Second Wind

Chapter 22: The things we cannot see

            It was the brink of dawn, and the autumn breeze whirled throughout the streets that morning. The vibrant green leaves were now gradually taking on a subtle hue of mahogany. Mickey opened his eyes to see himself still laying on top of Jungha's wide chest. His head moved to the retraction of Jungha's pecs, for every breath Jungha took. The room was still and silent. Mickey slowly got up to take a generous look at his friend. He carefully studied the outlines of Jungha's face, from his deep brows, to the bridge of his chiseled nose, and down to his pink lips.

Mickey somewhat envied Jungha, wishing he possessed more manly traits. He wished he could have been more outgoing, and more outspoken like Jungha. Mickey looked back at everything that had happened since he came here. He pondered to how Jiang, Rain and Jungha were able to speak their minds so freely without guilt. He continued to gaze at Jungha for a second longer.

Jungha appeared like a child in his sleep. He looked the purest in this state. Even with his dashing and robust features, it was all softened when asleep. Mickey saw Jungha as loud and overbearing at times, but at the end of the day he was just kid feeling lost and hopeless. Suddenly, Jungha let out a grunt and turned to his side. Mickey was a bit startled thinking Jungha had caught him staring.

Mickey then woke Jungha up, "Jungha... Jungha..."

"Ngh...Huh? What is it?" Jungha said, still dazed.

"Rainie and I are working at the market today. You can stay here and leave whenever you want, but I have to get ready and leave," Mickey explained as he got up from the floor.

Jungha grabbed Mickey by the ankle, "Wait, can I go with you? I'm sure Rainie would be more than happy if I went in her place."

"Alright, wash up and get dressed, we have to go soon," Mickey tossed a sweater at Jungha, "It's cold this morning, you can wear one of my sweatshirts."

Before putting it on, Jungha took in a deep whiff of the clothes.

"Don't worry, that one's clean. You think I would give you a dirty shirt?" Mickey commented.

Ha! You really think I'm smelling it to see if it's dirty? I'm trying to ingrain your scent into my mind. Jungha said to himself.

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The market on a Sunday morning was always peaceful and laid-back. Mickey's grandparents drove them to their stall, and then left for the garden. They unpacked the fresh produce and began setting up the place. Mickey taught Jungha everything he needed to know, from inspecting vegetables, to arranging them on the counter.

Mickey crouched down, using a knife to cut off the bottom stems of the cabbages. He handed a big metal bucket to Jungha, "Can you fill this up with water? There's a fountain near the dock. You can get clean water there."

Jungha took the bucket and headed off to the harbor. Fishermen were hauling their catch from their boats to their stalls. Jungha spotted the fountain at a corner. He placed the bucket down and turned on the faucet. The water ran cold and harsh, splashing back up when being filled. Once full, Jungha steadily rushed back.

He placed the bucket in front of Mickey, "Phew... here you go! The water is pretty cold over here, it's almost like touching ice!"

"Thanks," Mickey proceeded to submerge his hands along with the vegetables into the water.

In disbelief, Jungha wailed out loud, "W...wait! Isn't the water extremely cold!? You're going to lose your fingers!

Fixated on his responsibilities, Mickey spoke in a calm manner, "Stop overreacting. You get used to this kind of water when you work here long enough."