Rewritten

Something Magical

The following week, both Sunoo and Sunghoon came together to the library to start their shift. Both of them were giddy and playful with each other.

For Sunghoon, it's a new experience and a feeling that he welcomed. He couldn't believe that he was missing out on something wonderful. He can now relate to how Jay felt when Jay told them about Jungwon. This must be it.

Sunoo felt the same but more elated because for the first time in his life, finally someone he deemed perfect and ideal showed interest in him. Stuff that he only read about in books and saw in tv and movies.

***

Sunghoon and Sunoo were about to enter the lounge area when Ni-ki got out. The three of them paused for a brief second and Ni-ki, without speaking a word, walked on. Sunghoon saw Sunoo's worried face and felt Sunoo's hesitation as if he wanted to follow Ni-ki.

As they entered the lounge, they saw Heeseung and the other SAs in a huddle.

"Hi, what's going on?" Sunghoon asked, noticing the heavy atmosphere.

"Ummm... okay, well... not much." Heeseung answered.

"Oh okay..." Sunghoon replied. Heeseung studied Sunoo who remained silent and went straight to his locker.

"So, ummmmm.... Ni-ki will transfer as SA sa retreat house ng school."

"Huh?" Sunghoon replied.

"Yeah, apparently he asked to be transferred." Heeseung continued.

"Oh, bakit daw?" Sunghoon inquired.

"I'm not sure..." Heeseung side-eyed Sunoo who tried to act as if he didn't hear anything. Sunghoon noticed the tension and as if on cue Heeseung and the other SAs went outside.

"Okay ka lang ba?" Sunghoon asked Sunoo.

"Huh? Yep, oo naman. Bakit?"

"Nagpalipat daw si Ni-ki sa retreat house."

"Ahhhhh...o-okay."

"Alam mo?"

"No..."

"I sensed na merong 'but'."

Sunoo sighed, "...but I think alam ko kung bakit."

Sunoo then told Sunghoon about what happened between him and Ni-ki last Friday nung magkasama silang umuwi.

Apparently, Ni-ki confessed his feelings to Sunoo but Sunoo said he only sees him as a friend and Sunoo told Ni-ki that he thinks they're better off as friends. He's happier with their friendship and would want to keep it that way. Ni-ki also asked if Sunoo has feelings for Sunghoon and he said yes.

Ni-ki felt defeated but he understood.

"Hmmmm.. so that's what happened." Sunghoon said, nodding.

"Yeah pero hindi nya naman kelangang umiwas. We can still be friends pa rin naman."

"You know what, naiintindihan ko sya. Kasi I would do the same pag sakin nangyari yun."

"Huh? Iiwas ka din?"

"I wouldn't call it as 'iiwas' but more on a 'healing process'."

"Huh?"

"Di pa naman ako naka-experience ma-reject. Pero if ever it happens to me, it would be awkward and hard and painful na makikita ko every day yung taong gusto ko at yung pinili nya."

"Ganun ba?"

"Yeah, let him be lang muna. Later on, he'll be better and hopefully your friendship will renew." Sunghoon assured.