Phobias || Hyunsung

H10

" Jisung, I think we reallly need to finish our assignment by today. The dateline is next week and we still have not done anything yet. Mr Wang has also remain us countless time to make it. I'm sure he will be mad if we hand it empty. You don't want to get stuck into detention again, aren't you?"

I speak as I see him carrying a bag on his shoulder as if he is going out again. It is not even school today so I hope he will agree.

He scratch his forehead before turn to face me. " Urgh, okay then. Just not in here. Let's find somewhere brighter and calm. The park, maybe?"

My eyes sparkle like stars and nod excitedly.
" Okay..." I grab all the paper and stuff it into my bag immediately. " Let's go..!"

" There is a seat there." He inform leading the way to the park. I just follow.

Soon, we reach at the mushroom hut. It is a bit far from the house but it is nice here. I take a seat opposite from him and let out papers and stationery from my bag.

" Let's make it quick." He says picking up the instruction paper.

" Why..? Are you rushing to somewhere...?" I ask him and he just shrugs. " No, but the quicker we finish it the better..."

" Oh," I nod. Then, I pass a blank paper to him. " We should list our phobias here and all..."

He receive it and put it down on the table. He stare the instruction paper again and think for a minute before jotting down all the information needed.

I does the same too. I pick up a blank paper and read the instruction paper. The first thing is I have to list my phobias. I frown. Then, I lift up my pen scratching the back of my neck with it. Frankly, I could not think any or shall I says I don't really have one.

I stare him. He is busy writing and the paper is already half full. I gasp and begin writing mine too.

It goes silent since we are minding our own business. No one talk and make a noice. He keep writing nonstop and I am still struggling searching and thinking my phobias.

" I have nyctophobia and astraphobia."  He start all of sudden. Hand still writing down on the paper. I tilt my head and nod. I thought he is only telling me that but I am wrong.

" When I was younger, I was known as the annoying and energetic kid. I used to have a lot of friends and lived happily with my parent. I like it so much back then. " He continues and his facial expression begin to change into a frown. I listen carefully.

" One raining day, I was coming late from playing at the playground. I was so hungry that time and ran faster to reach home. In head, I was thinking of delicious meal mum has prepared. I ran through the rain and mud not minding my clothes will get dirt. Soon, I reached my house but it was all dark. I figure it was blackout. I open the door and saw nothing. I stood there dumbfounded before calling out my mom and dad.  But, no one answer. So, I step in and went to the kitchen. As I went in , my eyes immediately caught. a black figure of long hair lady was standing there. I was unsure who was she because it was all dark and I could not see her face. Then, the lighting flashed and shined the house. I got a better vision by it . That time, I was almost fainted as I saw my dad was lying down on the floor full of blood. It broke me a lot to be honest. I quickly ran to him. Then, the lighting flash brighter again and again followed by loud and scary thunder. I screamed and looked around for help but my eyes unconsciously landed on the lady. With the help of the lighting, I managed to recognized her.  She had the bloody knife on her hand and she looked terrifying.  I hate it and I could not swallowed the fact that she was my mom. " He sniff holding back his emotion.

" She kill my dad..." He continues with shaky voice.

" I was so scared and tried to run away but she grabbed me telling that it was a mistake. She trapped me into a hug. She cried and begged me not to tell anyone about it. I could not do anything with the fear of she might killed me so I just nodded. Then,  she wrapped my dad with a plastic and put him in the freezer underground. Therefore, I was so scared but she kept shushing me. That night, I saw my mom quietly leaving.I called her and she kissed me on the forehead saying that she will be back soon. She promised me but promise are meant to be broken. She locked me inside the room and burnt the house. If I did not broke the window and jumped off, I would have died. She never came back after that. She left me. It took me three years to find out she was already had a new happy family. " He smile in pain. Then, he put down the pen and rose up from his seat. 

" I have to go..." He take his bag and walk away slowly disappearing from my sight.

I am deadpan there alone. I actually don't know how to feel. The story of his life is very pathetic. I never imaging it. He is having hard times all these times and worst of all I had make it harder for him. I should not mess with him at first place. I should not hate him just because someone I used to like have a feeling for him. I feel bad. I am so selfish. I should apologize to him later.

I sigh. I am so bad. I see his paper is nearly full of words. I pick it up and read it out of curiosity. Most of the contents are the things he tell me earlier but one caught my attention.

_

How can I overcome my fear?
Cuddle with my assignment partner

_

I grab a pen and line the ' my assignment partner ' then change it to my name.

That is much better but it slightly amusing. It tickle my heart. I think I am really in love with him. Oh my heart,  millions of people around the world why must him..?

He's not even into boys and if he does I guess I'm not lucky enough to be liked by him.

I put down my hand from the chest as I hear my phone pop a message. I check it.

_

My Yeji

Guess what? My dad just get back from America. He buys a lot of chocolate and more. Can you come over? We can eat snacks and watch a movie together. Also, I want to hear a lot of your stories about Jisung. You have been living with him for three weeks now, right? Oh, I can't wait...!

_

I stare the screen again longer this time before I click the contact. I edit her name.

Save it?

Yes

'My Yeji' has successfully change to ' My Rival'

I let out sigh. It is going to be hard.