Of New Friends and Old

"Psstt... What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

So-Mi and Amber were at the café again when So-Mi noticed the latter's sullen mood.

In fact, Amber has been that way for the last few weeks.

"Amber, come on. I've known you for the longest time. What's wrong?"

So-mi leaned across the table towards her friend.

"2 years plus is not so long, apparently," Amber muttered.

So-Mi was taken aback with the remark. But she tried again, none the less.

"Amber...."

"I cut my hand and you didn't even notice," Amber scowled.

"Omo, kwenchana?"

She noticed the big bandage, and made a grab for her friend's hand.

"Yeah, I'm fine now."

"Mianhe, Amber, for not noticing."

"It's ok," said Amber, thawing out.

She could never stay mad for long with her friend.

"You're sure?"

"Yeah, I'm ok," said Amber smiling.

"Ok," So-Mi smiled as they got up to leave the café. "See you tomorrow, neh?"

"Eh? I thought you were coming to my place this afternoon," Amber said.

Oh no, So-Mi hit herself on the forehead. She had promised two weeks ago, to help redecorate Amber's apartment.

"I promised Ahjussi to..."

"Go!" Amber dismissed her.

"Tomorrow, I'll help you tomorrow, ok?"

"I have to serve at the clinic other days,  remember," Amber shook her head in exasperation. "It's ok, your mind is preoccupied nowadays, I know. Have fun with you new best friend."

And Amber walked off, leaving So-Mi standing at the curb helplessly.

-----

He quietly place some sausages in her rice bowl.

A reminisce of a scene, long time ago.

Her eyes misted, just thinking about it.

He knew she was disturbed and made her old favourite in a bid to cheer her up.

She smiled sadly as she ate.

"Want to talk about it?"

"Ani."

But he patiently waited, knowing she would eventually blurt out her predicament.

"Amber is upset with me. I think I have been a bad friend."

"How so?"

"I haven't been spending time with her lately. I forget our appointments. And I didn't even know she hurt herself."

"Then, make an effort to spend more time with her. And I'm sure she’ll come around," Tae-sik placated her.

-----

It was a week later.

A day when Amber was off from her clinic duties.

"Amber, let's go for a swim."

"Eh? Chincha?"

"Neh, let's go. At the Y."

"Don't you need to go to your Ahjussi's?"

"Later, perhaps. But now, I hope you'd accompany me for a swim."

"Ok," Amber beemed in happiness. "Kaja…! Googoo."

She laughed at Amber’s favourite caption, a call out to her favourite British band of the 80s.

And they two girl friends went off happily for their impromptu outing.