Mirage

01

"I'm sorry but I can't take it," Sunwoo flashed a small smile to the girl across from him who was so kind as to offer 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 not have 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 rumours about Sunwoo were cold and mean to all girls in his workplace were spreading fast in the air like it was some sort of virus, there were still some girls trying their luck 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 been 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 anticipating an answer since he knew what would come out of his friend's mouth. "This is the 100th girl you've been rejected by. Come on dude, she's just offering you a drink, why can't you take it? Be nice once in 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 was already on the correct path to have his lunch. He heard footsteps behind him getting nearer, and soon 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 happening 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 thrown in the trashcan.

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

"The usual cafe," Sunwoo did not even hesitate, he 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 at 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 there something wrong with our beverages?"

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

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

"That's enough," the boy 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 soon died down, the boys turned in their orders to the staff, whom they call as Ms.Kim. Sunwoo decided to pay, a smile 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 roamed around the company's building stood out so 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 every time 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 that Sunwoo scoffed, his tongue poking out through his cheek.

"Just shut up."

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

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

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

"Of course I have," he confirmed, nodding at every word 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 apologising for making a ruckus.

He glared towards the demeanour across him who was enjoying the moment, not even caring 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 that Sunwoo shut his eyes, recalling every moment 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 opened his eyes again, 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 enveloped his heart, and a lump abruptly formed in his throat.

"Haeun."