Chapter 30

Go shopping. Buy the one outfit you've always wanted.. Doomsday.   Doomsday, I repeat and whisper at the very moment I open my closet only to find that it’s almost empty— if it weren’t for the black dress and white polo hanging and some pieces of wooden hangers.   I thought I’d go nuts, that I’d been robbed or something. Then I realize I dispose half of my clothes and the other half are still at the laundry shop.     It’s fine though. I guess it’s time for me to buy new ones and sort of change my fashion style. The budget isn’t a problem too. I save some every time my father would send me allowances. I pulled the remaining clothes inside my closet and change to it.   -   I take a bus going to the shopping arcade. When I got at the mall, I start wandering and checking at the new clothes, looking for possible clothing that I want to buy. But something else caught my attention.   For a second, when I saw Choi Minho standing few meters away from me, I thought my eyes are playing tricks with me. Actually, at first I thought it’s him, and then I thought it’s not him. Then I recognize the way he stands up, his body built and of course—his face even though he’s wearing sun glasses—and I knew it’s him.   I stand stiffly, my heart pounding.  This is it. I take a step forward and that’s where he notices me. His mouth drop open. From the stillness of the moment, we just stand there, staring at each other.  He took a step toward my direction and he starts to smile widely. I don’t know what would happen next— if he would come over and talk to me or he would just stand there—because I bow my head and turn my heel, opposite of his direction.   A part of me knows that I owe him an apology, but then, he owes me an apology too, right?   In instant, he appears in front of me, smiling widely and unsurely—like he’s very surprise to see me. “Hi Gyu, what’s up?”   I gaze at Choi Minho dumbfounded more than ever. What’s up? Is he even serious? After what happened, he’d just say what’s up?  I chuckle dauntingly and breathlessly. “What’s up?”  I ask him in a voice sounded too controlled.   “What?”  He asks as he raises his hand in the air. And that’s where I sort of break down.   I walk closer to him and start poking him on the chest with my index finger.  “You’re asking me what’s up after telling me not to talk to you and you started to avoid me for days?” I hiss because despite how I am infuriated with this matter, I don’t want any attention on us. “You made me thought that I couldn’t count on you when you said that. I told you the things that weigh me down because you’re my friend.  All I'm asking for is some support. You're supposed to be my friend. I’m supposed to be your friend too, right?” I swallowed hard and try to gasp some air without getting notice. This is my problem. If I got so heated on something and I couldn’t express it aloud, I’ll definitely cry.  “Don’t you think, you, at least owe me an apology?” My voice sound very calm now.   “Actually, I was about to say sorry next, if you have answer my ‘what’s up’ question.” He beams at me. I smile and it turn into a quiet laugh—a real one. I glare at him, suppressing my smile. He grins at me widely and pulls me in a hug. “I’m sorry Gyu. I admit my mistakes and I regret it. It just made me uncomfortable and—”   “Aigoo. Choi Minho, you’re so territorial.” I say. I hear him laugh and he squeezes me tight. I realized we are really making a scene… and Minho’s closeness is kind of freaking me out. I lightly pull away. Minho’s face turns red.   Then there’s the awkward silent. I didn’t ask him what he’s doing at the shopping mall. I guess I’m not the only one whose agenda is to splurge.   So I cleared my throat and my hands keep swaying at the side. “So… Uhm. I guess I’ll go now.” Immediately, he frowns and rapidly I continue my sentence. “But I’m glad we’re okay now. We’re friends again.”   “If we really are friends, you’ll let me come with you.”   “But you’ll just get bored on it… It’s a girl thing.” I wink at him.   “I can still be helpful, you know… What is it anyway?”   When he said the word helpful, in instant my eyes turn wide in excitement. I look at him from head to toe, by examining his body build, I’m pretty sure he can hold shopping bags. “I’ll buy new clothes, because unconsciously I dispose half of my clothes.”   “Aigoo, Kwon Nam Gyu.” He says and pats my head. Then he pinches my cheeks. “You’re so clueless as always.”   I glare at him again and try not to smile. I slap his hand away and he laughs loudly. “Aish. Come on, let’s g