiers at Starbucks. His is totally

different.

       Or….is it just me?

              When they were sixteen, they’d always talked about the party they wanted to have since of course, it’s sixteen and it’s a once in a lifetime experience. They couldn’t stop talking about it, even though it was months away from their birthday. Obviously, they didn’t share the same birthday. His was on 29^th April while hers was on 20^th December. And that’s why he couldn’t sit still when it was two days away from his birthday. He’d decided to act cool as if he didn’t realize how close his birthday was since he wanted to know whether she remembered or not, but he couldn’t help, but telling her everything he wanted on that big day.

               In the end, he spent more than three hours telling her every single thing he wanted and she felt like sleeping since she’d heard them, for every single day. It bored her to the fullest and there’s no way she’s going to miss out anything if he ever questioned her to list them all. And of course, most of them were weird. She couldn’t help but letting her eyes bulged out in surprise, when he told her he wanted to have Michael Jackson specially perform on the rooftop. Obviously, no matter how many times he prayed to God to let this wish becoming true, it wouldn’t even if his eyes bled from crying way too much. She’d advised him to wish for normal things that could be easily happened, and yet, meaningful to him but he didn’t want to change his mind.

               In the end, on the big day, he ended up sulking all day long as the things he’d wished for weren’t answered by God and didn’t want to do anything. But of course it only remained for a couple of hours since look at who we’re dealing with, it’s Jang Wooyoung. Instead, he finally got out from his bedroom after hours locking himself in and started digging in whatever his mom had cooked for him. 

               And now, it happened again. Not that he’s wishing Michael Jackson to perform on the new rooftop of his house again, or he’s flooding both her ears and brain by telling her what he wanted for his birthday but, he did the same thing again, by acting weird, always. It could be proven when he woke up at five in the morning, already had taken a bath, had eaten his breakfast and even called her as he said I’ve got nothing to do. Entertain me please.

               Of course, she wouldn’t come up with other statement but go to hell. But it didn’t happen though since hell didn’t want him right away, like what he said. In the end, both of them ended up talking on the phone for an hour, but it’s ended— as he said it consumed way too many of his cash. She was relieved, but felt like she’s thrown on her own grave when she heard— I’m going to your place. No one knew how much she wanted to sleep since she had a movie marathon last night and there’s no way she’s going to know that he’s going to wake her up in the wee hours of morning. If she’s told about this, she wouldn’t bother to do the movie marathon. Indeed, it was a big mistake. She wondered, why the hell did he act so weird so sudden— and it’s answered right away when he told her his friend’s finally coming back to Korea from America after almost ten years not being able to see him.

               No wonder, she said to herself.

               And yet, she couldn’t understand why he tagged her along to the airport. She had nothing to do with this and she really need to get some rest, but he kept on insisting and she knew the best that he’d always be the winner when it comes to debate. She stopped spacing out by staring out of the window and turned her head towards him who was currently driving— with mixed expressions on his face. She pursed her lips, and finally said,

               “Wooyoung, mind if I ask, why are you so weird these days?”

               He turned his face towards her direction and stared at her face and a smile was formed on his face before he finally looked back on the road. He let out a small laugh and said,

               “Seriously Shinah, couldn’t you be more open? Haha.”

               “No, seriously. You’re so weird these days.”

               “Well, I guess it’s because of I wanted to try being a fun person?”

               “Not that it’s a good thing though.”

               After he’d fully interpreted her statement, he turned his face and landed his eyes on her face.

               “Don’t tell me that you prefer the devil side of me. I could be one if you want.”

               “No. Thanks.”

               He let out a small laugh and replied, “See? So don’t complain since it’s for your own sake too.”

               She rolled her eyes in annoyance. “Fine. Fine. So, why’d you bring me along?”

               “Obviously. I need my best friend to meet my best friend.”

               She turned her face to his and gapped, then she said,

                “You have two best friends? Cheater!” Then a punch landed on his shoulder. His reaction was fast. He placed his gaze on her face for a couple of seconds and jerked his gaze away to concentrate on the road before him.

               “What? You’re expecting me to have only one?”

               “Of course since I only have you as my best friend. One and only.”

               A smirk was formed on his face. “Wow. Thanks Shinah, I’m almost tearing up here. You make such a good best friend.”

               “I know.”

               “Well, he’s actually my roommate back then when I went to the boarding school.”

               “Ohh.”

               “Remember how bad you cried when you sent me off?”

               “No.”

               Wooyoung burst laughing out loud tracing the old memories when he’s in the boarding school over a decade ago. They’re hundred miles away and truth to be told, it’s their hardest time having to cope without one’s existence. He still remembered how many letters he got every week from the same person, how many phone calls he got from her. He found it pretty amusing and cute of her at the same time.

              “Haha. I still remember you always called me and when I forgot to charge my phone, then on the next day, I’d get at least fifty voicemails when I turned it on.”

               “Shut up.”

               “Oh, I love you too Shinah. Haha.”

*     *     *     *

               She tapped and tapped and tapped, took the 100^th times glancing at her watch and that’s it. She couldn’t wait anymore. They’ve been waiting for an hour already and yet, the presence of his best friend was nowhere to be seen. A long sigh escaped from before she leaned in the chair and said,

               “Where the hell is your room mate?”

               “Just wait. The flight’s already landed though,” after he answered, then he brushed his both hands against his thigh because of the sweat. He’s sweating like hell, even though it’s not hot at all. He’s nervous and he had no idea why even though the one he’s about to see was his male best friend, not someone whom he had a crush on or something like that. An annoyed look ghosted over her face then she said,

               “Psssh. I’m hungry here.”

               “Don’t worry. I won’t forget to feed you so just be patient okay?”

               The annoyed look remained there and she stared at his face in disbelief and crossed her arms over her chest and said,

                “Don’t talk like that.”

               “Why not?” he asked.

               “Because I’m not your daughter.”

               The end of his mouth slowly curved upwards and he joined her leaning in the chair and said,

                “Oh, well it’s my habit to talk like an elder.”

               “Good thing to know you admit it.”

               “I’d do anything to please my best friend.”

               “Haha. Shut up,” she gave him a small laugh and it ended up being a big and loud one when he tickled her on the waist, her sensitive spot because he felt like doing it. Both of them were too into it and enjoyed laughing together while moving and shifting on the chair and at the same time, it made them felt young again. A tall and well built figure with a bag slung over his shoulder walked towards them then he stopped, and observed them to make sure, then he said,

               “Hey Wooyoung.”

               Both Wooyoung and Shinah turned their heads to the direction of him at the same time, still at the same position but without having any movement. A smile was formed on his face and then he set his feet on the ground and walked towards his best friend, then hugged him.

               “Taec!! What’s up dude? It’s been so long!”

               “I know right? I missed you so much!” he returned his hug and gave him a loud pat. After a couple of seconds, they withdrew and smiled at each other. Then, Wooyoung said,  

               “So am I! I even couldn’t sleep last night having a thought to finally meet you after years!!”

               Taecyeon let out a small. “Dude, we’re in the same shoes.”

               They both were so into catching up with their lives nowadays while she was standing awkwardly at the side and couldn’t do anything other than observing both of them with so much admiration. She found it amazing being able to see the other side of Wooyoung because she’d never seen him like this. She intertwined her fingers at the back of her body then she cleared , an attempt to break the barrier between her and both of them.

               “Uhh-hmm.”

               Both of them turned their heads to her direction in cue. Oh snap! That’s what Wooyoung said in his mind. He’s too absorbed and happy being able to meet Taecyeon, his other best friend but never did he know he’d totally forget about Shinah, the one who had been together with her ever since he’s a small kid.

               While on the other hand, Taecyeon, was mesmerized. Truth to be told, she’s not pretty at all, but not that ugly. She looks admirable in many ways, oddly. Her skin was the colour of peach, her hair was the colour of autumn, her lip was the colour of raspberries and he wondered how amazing it’d be being able to brush his over hers. What am I thinking? He asked himself. How could he have that kind of first impression? That made him felt so dirty and most importantly, like a ert especially with a person whom he’d met a couple of seconds ago. He had finally gotten to his senses by closing his eyes tight and opened them again, then nudged Wooyoung and asked,

               “Dude, who’s this? Your wife?”

               Wooyoung could not help but leaving a space between his upper and lower mouth. He gasped in shock and so did she. She’s shocked and stunned, while feeling amused at the same time. Then, that was when she let out a small laugh while covering her small mouth with her right hand.

               “Hello~ I’m still single okay. She’s my friend, Shinah.” He exchanged looks with both Shinah and Taecyeon and then he introduced them to each other, “Shinah, Taecyeon. Taecyeon, Shinah.”

               “Hye, nice to meet you,” he lent out his hand and waited in full of anticipation, trying to get himself prepared. Then, their skins hummed next to each other, and he felt good. It felt so good and right when her skin brushed next to his. Smooth and soft, just like the type he liked— just like the one he needed.

               “Nice to meet you too,” she shook her hand a bit and gave him a light but full of sincerity smile.

               Wooyoung couldn’t help but smiling together and then he said, “Hey, let’s get going. It’s my treat today. I’ll buy you guys some lunch.”

               “Dude, you’re the best friend I ever had!!”Taecyeon formed a big smile and pat him on the shoulder.

                “Uhh-humm,” Wooyoung grinned, probably the biggest grin he ever had ever since because he was happy, being with the people he loved.

*     *     *     *

               Both of them had settled in and they’re still talking, mostly the males. She tried to make herself comfortable with the barrier she had between their bonds but she didn’t manage to do so. She didn’t hate Taecyeon. She truly did not because he was such a good guy and a gentleman, her first impression of him but she’s envious. It’d always been her having so many things to talk with Wooyoung and it just didn’t feel right to her being in the position to witness and observe and felt like a stranger. Sometimes they did talk to her, like Are you okay? What do you want to eat? Something like that.  But they’re not good enough to make her getting rid of that feeling. She hated that feeling. It made she felt like she’s a bad person and not matured just because of the long conversation Wooyoung had with Taecyeon.

               She twirled her fingers around the rim of the glass and then she took a sip, then she leaned in the chair while clutching and still looking at both of them. Talking, laughing and patting. That’s what they did. After observing them for a couple of minutes, that’s when she started to admire their relationship. It’s strong and so brotherly. She liked that and she started to wonder, would she be able to have a sisterly bond with someone else?

               “Got to sissy. Hee,” Wooyoung stood up and left them alone, and Hallelujah! That was awkward. She had no idea what she’s supposed to do. She smiled at him and he returned it back. She looked down and played with her hands, trying to make her feel the time’s flying fast albeit the fact that it didn’t and it wouldn’t. What’s taking him so long? She asked in her mind, and looked up and found out he’s looking at her. She smiled and that’s when it’s his attempt to have a conversation with her.

               “So, you’re his oldest best friend.”

               “Well, you can say so,” and she smiled while leaning in the chair.

               “It’s great.”

               “You mean?” she asked while looking at his face and that’s when she found out something about him. His face was clean, no acne at all and she could tell he must had been taking it with a good care.

               “I mean, it’s great being here and seeing you guys.” Then, he took a sip of his drink and set his eyes on her face. She nodded and then she said,

                “Oh, yeah. How long since you left here?”

               “8 years, I suppose.”

               “Wow.”

               “Yeah, Korea’s changed a lot. So different with America.”

               “But the culture’s getting similar anyway.”

               “Yeah, agreed with that,” he pointed his finger out towards her direction and smiled. She leaned in the chair and shifted, tried to make herself comfortable and then she continued with their conversation.

               “Anyway, mind if I ask, why’d you come here? To meet your family?”

               “Ahh no, actually, my family’s immigrated to Boston. I just came here to visit my hometown and all, and I just missed it. And of course, wanted to see Wooyoung.”

               “I see.”

               “But that’s not all anyway.”

               She raised her eyebrow in curiosity and asked, “What else?”

               “I want to fall in love, again.”

               “Wow, such a solid reason.”

               “Haha. I know right? But well, I don’t know, I just have this instinct you know, my soul mate is out there, here, to be precise.”

               She didn’t reply, because she wasn’t sure whether she should— or the other way round. But if she’s supposed to, she had no idea what to say. So it’s still the same. She’s not replying. Instead, she just nodded and looked at him, and they stared at each other and it felt like the longest time she ever had staring at him. It did feel awkward to her but at the same time, it felt good and comfortable, like she’d known him before. They remained not jerking their gazes away from each other’s eyes but it’s ended right away when Wooyoung barged into the scene. Wooyoung and Taecyeon continued conversing with each other and she resumed observing and admiring them and the moment before vanished like a bubble being popped and disappeared in the air like it’d never happened.

               But deep inside, he was smiling sheepishly and kept replaying it in his mind and his heart had officially left some space for her. That was the exact moment when he fell for her, just a tiniest bit but he knew that the space he’d left especially for her could be filled soon with all his heart for her.

               Unfortunately, she had no idea that there’s something meaningful behind his smile that made it different than the smile those male cashiers at Starbucks would be giving her every morning.