~십일~

 

The rays of the sun begun to enter through the windows of the room, and soon enough, brightness filled the bedroom which awaken the sleeping beauty of Lee Hayi.

 

Hayi woke up feeling groggy and ty the same time. Her hand covered her eyes because the light was too bright for her; it took a while before her eyes adjusted to the atmosphere. She managed to get up from lying down and felt her head about to detonate.

 

"ing hell." She cussed as she massaged her forehead.

 

Looking around the room, Hayi frowned. This is not her room. This is not Suhyun's either. Where in the world am I?

 

She turned 360 degrees. This is not a typical hotel suit because it seemed like someone owned the room because of the arrangement and design. The walls were painted white; there were sliding windows with a black curtain tied up beside, almost all the compartments were made of wood that was painted in either beige or black. There was also a shelf full of comics or what you call manga on one side of the room, there was also a basketball and soccer ball on top of the dresser. On the corner of the room was a desk with a lamp and a personal laptop. The room was themed black and white, and so Hayi concluded that he was inside a man's bedroom.

 

The question was: whose room was this?

 

Hayi looked down below and thank god, she’s still dressed. She doesn’t know what she would do if ever she woke up and stripped down into oblivion. She might freak out and cry all day, but that wouldn’t happen because she was still dressed which also meant nothing happened beyond her consciousness, right?

 

She decided to know where she was so she fixed herself. Of course she needed to be albeit presentable whoever she might run into. Afterwards she roamed around the room, looking for an identity of the owner and she found a family picture.

 

"Kim Jiwon," she muttered after seeing a familiar guy standing behind his father and mother, his hand placed on his mother's shoulders and smiling, with his brother beside him doing the same to their father.

 

She got out of the room to confirm her hunch. Indeed she was inside the Kim's residence. The wooden ceiling and painted walls said so. Wow, after a long time she finally visited this warm house again. The last time she went here was three years ago and it wasn't a good memory to even recall.

 

Going down the stairs, she found someone cooking inside the kitchen. She grinned; it was Jiwon based from his finely built back view.

 

Meanwhile, the other was still oblivious that his guest was already awake and staring at his cooking figure. He was still focused on cooking that damned eggs and toasting that freaking loaf bread. He wasn't gifted with cooking skills and the very least he could do is to chop and mince the ingredients that his mother cooked for them. But he could make good ramen though.

 

"Crap," he said while trying to save the eggs from further burns.

 

Hayi grinned at the sight. She thought Jiwon was cute looking all professional and all-knowing inside the kitchen when in reality he was the exact opposite.

 

Jiwon turned around and noticed that she was already awake. "Oh," he said, almost letting the two plates fall from his hold.

 

"Uh, good morning?" Jiwon greeted and placed the toasted bread, toasted eggs and strawberry jam on the table. "Breakfast?"

 

Hayi nodded and gave a small smile. She took a seat in front of Jiwon's while the latter was reaching for the utensils.

 

And of course, they ate. It was a very quiet meal though; too silent that the neighbor's singing inside the bathroom could be heard. No one has the courage to start a conversation because both don't even know what they would say.

 

"Manjil suga eobseodo dwae! aneul sudo eobseodo dwae~ Lonely love Yes I love you..." Jiwon's neighbor sang out loud, oblivious that he could be heard from the nearby house whose people inside were having a very awkward breakfast.

 

Jiwon couldn't help but to break out a quiet chuckle and Hayi did tried to stop her laugh, but both failed and laughed out loud because who doesn't think that's not funny?

 

"Oh god that was really funny," said Jiwon while trying to catch his breath.

 

"You bet." Hayi replied, shaking her head in amusement. "Does your neighbor do this often?"

 

Jiwon shrugged, "I don't know. It's only the third time I heard him sang like that as if he doesn't have neighbors."

 

"Maybe he wants to be a singer." Hayi said while mincing the food, Jiwon just gave a tight smile.

 

End of conversation. Both already stopped talking and ate quietly as if they haven't talked to each other again a while ago.

 

Little by little, the awkwardness began to step in and filled the whole table.

 

Hayi wanted to ask him but she doesn't have the courage. There was a lot going on inside her mind including her headache, it was so painful she could swore like an old granny.

 

She wanted to ask him what happened on the way home, rather to his place; why did he dropped her off here instead her house, it wasn't as if he didn't know where she lived; where are the other guys—Suhyun, Jinhwan, Donghyuk, Yunhyeong; why was he the one who took her and not her best friend; and if something... Hayi noted that she should give some teaching to her dear bff for leaving her to her ex without a warning. Not that it was bad at all, but she wasn’t prepared like what happened now.

 

Meanwhile Jiwon, he was just like Hayi. There are so many things he wanted to ask and clarify like those stuffs she murmured last night on the way home; what do those meant and if she was serious about it. But he could not bring himself to do it, because it seemed like Hayi couldn’t barely remember what happened last night and if she does, it would be awkward: not like this awkward but more awkward than this. And what if he asked her all about those, he was sure Hayi would be left flustered and it would only make things worse, and he doesn’t want that.

 

Jiwon cleared his throat before audaciously starting a conversation: “So how was your head?” He said, referring to her hangover.

 

Pouting, Hayi massaged her forehead and shook her head. “Of course what do you expect?”

 

“Okay,” he nodded and went to the kitchen to shut off the stove. “I made a hangover soup, do you want some?”

 

Without earning a reply, Jiwon got a bowl from the cupboard and pour the soup on it. He returned to the table and gave it to Hayi.

 

“Taste it. It will warm you and your hangover will be gone!” He said reassuringly and very confident from his soup.

 

Hayi grinned while stirring the thick broth, “say, do you really cook this on your own?” 

 

“Of course I am a good chef! Don’t you know that? If I wasn’t a business major I would be taking culinary.” He boasted but lied a bit on that part: the truth was he asked her mom for help on how to make her hangover soup that she always made for his father, and no, even if he wasn’t a business student he has no plans of being a culinary major.

 

Hayi could only mock Jiwon but nodded nonetheless on the latter’s obvious lies. “Okay if you say so. Now, let me judge your so-called hangover soup.”

 

Hayi took her tablespoon and sunk it on the soup. Jiwon was on his seat and very eager to hear her opinion; he worked hard just to make that soup and when he took a taste on it a while ago, it tasted like a decent soup.

 

“Hmm... for a beginner it’s bad.” Hayi said and Jiwon’s smile faded. “Kidding, of course it was good!”

 

Jiwon smirked and proudly shook his shoulders up and down. “Well what can I say? I’m a born chef.” He said and both started laughing. At long last they have started to converse like normal people and the awkward air has finally died down.

 

"I'm sorry if I took you here last night." Jiwon began as he read Hayi's face asking such question. Hayi stopped from eating and turned to the speaker who was now explaining the little details of last night's havoc.

 

"The club was a bit far away from your house and I don't have a car with me that time. So I figured I'll just bring you here because it's much nearer than your house, since you're really really drunk and I did too. I don't want us to collapse on the middle of the road of course."

 

Hayi nodded at Jiwon's statement. So that was why he brought her here; Hayi thought of something wicked and she shrugged it off in an instant. Jiwon was not like those advantage taker guys who do what they want when a girl was drunk.

 

"But nothing happened--"

 

"Of course. I would not do something like that. You know me Hayi." Jiwon cut her off.

 

Hayi exhaled, of course he wouldn't do that Hayi what are you thinking? She was relieved that nothing happened between them but she was just as disappointed too. Was she not that alluring that he wouldn't even lay a finger on her?

 

Jiwon put Hayi back to their conversation. "You really didn't remember anything last night?" He asked, he wanted to know how far her drunken memories could keep up.

 

Hayi frowned and rested her cheeks on her palm. "Hmmm... aside from drinking so much last night, I couldn't even remember anything."

 

It was Jiwon's turn to have a sigh of relief. It was good that she doesn't remember anything because it wouldn't make things awkward between them; as long as he doesn't say anything, they're good.

 

Hayi cocked an eyebrow, "what, did I do anything humiliating?"

 

"You don't remember!? You danced like a crazy huffa begging for your mamas jackass and even showed off your attire like you were Paris Hilton." Jiwon smirked. It was true though, Hayi did danced hideously and promoted her dress like she was a model but Jiwon meant to describe it in such a weird way.

 

"What the fu-!? Yah I didn't do that!" She said and started to hit him because she was so embarrassed.

 

"You did! I swear!" He replied and ran to avoid Hayi's attacks. If anything, Jiwon clearly remembered how strong Hayi's hands were. She was a volleyball player before so that wasn't much of a question.

 

This scene was just like what they do three years ago; Hayi and Jiwon ran across the whole house like Tom and Jerry; even bothering his mom that was always inside the kitchen and his father who was busy watching on his little orchids on the backyard. They catch each other and laugh whenever they did. Normally, it would be Jiwon who would hide and surprise Hayi, who was looking for him, with a back hug and the two would giggle and start over again with petty bickering until they get tired and collapse on the rooftop where they'll watch the stars because they haven't noticed the time. Afterwards, Jiwon's umma will call them down because dinner's already set.

 

But just like what was said earlier, that was three years ago.

 

Hayi haven't noticed that Jiwon had stopped running so she ran over to the boy who was caught offguard.

 

"Woah!"

 

Jiwon lost his balance because of Hayi's sudden attack which caused the both of them to fall on the ground; Hayi was on top of Jiwon.

 

The two interlocked their eyes for a while, shocked from the position they're at but still statued like the Liberty in New York. It was roughly a minute or more when Hayi finally decided to let go, her cheeks were burning with passion so she got up and went to the room where she slept leaving Jiwon dumbfounded and still lying on the cold marble ground.

 

Hayi went down after fixing her things; Jiwon was currently doing the dishes. He closed the running faucet and turned to face Hayi. Removing his gloves he was about to approach Hayi when the other bowed and exited the house. But before doing so she thanked him for the delicious meal and for taking care of her.

 

"Anything for my friend!" He shouted. He heard the gates close which meant she was out and he should prepare for his next class, he had already skipped his first class because he need to take care of Hayi.

 

The night was deep and the cold air was hunting the dark alleys of the road. Jiwon was walking on the emptyness of one of the streets of Seoul. He was cold but more than that he was also warm because of the alcohol he had drunk a while ago. He wasn't drunk like before which was new but he has someone who was far worse than him.

 

"Yaahhh! ashalsabshb uaggdv jahashdb" His company kept on mumbling words he could not understand. Perhaps that's why people do not want to get drunk because it causes misunderstanding.

 

He was barely keeping his steps forwards because his baggage was kind of heavy and wiggly. "Aish, don't move. You're very heavy don't you know that?" Of course he was lying; Hayi, who happened to be his drunken baggage, was continuously moving herself which made it difficult for Jiwon to carry him on his back properly.

 

It seemed like Hayi understood so she shut up and Jiwon was happy enough that she cooperated. He began to trail their way home so that they could rest and be able to attend the classes tomorrow. Who even though of drinking on weekdays?

 

He managed to fish for his phone on his pocket. With many tries he finally succeeded in unlocking the screen to check for messages from Suhyun; but he got none. Jiwon wondered what happened to the two because it seemed like they were in an argument. Suhyun looked pissed when she requested this favor from him.

 

Shrugging those thoughts aside he focused on bringing the drunken lady home so that he'll have nothing to worry about.

 

But there was bad news: they were on an intersection and Jiwon forgot where Hayi's house was. He still knew where it is though, but not during these times where he was carrying a drunken Hayi and he was struggling to do so. The effects of the alcohol he had drank has begun to appear and it wasn't helping his case at all; so in the end he decided to go to where was nearer, his house.

 

He turned right and fixed the weight on his back. It seemed like Hayi was already on dream land because she wasn't talking like she used to minutes ago; Jiwon was truly grateful for that.

 

As they were inching closer to their destination, Jiwon felt that Hayi snuggled him and held him tighter which made him stopped for a second. It was followed by something he didn't saw coming.

 

"J-Jiwon ah, I missed you." Hayi said: unaware that she was barely sober and being carried by Jiwon.

 

On the other hand, Jiwon didn't know what to do. There were times he wished that he were unable to hear everything and this was one of those times.

 

He acted as if he hadn't heard anything and proceeded walking. He wished Hayi would stop talking because he doesn't know what she'll be able to say the next yet he doesn't have a genie to wish for.

 

"I was r-really s-sad when you left me here. You h-hated me *hik* don't you? I waited for you at our place at the rooftop of the XY building but you didn't show up. The next day mom said the Kim's already left for states and you know what? I cried all day and didn't go to school, because they'll just ask me where you are and why did you left me. I don't want to answer them because I know they will just pity me."

 

Hayi kept on mumbling silently and Jiwon heard everything. He suddenly felt a pang of guilt to what happened before. It was both their fault, he thought, as to why did they ended like this— as exes.

 

"But you know what? After that day when I cried myself to sleep, I woke up and did not cry anymore. I did not cry after that day, I swear. Even today and the last times I met you I did not cry. I am strong right? Are you impressed with me?"

 

"Well maybe not. But did you know what I felt when I first saw you on that fresh­—what do you even call that—party? Aside from being shocked, I was happy. I was very happy don't you know that!? I am really glad that I saw you again after god know how long, I thought you were already dead! I felt like the butterflies I have locked long time ago went berserk and started flying again on my stomach every time I see you at the university. I missed you so much! I thought when I saw you I will hit you hard and be mad at you because of what you did but I wasn't mad at all. Heck, I was even amazed of how much you changed. You grew taller and more handsome and charming; girls were even swoon over you. It maddens me that they flush whenever you're near. I hate that. But when I look at you from afar I realized that you have changed a lot, you are not the Jiwon I know anymore. That's why I avoided you at all cost, I'm afraid you'll see me and conclude that I haven't changed at all."

 

She tugged Jiwon's coat and murmured. At long last they finally arrived at Jiwon's house. Jiwon silently thanked himself for not collapsing and hardly opened the gates. He went inside and dropped Hayi on his bed, he removed the jacket he encircled on her waist before she even carried her, who would even wear this short skirts? Jiwon sighed and fixed the sheets. He went downstairs to get a glass of warm water for him and one for her too.

 

"Hayi get up, you need to drink first." He said and placed his hand on her back to support her. As Hayi engulfed the whole glass, Jiwon just stared at her. Hayi went to bed afterwards and mumbled things he didn't understand again.

 

Jiwon was still there, beside his bed where Hayi was fast asleep and staring at her. Jiwon remembered the words Hayi said and pondered on them; he kept asking himself if those were true and kept making himself that it wasn't.

 

He had been thinking for so long that he hasn't noticed the time; he got up and prepared himself to sleep. Since Hayi was occupying his bed, he'll be sleeping on his brother's room tonight.

 

But before he exited his room he fixed Hayi's blanket and held her face; his face went near and whispered something on her ear before leaning in and letting their lips touch for a brief second.

 

"Good night Hayi. I'm really sorry."

 

---

a/n: hi guys! I am sorry it took a while~ I already finished this about 3 days ago but I wasn't able to post it since I am on a youth camp. Anyways, it's done tadah! Do you like it? What can you say? I wanna know! I really at writing so I am already saying my sincere apologies if ever I fail to meeet your expectations. Ily guys <3 Next week again!