The Taste of Clouds

II

I woke up from a deep nap when my phone vibrated.

I received a text message from my mom.

Your teacher informed me about your class today, it's cancelled.

My teacher knows how severe my phobia is, she's also aware.

Aaaahhh! I cried out when I feel the coldness in my body. I massage my arms to maintain them warm.

I turn off the air-con and get my thick jacket inside my room to heat up my body. It's already 10 am.

Drinking coffee while reading books would be a great thing to unwind me from this weather.

I shut off the television for me to read my book silently. When the doorbell rang.

This isn't good timing. I don't have a preference for opening the door in this kind of situation.

A message pop-out on my phone.

Gene, open up. It's cold out here 🥶

Oh, it's Gulf.

What are you doing here?  I replied.

To visit you, of course. I bought KFC The Box your favorite.

Come on! My favorite fast-food meal, Guuuulllffff!!!

It's getting cold, Gene. Let me in. I cracked up with his reply.

Luckily our door uses passwords, cards or keys just like in Korean dorms.

I typed the password and didn't look at Gulf. We walk back inside.

“You're too sluggish on opening the door, it's frozen out there,” he complained.

I stopped walking then turn around at him. “Why are you here without you updating me?” I started to roll my eyes.

“Don't be mad, I just want to visit my bro with KFC.”

I ignore him and sit on the sofa.

“You don't want to eat?” he unpacked the meal he bought and waited for me to come.

“Later, it's too early to eat lunch,” I said while sipping my coffee.

“Okay, let's just heat these later. I'm not even hungry.”

I can't clearly hear what he said, I'm busy reading my book.

“You don't have a class today?”

I jumped on my place when he whispered his question.

“You startled me!”

He laughed.

“Well... You are ignoring me.” He pouts.

His face is getting close to me so I pushed him away.

“Can't you see I'm reading a book?”

“Of course, I can see.”

Silent answers him again.

“Aren't you glad that I visited you today?”

“I am.” I shortly replied.

He smiled.

“Because you brought KFC," I added.

“Hey, Gene!” His smiles broke and his eyebrows meet.

“Just kidding! Let's eat.”

“I thought you weren't hungry?”

“It's KFC, I can't deny it.”

He laughed.

***

While we were eating lunch, we stopped when the doorbell rang.

“Can you check it out, Gulf?”

He nodded and walked towards the door.

“Aw, Mew you're here! Come inside.”

Ah great, I think he invited his boyfriend to my house.

“Hi, Gene!” Mew greeted.

“Hello, join us.”

“I'm already full, you can continue to eat. I brought you mcflurry.” He puts it on the table.

I thank him for bringing food.

“I should get going, I just checked you guys. I will be back later in the afternoon.”

“Be back later?” I raised him a question.

“Yeah, I will pick up Gulf."

“Okay, take care, baby." Gulf smiled.

I don't know, but it cringes me.

He left and we continued eating.

“You told your boyfriend that you visited here?” I started the conversation.

“No, he knows. He's the one who dropped me here. My boyfriend passed by in your street, so I drop by. Missed me?”

“No, I didn't miss you. I just missed KFC.”

“You're so mean to me! You always mention KFC.” he rolled his eyes.

I laughed.

“I'm just joking around.”

“I know that you miss me.”

“I didn't say that.”

“Hmp!”