our delicate string | 최범규

7: flowers and coffee.

[ ☕️ ]

THE SNOW FINALLY stopped, however the piles of snow and ice hadn't disappeared or melted away. it was still evidently the winter's peak, regardless of the snowfall or not.

Aera put her white earmuffs on, accompanying her long, cream-colored dress. however, her pink coat slightly covered it as she walked along the sidewalk and into the coffee shop that her and Ji-na agreed to meet up at. she didn't realize how lonely she had been without her best friend.

Ji-na had been with Aera through her highs and lows for the past few years. they've been good friends ever since they first met in school.

she smiled as the door chimed, welcoming her inside. she walked in and her eyes immediately met her best friend's eyes. Ji-na gave her a big wave and signaled her to sit with her.

at an instance, Ji-na stood and embraced her best friend. she placed her head on Aera's shoulder.

"i've missed you so much." Ji-na exclaimed and let go of the black haired girl.

"i've missed you more!" she exclaimed. "it's only been a week though."

they sat down as Aera placed her shoulder bag on the seat rest. "how was your trip!"

"you know how my family is." she laughed. "it was loud-but extremely fun. plus i got a lot of presents, even though Christmas isn't for another two weeks." she smiled. "and then soon after, it'll be your birthday!"

"ugh, don't remind me." she laughed. "i'll feel older than i already am."

"alright, relax there, grandma." Ji-na laughed, soon stopping as their coffees and pastries were brought to their tables. "i ordered ahead for us."

"what?!" Aera exclaimed. "you didn't have to do that." she laughed. "gosh, what is up with people paying for me lately?" a mutter escaped her lips.

"what was that?" Ji-na smiled, in a suspicious way. "who have you been hanging out with lately?" she gasped. "oh my gosh, is it that stupid boyfriend of yours?" she laughed.

"ex." Aera pursed her lips. "we broke up a week ago."

"oh, Ra." Ji-na frowned. "i'm so sorry, i had no idea."

"i mean, how could you have known?" she sighed. "it wasn't meant to be anyways." Aera played with the string on her finger. whenever she found herself in situations, she would twiddle her fingers and the string on it. it was somehow comforting to her, a sense of support that she needed.

"what did that dirtbag do?"

"hey, don't use such foul language." Aera frowned. "he was...seeing somebody else. he ended up liking them more."

Ji-na gasped and immediately stood up, grabbing her bag. "oh, he's gonna get it, that little-"

"sit down." Aera pulled her back into her seat.

"how can i?! he cheated on you and you're defending him! you deserve so much better, and i know you'll get somebody better in the future." Ji-na sat back down and readjusted herself. "sorry, i just got really angry. you deserve better than some low-life like him."

"i don't know." Aera sighed and drank some of her coffee. the two sat in comfortable silence, enjoying the ambiance of the cafe. it had succulent plants hanging from the ceilings. peonies, Aera's favorite flowers, at each table. it was such a calming and beautiful atmosphere. she couldn't believe she'd never been here before.

Aera exclaimed. "oh! i've been meaning to tell you this- my recital is today and i'm playing a song i wrote."

"Aera!" Ji-na exclaimed with excitement. "i'm so proud of you, oh my gosh, that's amazing!"

the two laughed and smiled as they continued to share a meal together. it had been so long since they've seen each other and connected on a true level. their friendship was still strong and everlasting-something that Aera will forever hold dear to her heart.

to have somebody to cry with, to laugh with, to share the utmost of excitement with. nothing could be more precious to Aera than this friendship she formed within the past few years-and she wouldn't change it for the world.

[ ☕️ ]

Beomgyu sat in his room with his guitar in his lap. his notebook lay atop his bed face-up, waiting to be filled with beautiful lyrics he once composed. he began to strum a soft tune. somehow, it was easier to make a melody for him than it was to write song lyrics.

usually, they come easily to him. lyrics are something like a diary-he doesn't have to think much and just spills his soul onto the paper. somehow, this was more challenging.

as he began to strum, he watched the red string dangle from his fingers. a faint smile appeared on his lips as he placed his guitar down and reached for his cell phone.

AERA

what are you up to?


backspace, backspace, backspace

he layed on his bed, face to the ceiling as he texted her. "no, that sounds creepy." he pursed his lips and pondered.

do you wanna hang out?

backspace, backspace, backspace

"now you just sound desperate." he scolded himself. suddenly, a light bulb went off in his brain-a piece of information she told him about on their walk a couple of days ago.

when is that recital of
yours? i forgot to note it
delivered | 2:39 pm

"wait, do i sound forgetful?" he sat up and pondered. "she must think i'm some irresponsible freak who can't even remember his friend's events!" he threw his phone on his bed and facepalmed his forehead.

immediately, he heard his phone chime as he jumped and grabbed his phone.

when is that recital of
yours? i forgot to note it
delivered | 2:39 pm

you're lucky you didn't
forget for too long. its
today at 6.
read | 2:40 pm

he laid back on his bed and kicked his feet in the air in excitement, immediately catching himself.

"Choi Beomgyu, what are you doing?" he scolded and lightly slapped his cheek before texting back.

i'll cheer you in the crowd.
delivered | 2:40 pm

see you then :)
read | 2:41 pm

he, almost immediately, rushed out of his bedroom and the click-clack down the stairs soon followed. he placed his coat on and grabbed his wallet from the dining table that he had left it on yesterday.

what type of flowers did she say were her favorites?