Vinyl Dreams | Nakamoto Yuta

XV.

"Good evening, Sky!"

Of course, it was him.

Haneul hasn't seen Yuta for almost two weeks, and now, he's back again.

"Hello, my Japanese friend!" Haneul greeted, as he walked towards the counter where she was doing my homework.

"Are you busy?"

"Yeah. I have tons of homework plus the exam's scheduled next week."

"Oh, sorry if my timing's off."

"It's okay. But if you're planning on asking me to hang out with you, I really can't."

"Is it okay if I stay here? I mean, I won't disturb you or whatever. I promise."

"You'll just get bored."

"I won't. Trust me."

Haneul let him stay since she knew she couldn't convince him to leave. Yuta kept his promise and stayed quiet, just scrolling through his phone and listening to music. Haneul didn't know why, but his presence somehow made her feel motivated to study more.

After almost an hour, Yuta suddenly took the book that Haneul was reading and placed it aside. She was surprised, but his smile was enough for her not to question his action.

"Let's take a break, Sky." He got up and stretched his arms before taking Haneul's hand.

She followed him without hesitating and in a matter of few minutes, they were inside a small restaurant nearby.

"Don't you know that your brain needs food in order for it to function fully?"

Haneul stared, waiting for Yuta's signature laugh, but he didn't. He looked a bit serious—the kind that sometimes scares her.

"You didn't even drink water. You were so focused on your book. It's good to study hard, but don't forget to take care of your health too."

Haneul nodded, a bit embarrassed that Yuta had to scold her for her unhealthy habit.

"And you have to get enough sleep. I know you've been working hard and all, but if you get sick, you'll just waste everything that you earned."

"I'm sorry." Haneul answered softly.

"Don't say sorry to me. I'm just here to remind you. I mean, you seem to be alone most of the time and I worry about you...as your friend."

Haneul couldn't help but feel warm.

'Everything this man says makes my heart beat fast.' She thought.

"Thank you, Yuta. I...I really don't know what to say. I seldom meet somebody who shows care for me."

"Then count on me to care for you always. But you have to listen or else, I'll get sad." Yuta pouted and acted sad, making Haneul laugh. They ended up laughing together.

Their usual set-up went on for a month. For the longest time, Yuta didn't leave. He was always there for Haneul, making her feel that she has someone to lean on to and talk about her worries. They spent a lot of times together and it made her wonder if it was still normal to feel so happy because of one person.

—

"Happy birthday, Sky!"

Haneul's birthday came and Yuta was the first one to greet her. As soon as she got off from work at the pastry shop, she went straight home. Yuta was waiting for her outside the store, holding a bouquet of fresh pink and purple roses. He offered the flowers and Haneul took them before she opened the store. They were supposed to celebrate and dine outside, but heavy rain poured so they decided to just stay inside.

"Good thing, the shop gave me this cake. At least we won't get hungry." She chuckled.

Haneul brewed some coffee while Yuta lit the candle on the cake. He sang the birthday song beautifully and before she blew the candle, he asked her to make a wish.

'I wished for us to stay like this...happy.'

"What's your wish?"

"I'm not supposed to tell you. It's a secret. Otherwise, my wish won't come true."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah. So let's just eat." She gave him a slice of cake.

It was a simple celebration but unlike most of her previous birthdays, it was more special for Haneul. Yuta made her birthday special.

After eating, Yuta gave Haneul another surprise.

"What's this?" Haneul asked while staring at the gift she was holding.

"Open it."

Haneul carefully opened the gift, not wanting to tear its pretty blue wrapper. She was surprised to find a sketchbook. Haneul flipped the pages open and found that it was not empty. It was full of random artworks—drawings and sketches of nature, views, and her.

"You made all of these?"

"Yeah. Took me years to draw everything in there."

"Your drawings...they're beautiful."

"I'm glad you like them."

"Of course! Thank you Yuta. I will keep this. I promise."

Haneul smiled brightly before giving Yuta a warm hug. The latter was feeling a strange mix of emotions as Haneul softly whispered.

"My best birthday ever."