I'm in love with a stranger...

Chapter 1 : 12.30

Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.

The clock just keep ticking. And that's the only sound that I could hear in the cafe. And people just keep leaving. One by one, leaving. The cafe's employees started tidying up the place.

"Miss, we are closing right now. Are you still waiting for someone?" The employee asked me politely. "Can you give me 5 minutes more?" "Oh sure miss." "Thank you." The employee smiled and continued his working.

In front of me, there's a birthday cake. And the candles still lighted. I looked at my watch. It showed 12.30 a.m.

'Oh....that's why they are closing right now..I didn't notice...'

12.30? Suddenly I remember the song. 12.30 by Beast. And the lyrics keep appearing in my mind.

'Right now we are like the clock hands at 12:30

we have our backs to each other, looking at different places and trying to let go of everything

We are like the clock hands at 12:30,

walking towards the place where we won't be able to return to'

That's the lyrics playing in my mind. I don't know if he feels the same too. But that's what I felt at this moment. Earlier, I texted him.

To: Chanyeol

Chanyeol~ssi, today's my birthday! Can we celebrate together today? Meet me at Kamong Cafe, 8.30p.m. tonight. I'm waiting.

From: Chanyeol

Oh sure.

And now it past 8.30 p.m. Should I keep waiting? Does he remember what I just text him? Lot of questions running in my mind. Sighed. I gave up. I grabbed my handbag and left. Before leaving, I blew the candles and said 'Happy belated birthday, Byul.' And tears running down my cheeks without I'm realizing it.

I walked helplessly and tears was still streaming down my cheeks. I didn't know where to go. I did wanna call him but it felt like there's other part of me stopped me from doing it.

My feet brought me to a nearby park that I used to hang out with him.

I took a seat on a bench under the lamp post and took a deep breath.

The snow flakes started falling. Yeah, it was snowing. My birthday is at the end of winter. 3rd February.

And the most thing that I wanna do at this moment is spending my day with him and making memories. Sharing the warm hugs on this cold winter day.

This day supposed to be my first birthday celebration with him. Unfortunately, I was only building castle in the air.

Park Chanyeol. Where are you? Why are you being like this?

Byul. No matter how it is, he's not coming, Byul.

I stopped crying when I heard footsteps walking towards me. I sat up and a soft voice called my name.

"Byul, is that you?" "Oh Suho oppa. Where did you come from?"

Suho, he is Chanyeol's older brother and only brother. They are staying together at an apartment. Suho knows me because Chanyeol used to bring me to his house for study discussion.

"I'm from the convenient store. Ahha it was so cold and bored at home so I went out and bought hot coffee." "Ah~~~"

I nodded and wiped my tears away with the back of my hands. I was shivering to death. I forgot to wear a thick coat as I was rushing earlier.

"Byul, are you okay? Your lips look so pale.."

"Yes I am....."

"No you're not. I can see it clearly under the light."

Suho took off his coat and put it on me. He also wrapped my neck with his muffler.

"Thanks oppa."

"It's okay. My pleasure. Here, warm up yourself."

Suho gave me a can of warm coffee.

"But how about you?"

"You're lucky because I bought two! Tada!"

Suho showed me another can of coffee while smiling. He sat beside me and started to drink his coffee.

"Oppa....."

"Yes Byul.."

"Where's Chanyeol?"

"Oh. He's at home. Why?"

"What??!"

Park Chanyeol! Are you serious? Just wait there!

"Byul? Byul???"

Suho waved his hand in front of me. I was totally dumbfounded and felt pissed off.

"Oh yea?"

"Is there anything wrong?"

"Nothing oppa..."

"Byul, yesterday was your birthday, right?"

"Yes...."

"Happy birthday Byul! I mean happy belated birthday.. Hehehe sorry for the late wish."

"It's okay. Geez thanks oppa."

Then both of us kept silent. Suho remembered my birthday? Seriously? At least there is someone remembered my birthday.

"Oppa..Can I ask for a birthday gift?"

"Kekeke sure.. What is it?"

"Take me to your house."