The Unexpected Becomes the Expected

By LeeHwaYoung

The day was early, the sunlight weakly beating down on the car as we drove back towards the park.

'Our secret is there' I kept thinking to myself.

My fingers ticked nonstop as my being was filled wiht impatience to know the truth. Donghae sat in the drivers seat next to me, but I didn't dare to look at him. Truthfully, I was too afraid to admit that I was afraid. Of losing him, too? Of him returning back to his cold demeanor? I wasn't even sure.

I preoccupied my thoughts by looking out of the window instead. Houses, modern and aged passed by. This development, like every other one, was beginning to see the touches of the current century. Was the past to be overrun so easily?

Inhale. Exhale.

The ride seemed to take even longer now then it did yesterday. The time passed in seemingly slow motion. Then, finally, as though a lifetime had passed, the car stoppe din front of the park. My breathing hitched. My body felt like it had impaled itself to the passenger seat.

What would we find?

I shut my eyes closed. I couldn't find a better thing to do in that moment, and in that moment I wished nothing except to be invisible.

"Hey," Donghae's voice was soft, almost consoling, but still a hint of attitude was there. "Whatever is there... I'm still here. I will help you until you solve your problem." Donghae whispered, his voice so soft, as if he feared the world could hear his promise. I flinched internally.

Until I solve my problem.

Then he would be gone. As free as a bird. Again. How could I have expected anything else? Did I really expect him to stay forever? To console me over my lost love..? No. He pitied me. He felt he was to blame for that dark night in the alley. That was it. 

I opened my eyes, willing my body to finally move. I wouldn't allow him to stay any longer than he needed to. The enigma of Young-Yi would come to an end soon... and then we could move on, the both of us.