[004]

I wouldn’t have bet my chances on it. I didn’t even dare to even wish for it. It was ridiculous to just have that thought and I knew I should’ve just left it at that – our second coincidental meeting, that is.

But the second I heard his voice spoke next to my ear, I realised that it was probably stupid of me not to have seen it coming.

I could’ve stopped it, but I didn’t.

“Where are you residing here?”

I turned my head and found him grinning from ear to ear as he placed his black suitcase next to mine. I found myself smiling too, despite myself. It was hard not to smile around someone like him, someone who’s full of vibrant energy if I must say so myself.

Or maybe, it was just because of the person himself.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re stalking me, Mr L.H.W,” I said pointedly, gesturing toward his initials on the suitcase.

“It’s Howon – Lee Howon,” he answered, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. “And I didn’t mean to sound as if I’m stalking you, and I wouldn’t have done it so openly if that was the case.” I couldn’t help but to laugh along with him. And it actually felt good, to be able to laugh again.

“Well...to answer your question, they’ve actually booked me a room at the resort not far off from here. What about you, Lee Howon?” I arched an eyebrow up questioningly.

He laughed again, a little nervously this time I must add.

“I...don’t really have anything specific in mind. I’m supposed to be taking the next flight home but I feel like spending some time here. It’s been awhile since I’ve last took a break honestly. Do you mind if I tag along with you?”

I studied his face carefully for a brief moment, before slowly nodding my head.

“Sure,” I agreed with a small smile. “It’ll be nice to have some company.”

I could’ve stopped him, but I didn’t want to.

: :

“So...you’re a freelance photographer?”

The two of us were walking down the street of houses and provision shops, with nothing particular in mind. Well, I was keeping an eye out for anything interesting I could use for work, while Howon had volunteered himself to accompany me just in case I get lost or bored, or so he claimed.

He had just finished telling me bits and pieces of himself; 23 years of age (apparently we’re same-aged friends), has four years experience of being an air steward with a dream of becoming a pilot one day. Single, (a fact which he had pretty much stressed on more than anything else he had told me) and currently residing alone in a small apartment back in Seoul.

Now that it’s my turn to unravel my mysterious self, I felt unsure on what I should let him know and what I have to keep to myself.

“Yeah,” I replied, a little distractedly as I took a look around my surroundings. “I’m here because of work actually. A client has specifically requested for pictures here.”

“I see,” Howon nodded. “Do you live alone in Seoul, Chorong? Or do you have a roommate?”

His question was left unanswered as I suddenly hurried over toward a spot where a group of snowmen had been built in the most creative way I had ever seen. Thankfully, my DSLR is always hanging around my neck, so I just had to raise it up and snapped a few photos.

“Do you need a model or something? Because uh...you know I won’t charge you anything for my service.”

I snorted out loud at his not-so-modest-offer and turned around to face him slowly. He already had his two hands planted on his hips, with an expression I swear he was trying too hard to pull off, looking absolutely ready to strike a pose.

“So, where do you need me?”

: :

“Thanks for today.”

We were walking back towards the resort, all drained out and wet from the fun we had in the snow after the pictures were taken. I must admit, it was nice to be behaving like kids once in awhile, to just let loose everything and not think about the problems that were awaiting me back at home.

I took a sip of my hot chocolate, messily smearing myself with the whipped cream that had been sprayed on top of it. I quickly dug around in my pocket for any spare tissue, but before I could find one, Howon was already brushing it off lightly with his thumb.

My cheeks felt hot instantaneously, and I was pretty sure they were crimson red so thankfully, he couldn’t see me in the night’s dim light (at least I hoped so). I fixed my gaze on my own drink and muttered a soft thanks, which I wasn’t sure if it reached his ears.

But it did, because I heard him chuckling softly as he returned with a kind “You’re welcome” and tousled my beanie lightly.

We continued the rest of the distance in silence, but nonetheless, I felt lighter and livelier than I had been in days.

And I owe it all to LHW.