#np Eric Nam’s Dream

[2015]

The temple was such a captivating place to be and I felt like going here once more before I went back to Canada tomorrow. Who knew, maybe it’s because I wanted to meet that wet guy again. That’s if he was there… But if he wasn’t, then I guess I won’t be disappointed. If I was lucky, we would meet again but if not, at least I could see the huge statue for the last time before I came back to Korea next year.

That person… It’s as if there were words still left unspoken yesterday…

“We’re here, Miss.”

I turned to the driver in front and quickly took out the money from my purse. The morning drizzle still hadn’t ceased and I carefully took out my umbrella before getting out of the cab. My heart’s pounding, I was feeling oddly excited. Yeah, it happened often every time I was going to meet Hyelim but today, it felt different.

[2015]

I can see his back, just like the way I did when I first saw him years ago but today, it feels so unfamiliar compared to before. He was soaked wet back then, but now, he’s wearing a nice suit and I notice that he dyed his hair brown unlike his old messy black hair. Now, he’s all ready to get up on stage and perform.

And again, my feet are walking by themselves, exactly like how they walked to him on that rainy day. I quietly halt with his body standing next to mine. My face feels hot, what is this feeling?

“You’re early today… You like the poster?”

A nonsensical question blurts out from my mouth, but I hope he doesn’t notice the crack in my voice. I guess I’m too nervous and I don’t know why. Maybe it’s because it’s been years since we last saw each other…

My heart’s pounding as I turn to him and when I did, I can see that he’s in the middle of eating something. Bread I guess? That look of surprise on his face is so obvious that I can’t help but to chuckle at his full cheeks.

Awkwardly, I turn my attention back to the huge poster. No words are spoken for a while… How funny… we’re standing in front of a wall at a lonely hallway, staring at the poster of the concert that we’ll be in in a few hours’ time.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. Why is my heart’s still beating so fast? Okay, I should say it.

“I… I remember. Bongeunsa Temple, 2010, the two rainy days...” I say and carefully turn to him. Still looking all surprised, he abruptly stops munching his food and stares at me with that same serious gaze he gave back at the waiting room months ago.

“Nyu embefrer?”

“Uh?” I take one step closer, trying to comprehend his words but he quickly takes a step back. Flustered at my rash actions, I pause and walk back, realizing that I’m being too blunt. I look down to the cold floor, embarrassed and having no idea of what to say next.

“Sorry…”

I look up upon hearing his voice but oddly, when I searched for his eyes, he tries to avoid my gaze. Why?

“It took me a while to recognize you… You look so different.” I say and try to smile but he doesn’t smile back. He’s still the same. He’s still that only person who doesn’t smile back to me even after all these years.

I pout at his reaction and turn back to the poster.

“WINNER’s Lee Seunghoon from YG. Congratulations! You look handsome in this poster. You’re even at the center, unlike me.”

Soon, I can hear the crumpling sound of the plastic in his hand.

“Red Velvet’s Wendy Son from SM entertainment. You’re not that much of a difference compared to I do…” He says and takes a few steps closer to me and soon, I can feel his tall stature right next to my body. Nervous, I don’t have the guts to turn and continue to face the wall before me. Still, my