“Sunday night came but still no trace of Suho?” Hana wondered what’s up with him. He had been missing in action since her birthday. And if not for the gifts, she would’ve assumed he neglected her altogether.
Mrs. Lee came earlier that morning to refill the food inside their refrigerator. She also brought some seaweed soup for Hana.“Oh, Hana. I am sorry. I only found out from Naeun about your birthday last night after helping her stitch up… Oops. (pretend you didn’t hear that — she whispered) That’s supposed to be a surprise,” Mrs. Lee laughed. “Anyway, have some seaweed soup, it’s food that’s usually served on birthdays.”
“Thank you, imo. By the way, Is Suho home?
“Not anymore. He took off early with Kwanghee. Sometimes I think those two are up to something.”
“Maybe they’re just busy readying f
On the day of the basketball try-outHana had been restless after not seeing him for the last four days. He didn’t drop any message except for her birthday greeting. The basketball court was full, and every player brought in their own cheering squad to the game. Hana’s eyes darted left and right, searching for Suho, but he was nowhere in sight. She descended and started seeking for Kwanghee, who had been absent at the shelter as well. Hana caught up to him as he was leaving the gym.“Hey, Kwanghee. Where’s Suho?”“He’s not here,” Kwanghee answered, his back against her. “Obviously. Why would I ask you if I can see him here? So tell me, where is he?”“He’s busy.”“I know, but shouldn’t he be here? He had been waiting for this opportunity. I am sure he’ll not let this pass. So where the hell is he?”Kwanghee turned around, flustered, “Why the hell are you mad at me when it’s your fault that he’s in a hut, Kwanghee mumbling to himself.”“What?”“Hana, Hana…” a voice called out behind h
“I’m sorry, eomma. I should have explained to you sooner,” Suho mumbled.Mrs. Lee stood by the door, listening attentively to what Suho had to say.“I just didn’t want you to worry too much. I guess I’m paying for all the bad things I’ve done before. But I promise you I’ll do better.”“Go ahead. Rest now. That’s all that I wanted to hear,” she responded, closed the door, and walked away.Suho stared at the closed door. For some reason, he’d prefer that his mom would’ve screamed at him like she constantly does. At least, that meant she’s over and done with what happened. But seeing her calm and composed response ripped his heart to a million pieces. So, he vowed to make it up to her by studying hard and passing the exam.Then, Suho remembered he still had one more person he had to explain things to.&n
The freezing breeze whiffed fallen leaves in the air, sending dust all over the place and shivers to the skin. Thousands of leaves scattered all over the place, painting the dark soil splashes of browns, oranges, and yellows.Each leaf Suho stepped on crunch underneath his feet, sounding like his heart was twisted every time. The cold weather only numbed his skin but not his heart.Suho sat on the wooden bench in the shelter, staring absentmindedly in space.It’s not about Kang Jun. But his lack of confidence to face Hana and be with her that’s crushing him. He saw the sadness in her dark brown eyes as tears filled up its corners.The look of concern and guilt no one, except her mom, gave him.No.He didn’t dare to listen to what Hana had to say. Because he knew she’d be disappointed. He knew she’d be hurt. Knowing he’d been away from her for too long and now seeing her with Kang Jun made him realize, “I miss her badly.”For Suho, there’s nothing that he could do nor words that could e
Suho watched the leaves fall down from trees one by one as winter gradually crept in. Some trees were bare naked, while others still have a few leaves left on their branches. But there’s a promise that after the cold season came spring, bringing forth new lives to the trees. A circle of life he seemed to have forgotten. Yet, he marveled, what part of the season was his life in?A beautiful swan swam idly in the pond. Cygnets followed it attractively, oblivious to the crowd around them. Daly Park at its peak — people flocked by the hundred, drowning in the beauty of fall. The entire landscape was painted in a multitude of colors, magically transforming the place to nature’s wonder. People buzzing around, taking pictures, gallivanting about, and having picnics with family and friends.Everyone seems to have fun—all except for one — Suho.Rays of the sun bounced back from the pond, hitting Suho on the face. He cr
Beep“Oppa, I’m sorry if I disappeared just like that. Something urgent came up. I’ll make it up with you.Please press #1... Toot***The result of the college entrance exam has finally come. Every senior and their families were on their toes. Tension filled the air as they sat next to their home phone, awaiting the golden hour of the verdict.Suho was no exemption. He had been shuffling in his bed the previous night, unable to sleep soundly. The handset sat in silence on his table desk, next to the windowsill. Suho drummers his fingers impatiently, watching the minute hand strike 12.The time came. Suho picked up the telephone, dialed the number, and gave his student number.There was a long pause.The receiver slid from Suho’s grasp. Tears fell from his eyes. No words could explain how he felt that day. It felt like the winter has started, and it’s the longest night there ever was.***The following morning.“Hana, you need to come to the shelter at once,” Go-eun’s voice sounded urg
Hana turned on the transmitter radio mindlessly.“All by myself,Don’t want to be all by myselfanymore.”“That’s Celine Dion, ladies, and gentlemen, with her song AllByMyself,” said the DJ. “We interrupt this broadcast for some important announcement. We have a caller on the other line, let’s bring her in.”“Hello…” a soft and sad tone spoke, a voice Hana vaguely remembered.“Yes, mam. I’m speaking with Ji Hyo Kwang, right? For those who don’t know, Ji Hyo Kwang is the wife of the legendary basketball player, Haneul Lee. Although he’s no longer with us, we’re grateful for the honor he brought to our nation. And so, we appreciate your trust in using our station for whatever announcement you have. Go ahead, Mrs. Lee,” the DJ announced.Hana flinched, understand
Under the moonlight with the stars as their witness,Suholeaned closer, his forehead touching hers. And like two flames joined as one, it grew bigger and brighter as the stars in the sky.They are each other’s light, bringing clarity amid the blackness. Shining so brilliantly, their eyes blinded.“Hey, we’re closing,” the flashlight shone in their direction as the guard called their attention.Both bowed in chagrin, “We’re sorry. We’re sorry.”“You, kids, nowadays! Instead of studying, here you are doing something in the dark. Go home! Your parents are looking for you by now,” the older guard replied.Hana andSuhoscurried away, running and snorting at the same time. Their faces flushed crimson from being discovered by the elders, gasping for air, their voice resounding in the tranquility of the night.
“Aaaaah…” Suho screamed, but no one seems to hear him. Everyone was busy tending their own business. Hana appeared out of nowhere. She glanced at him with a curious expression.Can’t she see I’m in pain, his entire body trembled in fear.A black shadow slid from where he lay.“Where am I? What is happening?”Swoosh.The shadow under his bed popped out, towering behind Hana. Suho’s jaw fell to the ground, instinctively crossing his arms to hide his face, pushing away with his feet. But the monster kept moving closer, passing through Hana, its wide mouth about to swallow him whole.“Oppa, Oppa, wake up!” A loud thud on the door woke Suho from his nightmare. “Oppaaaaa…….”Suho jerked up and sat at the edge of his bed. Cold sweat appeared on his forehead, heaving, whooping for air as he drenched in cold water.
“There’s no turning back,” I admitted to myself after the horn honked right into my ears. I have been a lawyer for years, unaffected at even the most dangerous criminal, only to wither like a plant in front of Hana. The truth hurts that behind the shining half moon in the starless sky, she was at the dark unseen side. At that very moment, trying to reclaim her position only clouded with dark clouds.As the green light turned on, I pressed on the accelerator zooming past the hundreds of cars on the street. Driving further away from Gangnam, from the truth I can’t bring myself to admit. After an hour of mindless driving, it brought me to the same spot where broken hearts go. Found myself in Dongdaemun along the strips of tent bars where adults crashed after a hard day’s work. My sentiments may not even be far from them. In these cramp gray tent bars where alcohol and bar snacks were sold, we pour out our deepest regrets and l
Hana stood up, gathered her coat, her eyes fixated on the floor., and breathed heavily. “I’m sorry, Oppa.”“For what?” I asked, all the while clutching firmly at the armrest of my couch. Every vein popping out, restraining myself from doing something I might later regret.She turned around and, with heavy feet, sauntered towards the door without replying to my question.I Still have a lot of questions left unanswered. She can’t leave hanging again, can’t she? I cleared my throat, “Hana, why are you here?”She stopped on her track, “Nothing. Forget about it.” Her right hand on the doorknob, “Honestly, I don’t know where else to go but here. You’re the only one to who I can open up without any fear. Sorry for being delusional, thinking perhaps that could at least lend me an ear. But I guess that’s already in the past. I’m not in
“That’s not the Hana I know.” I watched her expression shift like the lioness to a stray cat in the wilderness. “I thought everything was going well for you. What happened?” I stopped asking the same question to myself. I don’t think I am the same Suho either, or am I? Why am I even questioning myself now?Hana tilted her head, blinked several times, her eyes focused on me. Then asked, “So, who is the Hana, you know?”I leaned back, rested my elbows on the armrest, interlaced my fingers, and looked at her. “The Hana I know is someone who knows exactly what she wanted and would do anything to get it. She’s an achiever who never stops until she’s satisfied and not when she’s tired.” I smirked, scanning her from head to foot. “You sound more like ME back in high school rather than the Hana I knew.”“Maybe we’ve switched souls,&rdq
The lioness came out of the den and caught me off guard. My heart palpitating, palms sweating, and throat dried from the thought. Our conversation still echoed in my ears.“Hello,” I answered in a low, intimidating tone. It was more than what I intended to do, not knowing who the other person on the other line was. Whoever it was has interrupted my peace and must pay for it. “Hello,” a woman’s voice reverberated through the other end of the line. Her voice brought chills to my bones. In an instant, a wind zapped me through a deep tunnel, the speed of lightning. One word was enough for my mind to be blown away.I leaned forward, unconsciously gripping the wooden arm of my chair, my knuckles turning crimson. I banished to a place where black clouds appeared on the horizon and fog blurs everything in sight. My mind whirling as I bit my lips. “Suho,” her sweet voice echoing through the dense mist. “Are you still there?” she asked. “Hana,” pausing in between, breathing after each
***Suho’s POV***November 4, 2005I started writing because I was happy. Today, I only write to feel amidst the depression.Exactly a year has passed. Ever since that day, November 4, 2004, my love vanished in thin air. But every detail was still vivid in my mind like it merely happened yesterday. The truth was it’s a memoir that should have perished like the seafoam. Yet, for some reason, the waves kept pushing back these foam to the shore.From the time we left Busan, everything went easily, better than what I imagined. Hana became busier than normal. Working two shifts for the pet store, running errands for Grandma Jung and eomma, and volunteering at the shrine.While I sat around waiting for the result of the bar exam, standing by for her to come home every day. Her busy schedule ended with bus dates. Every morning, we’d have breakfast, send her to work, and
“Was it all worth it?” Hana’s eyes shifted, watching the full moon from afar.The moonlight cast a warm glow over the sea turned bleak, hiding behind gigantic dark clouds swallowing it whole. It’s face hidden in the starless night. It was as if it’s sending a distress signal of impending danger.“Love is WORTH it. I’d rather be a heartbroken prince than a soulless creature on earth.” His voice steady but warm. He reached out for Hana’s hand and clasped it within his two hands.“Your hands are so warm,” she mumbled. Tears fell on Hana’s cheeks, leaning closer on his shoulders.Together, they watched the moon reveal its face once again. Dark clouds drifted away, creating a halo in the black sky.Suho pulled her up, walking hand in hand, next to the seashore towards their trailer van. Waves crashing in on their barefooted feet.“Ya! What are you