The sky was ablaze a golden yellow as a soft wind shifted through the area. The sound of the leaves rustling filled the air, but no other sound was heard. The grass swayed gently and the birds flew to their nests quietly. A butterfly will float by, but will land on a wild flower and just rest. There were no steams or ponds, so the sound of water remained absent.

Two figures sat atop a small hill as they watched the sunset behind the trees. They sat side by side with a small blanket wrapped around them both and their shoulders just close enough to brush against each other. They smiled softly at the sky, and every now and then, would chance a glance at the other. When one is caught, they simply just look back to the sky with a light blush against their cheeks. It would always be blamed on the chill in the air, but neither argued against it.

Their hands remained clasped underneath the blanket and their breathing synched up with one another.  Every so often, one would shift, but neither was bothered much by it. It was a comfortable silence that neither wanted to break, but sooner or later, one just had to.

“Niel?” The other boy looked up to him. He was met with straight red hair that covered an eye, a mole to the right of his lips, an angular jaw line, and a mischievous twinkle that resonated through his being. “How long have we been together?” Niel scoffed and laughed. He was conflicted.

“I should punch you,” he joked. He laid his head against the boys shoulder once again and stared after the sun. His light brown hair radiated with a golden color as the sun landed on him, and his lips pouted, ever so slightly. The other boy laughed lightly as he tightened his grip upon Niel’s hand.

“You should,” he responded. He smiled teasingly as Niel’s head shot up and a light punch landed on his arm. He laughed as he nursed his arm playfully as Niel shot him a soft glare before Niel put a hand over his mouth. He crinkled his eyes in amusement before wrapping his arms around Niel and hugging him close. “Three years,” he whispered. Niel just lay on his chest and smiled.

“Changjo?” The boy looked down at Niel as he looked up. They stared at one another for a moment before Niel grabbed a hold of Changjo’s nose. His face did not change from seriousness, but there was a glint of amusement in his eyes. “Pabo.” Changjo laughed as Niel started to move him from side to side, never letting his nose go. Changjo crossed his eyes to look at the hand holding him and couldn’t help but t stick his tongue out and it. Niel couldn’t help but laugh before letting go and curling up next to Changjo once more.

The sun had set, and Changjo held on tightly to Niel as he looked up to the once orange sky only to see it dark with bright stars scattered about. He let go before standing, and Niel looked up from his spot.

“I’m going to bring something.” He smiles down at Niel before walking down the hill to his car, which was parked only a little distance away. Niel breathed deeply as he closed his eyes and sat in the silence of the forest. He opened his eyes and looked up at the stars before looking forward and seeing fireflies dancing in the trees. There were no sounds, just him and his breathing.

Beep.

Beep.

Niel looked down and saw that Changjo had left his phone behind. He looked at the phone and noticed the name, “Chanhee” before answering.

“Hello?” He said. There was a soft rustle before a voice came on.

“Hello? Who is this?” Niel rolled his eyes. He, Chanhee he presumed, was the one who called.

“Who is this? You’re the one who called,” retorted Niel. There was a scoff before the other boy continued.

“I’m Chanhee, but everyone knows me as Chunji. I’m calling for Changjo, is he there? Who are you? Why did you pick up? He isn’t hurt is he? He owes me money, he better not be hurt. Where is he?” Niel looked at the phone for a moment before answering.

“He stepped away for a moment, would you like to leave a message?” Chunji laughed and Niel couldn’t help but to tilt his head in confusion.

“So you’re his secretary? Aish, that boy. Just tell him to call Ricky, like, as soon as you see him.” Niel nodded, even though he knew the other couldn’t see. He’s never heard of Chunji or Ricky. He knew Changjo’s other friends, one by the name of Minsoo and another named Youngbae, but not these two. 

“Who’s Ricky?” He asked. He heard some shuffling followed by some muffled yells before Chunji responded and hung up. Niel sat in silence, phone in hand, and his eyes clouded. Chunji’s voice echoed through his ears.

“His wife.”