Manual Of The Forbidden - Ryeji

Chapter 11

—Who?— Chaeryeong asked again.

I shot her a look, wanting to cover her mouth at that moment; my hands started sweating at the possibility of being found out.

—In... my... friend... that I left in Seoul,— I fabricated.

—What kind of friend? Anyone could fall in love with a friend,— she inquired.

—Not love, Chaeryeong,— I specified again, while Ryujin remained silent but attentive. —And it's... a friend, umm... close and...— I racked my brains to keep adding words to my lie. —And... a friend also likes her, so...—

—You're afraid of losing your friend's friendship for having feelings for the same girl,— Chaeryeong concluded.

—Exactly!—

—Well, who noticed the girl first?—

—She did,— I muttered sadly.

—But you've already left Seoul, it doesn't matter anymore, does it?— Ryujin, who had been like a statue until now, said.

—Um...— I murmured.

—I still think you should have talked to your friend instead of speculating things on your own and punishing yourself,— Chaeryeong interrupted. —I mean, she wasn't your girlfriend and she wasn't your best friend,— she shrugged.

I burst into laughter, and both of them looked at me. If Chaeryeong knew who I was referring to, she wouldn't have said the last part.

—What's funny?— Ryujin asked.

—Nothing, just... nothing,— I waved it off.

—Look, Yeji!— Chaeryeong said to me. —Doesn't that place seem ideal for a photograph?— She pointed to a building next to a canal that stretched magnificently to the east.

—You have good taste, Chaeryeong,— I agreed. —I think I'll take one.—

I took the camera out of my bag with my free hand and then fell silent and hesitant, shy because Chaeryeong still had her hand linked to mine.

—Chaeryeong, I think Yeji needs her two hands,— Ryujin mumbled.

—Oh, right. Sorry,— she blushed a little and let go of my hand, which immediately felt the midday chill.

I smiled and aimed the camera lens at the monument and took the photograph.

—A flower for the young lady?— someone muttered behind me.

I turned around and saw an image of a woman with a basket of red roses talking to Ryujin, while Chaeryeong was distracted watching the pigeons.

Ryujin looked at me and then smiled. Then she looked back at the woman.

—How much does a single flower cost?— she asked.

—One dollar,— the woman said.

—Give me one, please.—

She brought the basket closer, and Ryujin picked a rose from it and then took a small coin out of her pants pocket.

—Here it is,— she gave her the coin and smiled.

—Thank you, gorgeous lady,— the woman said and then smiled at me before walking away to offer her flowers to other people.