He just smiles politely and says, “Okay let’s proceed with your attendance.”

Flashback

A guy with school uniform was standing in front of his school’s gate. In his left hand, he was holding a scroll. He sometimes looked around to see there are several students, taking photos with their parents, holding a bouquet of flower, smiling happily. He’s been observing them for quite some time. He then looked at himself, alone. ‘It’s lucky to have a parent.’ He let out a sigh, glanced at his wrist watch.

“She’s late.” He monologue

Without him knowing, a girl with pony tail on both of her sides was approaching him from behind. She’s holding a bouquet of lilac flower. She tapped his back.

He turned around, smiling.

“Oppa~~congratulations on your high school graduate!” She said as she handed the bouquet.

He took the bouquet into his hand as he patted her head slightly. She was slightly blushing.

“You’re late.” He said, looking serious.

“Oh mian~ I went to buy this flower. Pretty right?” She apologized cutely.

“This? What is this? Lilacs? Are you kidding me?”

“It’s your favourite right?” She asked.

“Nope. It’s your favourite babo-yah.”

“Oh really? I got it wrong then. Hehe.” She giggles to her own mistake.

He then laughed it off. She’s really cute. He couldn’t even get mad at her for a long time. He suddenly bent down, putting both of the scroll and the flower at his sides.

“What are you doing oppa?” She asked, surprised by his action.

“Your shoelace got off. Just stand still for a while.” He said as he tied the shoelace nicely.

“I can just do it by my own.” She said, blushing.

“Well, that’s what a boyfriend should do right, Suzy-ah” he answered flashing a smile. He stood up, brushes off his pants slightly.

“Then, should I fix your tie too Soohyun oppa?” She asked, touched by his care.

“Of course, any time.” He answered, smiling brightly.

They exchanged smiles. They keep staring into each other’s eye. Back then, they were young, they were in love. Everything seems possible. It felt like forever and ever.

Kim Soohyun’s POV

“I am home.” I greet as I enter the home. A small, empty home.

 My greeting is left unanswered. I put the keys on a small round table. I loosen down the tie that keep strangling all day long, eyeing on stacks of unopened mails. That must be bills, letter from the bank. I let out a sigh as I massage my temple. This things never end, need of money. I just got a job and the only thing I am worried ever since is money.  

My dry throat brings myself to the refrigerator. Before I open it, I notice a note left on the refrigerator.

‘I cooked the rice already. I left a kimchi stew in the refrigerator. Heat it before eating and we ran out of chicken. So just fry an egg, it’ll be good. Also, I’ll be home late. Take care ^^”

My face fell as I read the few last words. ‘I’ll be home late’ She’s been late lately. Well, I guess that’s what a final year student is all about. I grab a cold drink, don’t feel like eating yet. I walk toward the small yet cozy bedroom. I lie down on my back, feeling all the tiredness from today’s work. I don’t know which makes me exhausted, teaching or making money? I stare blankly on the ceiling. What would she say to me when I am like this? That girl always has something good, comforting to say. I put the back of my right hand on my forehead, closing my eyes for a moment.

‘I miss you, Suzy-ah’

Suzy’s POV

It’s almost midnight when I arrived home after my part time job. I open the door slowly, closing it back carefully.

“Oh you’re home.”

It surprised me even though I know whose voice it belongs to. I turn around to see Soohyun oppa is drying his wet hair with towel, he just got out of the bathroom.

“Yeah. You’re not sleeping yet?” I ask.

“Got work to be done. Have you eaten yet?” He asked.

“Yeah, had my dinner already.” I answered smiling as I change my gaze towards the mails on the table.

Soohyun oppa walks into the kitchen, he makes a cup of hot drinks. I guess it is coffee. His all-time favourite. I go through over the mails. Most of them are bills and fees. The electricity bill, water bill.

“You are home late lately.” He asks as he takes a sip from his mug.

“We got a group project and the deadline is nearer. So, you know how hectic it is right. ” I smile, lying. I can see he just nods his head as he listens to me.

“Oppa. The bills…”

“Yeah, I know. Just leave it there. I’ll pay by the end of this month.”

“But, we are already 3 months late. You know, perhaps..I..”

“No. Just let me. I am the man of this house. I am responsible for this.”

“But oppa---“

“That’s final. End of discussion.” He insists as he stares at me.

His voice sounds calm but I can sense tense in his voice. He’s being sensitive. Like I was hurting his pride. He looks down to his mug. He then walks into his room, leaving me questioning myself if I said anything wrong. I get up from my seat, walks slowly to his room.  I hesitate for a while whether to knock on the door or not. Finally, I give up my will to do so. He must be still mad at me.

I enter my room as I sit by the bedside, picking up a frame of picture on a small desk by my bed. It’s a picture of a happy couple. The guy was kissing the girl’s cheek while she just smiles brightly. It seems like forever and ever. Without I even realize, beads of tears fall down my cheeks.

'I miss you, Soohyun oppa.'