Saturday, January 5th, 2013

Yu-ki looked out the window into the passing scenery as if they would spark something in her mind causing her to remember. It didn’t.

Seeing as there was no longer any major damage, aside from her amnesia, that she had sustained during the accident, Yu-ki had gotten discharged from the hospital earlier that day. The doctor mentioned at her release that familiar environments could be helpful in jogging her memory. That is, if she ever did remember. At this point, it wasn’t certain.

After taking her out to lunch at one of her favourite restaurants, Kris and Yu-ki were on their way back home and the roads that were once familiar now pass by in forgotten eyes. The car came to a stop and Kris led her into their three bedroom studio apartment in Apgujong. He took her hand and led her down the hallway and stopped in front of the second door on the left.

“Your room.” He said pushing the door open. Dropping a bag by the door, he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “I’ll be outside if you need me.”

The lilac cream of the walls contrasted greatly with the black boxy furniture. It was the perfect mix of a preteen’s princess fantasy and a 20-something’s business practicality. Wandering around the perimeter of the room she ran her hands along the pieces of furniture.

“Oh,” someone sounded from her doorway. Startled, Yu-ki turned around. This person had light brown hair, cat-like eyes, and cheeks. He must be Minseok, the roommate Kris had mentioned at the hospital. Yu-ki had seen this face in a few photos as she walked into their home. “Look whose back.” He said. “Little miss drunk driving. I almost didn’t recognize you without your make-up.”

Suddenly, Yu-ki felt tears escape from her eyes. Something in Yu-ki had snapped. It wasn’t like anything he said was insulting. In fact it was very true, she had heard it many times before, but for the first time it seemed to have hit home.

“Oh crap, why are you crying?” he rushed forward to her not know knowing what to do. “I didn't mean that.” Thankfully he was saved by Kris barging in.

“What the hell Minseok. Why’d you make her cry?” he berated him.

“I didn’t know she would cry. I always greet her like this.” Minseok defended himself.

"Yeah, you greeted the 19 year old like that. This Yu-ki is 12. She doesn’t know who you are much less why you’re insulting her in a different language.” Kris all but pushed him out of the room.

Minutes later, Kris came out and joined Minseok on the couch as he idly watched TV. 

“Look man, I didn’t mean to make your sister cry.” He apologized.

“It’s alright, I mean you didn’t know she’d react like that. Usually if you insulted her appearance she would just punch you. But I guess she isn’t the same person….” He trailed off. “She isn’t the same person, but she understood you.” Kris looked at Minseok, eyes wide. “She understood Korean.”