drivers license - ljn

17. Father and Son

Chapter 17

As soon as I got home, I was welcomed by Mom and Dad who were sitting on the living room while watching a random show. Mark's not at home yet since his car was nowhere to be seen in our garage. I rushed upstairs and went straight to the bathroom so I could take a quick warm shower. Afterwards, I blow dried my hair and changed into a plain white shirt and black jogging pants.

I unlocked the door of my balcony for the very first time in a while. I smiled as the wind blew past me. Grabbing my phone, pen, and notepad inside my bag, I plopped myself down on the swing chair placed on the nearside. Not a single noise could be heard from the whole neighborhood. If so, the sound of motor engine and cars passing by or the rustling of leaves from the trees would break the silence. Then again, everything would stay as it is.

I opened my notepad as I flipped through the pages, stopping when I reached where the poem was neatly written. I just realized right now that there were only a few erasures seen on the paper. Usually, when I write poetries or stories, it would take me a whole day to complete the written work. But it seemed as if I was oddly on the right mind seeing that what I made a while back did satisfy me in just one take.

"Did I really think of him when I was writing?" I mumbled, picking on my lower lip. "If so, what kind of friend am I who writes butterflies and stars about their male friend? Is that even normal..."

I groaned and rubbed my face with my palms out of frustration. I inhaled deeply, closing my eyes tight.

"Damn it," I gripped the edge of the paper, about to rip the page off the notepad. But I stopped. I don't clearly understand what's happening with me. If there's anyone who's acting weird, it's me.

What the fuck are you doing, Lee Jinmi?

I placed the notepad on the table harshly. Leaving a loud thump that disrupted the silence of the still ambience. I slumped back on the swing and looked up as I glared at the dimming wide horizon. It's almost night, stars starting to shine along with the moon gleaming brightly amidst the darkness. The glowing ball of daylight has disappeared from the whole sky canvass, setting down through the west.

I scoffed. Moon and stars. What's with them that I keep thinking of him at the sight of those celestial stuffs?

"You're crazy, Jin. You really are." I muttered under my breath.

My phone started ringing. I quickly snatched it from the table and excitingly read the ID caller on the screen. But my shoulders dropped at the displayed view of the popped up name, a sigh escaping on my lips.

"Where are you?" Mark's frantic voice asked. "I'll pick you up in a minute. If you're at home, change into something decent. Quickly."

I let out a tsk. "What? Why? Just come home now, will you? It's almost time for dinner—"

"C'mon, Jin! I'm already entering the gate of the compound!" He scolded.

I stood up from my seat, irritated by him slightly raising his voice out of the blue.

"Why would I do as you say if you won't tell me why? I just arrived home a while back and changed into my house clothing and you suddenly tell me to wear something decent?" I argued.

I heard Mark cuss from the other line. "Chenle called seconds ago, asking me to come to their restaurant! It's urgent!"

Even if I was so pissed at my brother, I went back inside my room and opened my closet to pick a simple light blue shirt and jeans. I put my phone on loudspeaker as I changed my clothes again.