Two-faced

- his practice -

[saturday afternoon]

Don't ask me how I got here. Well- I'll just tell you. Sunwoo completely tricked me- saying we were going to work on a 'project' at the campus soccer field on Saturday. So I get here around 2 when he said to, and guess what. He lied. He tricked me into going to his soccer practice and tricked Jacob into going as well!

So now Jacob and I are sitting on the bleachers alone as 20 high school boys kick a soccer ball back and forth.

"So..." Jacob says, neither of us are great at filling the silence that Sunwoo usually fills.

"Er- do you play sports?" I ask.

"I used to play volleyball when I was in Canada, but not anymore." Jacob says.

"Ah, that sounds fun. I've always wanted to go to Canada," I sigh. "Are you going for spring break?"

"Yeah I am actually! I'm so excited to see family," Jacob grins. "Where does your family live?"

"My grandma and little sister live near here actually!" I say. And I appreciate how he doesn't press on about my parents.

"Aw, I've always wanted a little sister," Jacob smiles.

"I could see you being a good big brother," I say. Jacob beams at the compliment and we watch the field as Sunwoo runs on to play.

He's wearing a white sweatband under his bangs, and a determined expression. He's actually pretty good at soccer.

"Hey can I ask you something?" I ask.

"Of course! Anything," Jacob replies.

"... have you ever seen Sunwoo cry?" I ask.

"Not even once!" Jacob says. "Don't get me wrong though, It might not seem like it- but he really really cares for all his friends and family."

"Hm," I say. Then I raise my eyebrows in surprise. Does Jacob know about his split personality? Why did he say 'it might not seem like it.'

"Ah, sorry I let it slip huh?" Jacob says with a small sorry smile.

"Let what slip?" I ask.

"I know you know about Sunwoo and his... uh characteristics." Jacob explains in a soft voice.

"... yeah. Unfortunately I know and he knows that I know." I say. "To be honest- he's a real asshole."

Jacob let's out a small laugh. "Yeah, sometimes."

As if I've met a friend who finally understands me, I let it out, "But I don't understand why he's like that. To be honest, isn't it more tiring keeping up a fake personality than just trying to fix your original one?"

"You got me there cha Daeun," Jacob says. "I don't know if he told you yet so I shouldnt say anything, but he has his reasons."

"Of course, everyone has their reasons," I consider, wondering what possibly could have effected him so drastically.

"Everyone has their big secret," Jacob adds. "Don't you?"

I don't know why but I would trust Jacob with my life, so telling him about my childhood seems like nothing.

"Secret? It's not really a secret just something I don't like talking about... I was in a car crash when I was ten, my parents and I," I say, a lump forming in my throat. "There was a kid in the middle of the road at night, and my dad swerved to prevent hitting him, but it was raining so the car went too far- and it- it turned over completely."

"Oh my gosh," Jacob says under his breath.

"My dad died on the spot, but the kid in the road called 911 apparently for my mom and I. My mom was pregnant at the time and, she gave her life... she gave her life for my little sister," I look at the sky to prevent my tears from falling.