White Phoenix | Before & After

Chapter 7 | The Distant Future

"Hey new student. Were you crying? Why? Can I help you?", Jiwon came with two banana milks in her hands.

Her eyes shone in anticipation, waiting for the respond.

"I'm better now, thank you", the girl refused to tell the story, her problems. Not to someone who she just met. How could she trust a stranger? 

She shook her head as a reply.

"Then, have this. We need some sweetness to overcome the sourness", Jiwon gave one of her banana milks.

She stared straight into the banana milk in Jiwon's hand and took it hesitantly.

"Is it okay if I take this? I thought you wanted to drink both of it"

"I bought two so that I can share it with any people who have a bad day today. I do it every Monday. Before, it was one of my classmates, then last Monday, I gave it to my best friend and it turned out to be yours today", Jiwon smiled brightly.

She felt like the girl in front of her was different from other. More mature than her age, probably because of how much she has been through.

"Thanks again", she smiled a bit but it looked so fragile, as it could break any moment.

"No problem, you need someone to rely on when you are having problems. It's okay to cry alone but you can ask for other's help too. Never conceal your feelings. Let it out cause you have the right to", Jiwon smiled continuously.

"Can I be happy? Do I have the right to?", the girl unconsciously asked. She played with her fingers, never made an eye contact with Jiwon.

She was afraid, afraid of people who would judge her, afraid of being left behind again.

"Everyone deserve it", Jiwon answered the questions,

The girl had nothing to say anymore. Jiwon's asnwer, it was concise yet it gave her some strength.

"Jiwon!", suddenly Yeoreum called her name from afar, interrupting the calmness.

"Eo, wae?!", Jiwon replied. She glanced at the girl who was still sitting under the tree. She was about to walk away when she turned her body again, facing the girl.

"My name is Song Jiwon. Remember that", she said.

"Oh, uh my name is-", she stuttered because of the sudden introduction. Her words got cut off.

"Min Sera. Let's be friends then", Jiwon continued the sentence. She couldn't throw off the habit of reading the name on the name tag.

Sera was surprised at first and then she realized how Jiwon had already know her name.

"Bye, I will get going now", Jiwon waved her hand and walked away from the place. Sera stared at Jiwon's figure until it was gone from her sight.

Then she glanced at the boxed milk in her hand. Although it was a small gift, it meant a lot to her.

Jiwon ran off towards Yeoreum who was waiting for her. She gasped for some air when she arrived in front of Yeoreum.

"Wae?", she asked as soon as she inhaled enough oxygen for her lungs.

"You're late than usual today. Let's eat now. You need to take care of yourself too if you're going to take care of others. By the way, they're waiting for you at the cafeteria", Yeoreum grabbed Jiwon's arm, forcing Jiwon to follow her steps.

Just like a mom who caught her child playing during meal time.

'They' here was referred to White Phoenix's members. Just how long they were waiting for Jiwon. She sighed.