Life suddenly brings two old acquaintances together, who were separated due to a tragedy. Hwang Seohyun (황 서현) meets her classmate again after so long.
Their worlds that were different for 7 years collide once again and become one. Unexpected secret...
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My mouth fell wide open when I saw a huge and luxurious looking Hyundai car parked in front of my main entrance door. And I'm sure everyone in the neighborhood who came across it would have had the same reaction, it's something rare to see in a neighborhood like ours where only bikes and cheap cars are seen. I closed my mouth as soon as I felt Sunghoon come from behind. He stopped beside me and waved at my sister before going towards the car. He glanced at me with a sly smirk before opening the car door.
Oh, yes, I wasn't surprised at all. I already assumed that it was his car, he gave off that rich vibe since our first meeting in the ice rink. I blinked my eyes multiple times and took a deep breath as I slowly approached the car. Our neighbors already hated us, now they'll hate us more for having a Hyundai parked in front of our house. I opened the door to the back seat but Sunghoon interrupted me.
"Miss Hwang" He suddenly called out, startling me. It was the first time he called me by my last name. I looked back, accidentally locking my eyes with him. His eyes turned soft as they stared into mine. He didn't look away, so I had to be the first one to break eye contact before it could get awkward.
"Do I look like a driver to you?" He continued with rather a rough voice, breaking my thoughts. I didn't understand what he was trying to say as my hands stayed on the door. He shook his head slightly, "sit with me." I didn't know why but I did as he told me to without questioning as I silently walked towards the passenger seat.
Sunghoon adjusted the rearview mirror as soon as I got in the car. He started the engine and began to drive, looking focused on the road. But from time to time he'd glance back at the mirror which was strange. In an attempt to ignore him and what he was doing, I began to stare out of the window, hoping there's no bus on the road.
The whole ride was filled with silence, only the soft music was playing in the background but it wasn't an awkward silence. Instead, it was comfortable like the old days. I was kind of surprised at first when he came but now I feel relieved that he showed up to pick me. If he hadn't come, I would have had to take the main road to get a taxi and in that case, I would have come across a bus also. And I might have again got a panic attack like the last time.
My thoughts got interrupted as Sunghoon stopped the car. I looked around the place, only to realize that we were nowhere around the ice rink but in fact, in front of a huge cafe. I looked at him in confusion but he didn't bother to even spare a glance in my direction.
"I didn't have my breakfast either, let's eat together." He spoke plainly, still staring ahead of him.
"But aren't we getting late?" I asked, checking my phone. It was already past ten thirty.
"Doesn't matter." He casually replied before getting out of the car. It's surprising to his carefree side, he wasn't like this before. I didn't have any other choice left as I sighed and opened the door.
The cafe looked very expensive and I couldn't help but estimate the price of all the dishes present there, probably thrice of normal cafes. I gripped the hem of my dress as I stopped in my tracks, I can't afford to pay for myself.
Sunghoon halted as he glanced back at me. "What happened?" He asked, clueless of my thoughts.
"Uh, nothing. I... I just don't feel like eating right now." I ignored his gaze. He was silent for sometime before I heard the sound of his steps get closer to me. When I looked up, he was already towering me.
"You shouldn't skip your breakfast" he spoke gently, "it's the most important meal of the day. Let's eat for the sake of a bright life." Those words... I'm familiar with them. I used to say the same thing to him everyday in the past. It was as if he had memorized those words, in the exact order.
I snapped out of my thoughts. There's nothing special about that phrase, anyone would say it to anyone. It's not like he remembers me and everything I said. I took a deep breath before continuing my steps. Whatever happens, let it happen.
He called out for a waitress as we took a seat across the window. Suddenly I received a call from Mr. Shin. I realized that I forgot to inform him that I'll not be present in the studio today. I excused myself as I stood up, picking the call on the way.
"When are you coming to the studio? After two?" He didn't even bother to greet me. Well, he never does, actually.
"Oh, Mr. Shin? I, umm, forgot to tell you that I have a shooting today." I spoke, closing my eyes as I prepared myself for the shouting from the other side.
"What do you mean?!" He yelled, "you told me it was only for a day and that you would continue to work here? Are you secretly planning to resign? I'll not let that happen!" He continued to blabber, almost giving me a headache.
"Alright, I'll hang up now. Have a nice day!" I messaged my temples before walking back.
When my eyes fell over the dishes on our table, I felt a strange warmth spread over my heart; like a wave of nostalgia, swaying all the stress away. There were Kkwabaegi, egg bread and two cups of cappuccino that Sunghoon ordered but the only thing that brought comfort to me and the only thing I was looking at was Kkwabaegi.
It brought back all the memories of those sunsets when Jiyeon, Jaeyun and I walked back home from school. On those days when Jiyeon used to be too tired to ride the bicycle, we bought Kkwabaegi and ate it with cheerful laughter echoing on our way as we dragged along the bicycles. Neither Jaeyun nor I was a big fan of sweets but Jiyeon wasn't allowed to eat spicy food, so we enjoyed it together.
It's true that food can bring a sense of homeness.
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Kkwabaegi is honestly my favourite, too, tho I've never had it-- (I accidentally spelled 'engine' as engene. Haha, shout out to all the ENGENES out there!)
