It wasn’t solitude. Although everyone made it sound like solitude, it was actually comforting. Extremely comforting to be exact, to be away from the world and surrounded by a cushioned bed, a built in wardrobe and the flickering computer screen.  The Japanese would call this hikikomori but in English this would be translated into “withdrawn”.

                                                                                                           *****

They knew each for five years, it wasnt an extremely short time period nor was it an extremely long period each. It was the perfect number for two strangers to form a bond as thick and strong as timber. It was the perfect number to get to know a person and to understand their faults, flaws and traits. It was supposed to be perfect, but not everything was perfect and especially in this society perfect would never exist.

“What are you up to Seungho?” questioned Jiyeon.

“Dwelling over the thought of why my other two friends are so scared of girls,” Seungho furrowed his eyebrows together wondering.

“Maybe because we are annoying?” Jiyeon chuckled. “Some girls will definitely get on your nerves. Is it Hyun Woo and Chan Do?”

“Definitely,” Seungho nodded in awe. “How would you pick that up when I only stated two friends?”

“When one understands another, it’s easy peasy,” Jiyeon grinned knowingly. “I read you like you read a book and you read me like I read my manga.”

Seungho and Jiyeon believed that friendship would have last, and last it did. It only lasted a bit longer than five years. Seungho was extremely scared of losing a friend like Jiyeon, but Jiyeon simply assured Seungho every time and every time she did, he was definitely comforted. That was until Jiyeon started interacting with the guys that Seungho couldn’t understand.  Friendships weren’t perfect, nor where Seungho and Jiyeon.   Like glass, their friendship shattered and the comfort and assurance that Jiyeon provided Seungho dissipated like vapour. Seungho was like a lost child, a lost puppy he was confused with how Jiyeon could act like that. How could Jiyeon let go of a friendship that was supposed to be everlasting?

**************

It was the 812th day of being secluded, and Seungho was dazing out the window.  The leaves were growing from the brown hazel branches with such strength and optimism. Every leave was hot glued to the branch, even with the wind blowing by it was still holding strong. It reminded Seungho of the days where he was being strong like the luscious green leaves. The fun days that were filled with smiles, giggles and gleaming white teeth that was reflecting the sun rays.

“Would the world be peaceful now?” Seungho whispered to himself with his breath creating fog on the windows.  “Is the worl