Waterfalls || Yeonbin

chapter 16: exposed

March 7, 1940

We went out for the first time, to the small bar on our base. I despise going out, but Yeonjun thought it was a good idea, and Joan suggested that we get to know each other better. Yet all I want to do right now is be with Yeonjun. I don't want to be here with my four colleagues. Not that they're awful or anything, I would just rather be spending my time with Yeonjun than them. Especially rather than the new person we hired along with Joan; his name is Peter. I don't know much about him and he's a bit awkward like me, so our conversations could be measured in words rather than minutes. I can tell he's of Asian descent just by looking at him, although, I don't know where from.

Now that I think of it, I really hope he's not Korean. Yeonjun and I speak Korean sometimes around everyone; saying things that we would never say in English. I don't think Yeonjun has ever bothered to ask either. At least he isn't on top of Yeonjun every minute like George was. That really pushed him over the limit sometimes. I think that we would have a lot in common if we got to know each other, but I never know how to start a conversation.

I wouldn't even know what to ask. When I met Yeonjun, he always began the conversation for us and it just flowed from there, but you mustn't count on me to do that. Although, I am much more comfortable with him now to begin a conversation. Not that there's anything wrong with Peter. In fact, he's actually very helpful to have around and asks the right questions. He's even made a few suggestions about the machine that we've taken into account, but we've only really talked about work.

I think Hugh, John and Joan get along with him well since they speak to him a lot more. I believe they get lunch together most days, but I usually sneak away to meet with Yeonjun. I guess that's why I'm more uncomfortable than usual. Not only are we at a bar where you're supposed to be drinking, which already is making me a social outcast. But also, that I don't know my colleagues very well, other than Yeonjun, of course—

"Soobin? Hey, Soobin?" I heard, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I turned my head, seeing that Peter was the one calling my name. I looked up at him, standing next to the small table I was sitting at. There was a beer in each of his hands, the foam filling it to the edge of the glass. He chuckled lightly as he added, "There you are. I've been calling your name, but you seemed a bit lost."

I forced a small smile, "Sorry... Just thinking."

"We already do that enough during the day..." He replied, holding a pint out for me, "You're the only one without a drink."

I waved my hands, "I-I don't drink."

He scrunched his eyebrows, "Really? Gosh, I would be stiff as a board without the occasional drink."

I pursed my lips, "I don't like the taste." I replied, surprised that I thought of an excuse that quickly.

He laughed, "It's not about the taste when it comes to beer. It's all disgusting, in my opinion."

I scrunched my eyebrows, "Why drink it then?"

He shrugged, "Guess I just feel like I should in this setting. Although, I am more of a wine person myself..." He gestured to the seat next to me and I nodded, letting him sit down. He placed both pints on the small table, "Two for me then."

I gave a small laugh before we both went quiet. This is always how our conversations go; extremely short. I turned my head to the bar, seeing Yeonjun talking with Hugh and John. They looked like they were having a good time since they were smiling and Yeonjun had loosened his tie, looking a bit more relaxed. Joan was talking with some of the other women who work in the operating department who pick up messages for us to decode. And then, Peter was here with me. He must have just gotten here since his pint was nearly full and he looked sober, but I honestly don't know when he came.