Mirage

01

"I'm sorry but I can't take it," Sunwoo flashed a small smile to the girl across him who was so kind offering him an iced tea. "You can have it yourself. I'm sorry."

"It's only a drink," the girl was seen offended and awkward at the same time, she might have not seen this rejection coming. "Why can't you take it?"

The next victim.

By now, the list of the girls who had been rejected by him was already full. Though the rumors about Sunwoo was cold and mean to all girls in his workplace were spreading fast in the air like it was some sort of viruses, there were still some girls trying their lucks to get his attention.

And it never worked.

"I'm-"

"He's not thirsty," it was then another hand appeared out of nowhere, taking the drink from the girl's hand, awkward laughter echoed through the hallway. "He will drink it later, don't worry."

Sunwoo lightly scoffed, raising a brow towards his friend next to him who seemingly did not notice that his gaze was piercing through the latter's skull. Haknyeon was too busy to distract the poor girl who just got rejected.

As soon as the girl turned on her heels leaving the gentlemen behind, Haknyeon deeply sighed, messing his hair with his free hand. His face was quite intimidating when he looked at Sunwoo, but the boy never shook.

"I'm not taking the drink," Sunwoo sternly said even before Haknyeon could say anything, both of his hands in the pocket.

"What did I say about being rude?" Haknyeon quizzed, not really anticipate of an answer since he knew what would come out from his friend's mouth. "This is the 100th girl you've been rejected. Come on dude, she's just offering you a drink, why can't you take it? Be nice once a while."

The lectures were floating around Sunwoo, all were blocked from entering his head. Instead, he coolly replied, "you can have it."

Haknyeon's eyes lit up at the offer, immediately taking a sip as Sunwoo already on the correct path to have his lunch. He heard footsteps behind him getting nearer, which sooner an arm was draped around his shoulders.

The two finally were outside the tall building where they were working in different departments, lunch break was the time they were supposed to meet up but to no avail, Haknyeon needed to witness all the dramas happened around his friend.

Even normal days were chaotic for him to witness, just imagine how it was on a special occasion like Sunwoo's birthday - all the gifts he received were all homed in the trashcan.

"What is for lunch buddy?" Haknyeon questioned, eyes skimming the shop lot.

"The usual cafe," not even hesitate, Sunwoo dragged his friend who was throwing his weight all on his shoulders as if he was as light as a feather.

The ringing bell on top of the entrance had attracted the cashier by the counter who had just finished serving the order of the former customer. She immediately smiled when she saw the two familiar figures approaching her.

"Hi gentlemen," she greeted, patiently waiting until they reached the wooden counter. She couldn't help but notice another cup in Haknyeon's grasp, her brows furrowed as if she was offended. "I see you've changed your taste. Is it something wrong with our beverages?"

At that, both boys were panicking. They were indeed regular customers after Sunwoo suggesting the cafe to Haknyeon. The good foods and drinks were not only the reason but the friendly environment made them comfortable to hanging in.

"No, Ms.Kim!" Haknyeon hid the cup behind his back, assuring the girl. "It was Sunwoo's-"

"That's enough," the said boy shut his friend up by covering his mouth with his palm, smiling towards the girl behind the counter next. "He's rambling."

The chaotic air was soon died down, the boys turned in their orders to the staff who they call as Ms.Kim. Sunwoo decided to pay, smile was never faded from his face as he watched the girl carefully ringing his card.

Sunwoo was known for his grumpiness. His stoic face whenever he roam around the company's building was standing out too much that some workers were afraid to talk to him. His anger issue was another thing and Haknyeon swore he saw a different side of Sunwoo everytime they were here.

"I don't understand," Haknyeon spoke up after occupying a table in the middle of the cafe. "Why are you being cold to all the girls in the office? They clearly like you and who knows you can like them back."

It was then Sunwoo scoffed, his tongue poking out through his cheek.

"Just shut up."

"Have you never fallen in love before?" the curiosity kicking in, the moment Sunwoo met Haknyeon's eyes, the latter's expression was mischievous.

His teasing smile and the wriggled brows were hilarious, especially when it was owned by someone who had a cute features like him. But, that was not important, the question was.

It made Sunwoo intelligently finding some tapes from the past that were hiding far at the back of his head. 

"Of course I have," he confirmed, nodding at every words escaping his lips.

Loud gasp filling in the cafe which received some weird stares from other customers, Haknyeon hung his head low in embarrassment, quickly apologizing for making ruckus.

He glared towards the demeanor across him who was enjoying the moment, not even care to help him all along.

"Hey Kim Sunwoo, listen," Haknyeon leaned forward across the table, clasping his hands together as if he was so invested in the story. "You better share it with me. Who was the girl you'd fallen in love with?"

It was then, Sunwoo shut his eyes, recalling every moments he had spent his life with the girl. Sweet, bitter and also the plain moments, all were treasured safely in his head.

"A bright and lovely girl whom I loved, hated and resented," he open his eyes back, smiling like a fool as the image of the girl appeared in his sight. "Someone I met in school."

"High school romance?" Haknyeon clicked his tongue, suddenly becoming uninterested. "So cliche."

"Well I don't mind," Sunwoo shrugged, crossing his arms as he leaned comfortably against the chair. "You're asking me to share but if you don't want to hear..."

"No! I changed my mind," Haknyeon sighed, he swore he felt so mad that Sunwoo was trapping him like this and he was dying to wipe out the smirk on his face. "Just tell me. What is her name?"

"Her name is..." Sunwoo was stalling, not intentionally but a strange feeling suddenly came enveloping his heart, a lump abruptly formed in his throat.

"Haeun."