𝐂𝐄𝐀𝐙𝐈𝐀'𝐒 𝐏𝐎𝐕: I smoothed some Vaseline on my lips, admiring the way it made them shine in the reflection of the mirror. I had dressed in a comfortable black sweatshirt and snug grey leggings, my feet clad in Skechers. After checking my phone, I left my room and noticed Sunwoo leaving his own. Our eyes met for a few seconds, and I couldn't help but feel self-conscious as I sensed his gaze on my body.
However, I decided to use the opportunity to take stock of his outfit. He was wearing a soft grey sweatshirt and matching sweatpants from Palm Angels, the brand name written in bold black letters. His feet were encased in the sleek 'military black' Jordan 4s. The difference in our clothing choices was stark, a clear reflection of our different worlds - while I struggled to make ends meet, Sunwoo lived a life of wealth and privilege.
I looked away from Sunwoo and muttered a low "Good morning." I heard his footsteps behind me, before he replied with his deep and raspy voice, "Good morning." I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves, before making my way to the living room and sitting down. Sunwoo was in the kitchen, rummaging through the refrigerator. I turned on the TV and sighed, thinking about what happened between us this morning
𝐅𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐇𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐓𝐎 𝟕:𝟑𝟎 𝐀𝐌 The phone had been ringing for the past 30 minutes. I found myself unconsciously laying my head on his chest while his hand rested on my waist, drawing me closer. As the sun shone directly into my eyes, I slowly opened them. My eyes widened as I looked up at Sunwoo. "Sunwoo, please wake up," I said urgently as I shook him, attempting to rouse him from sleep. After a moment, he slowly stirred and opened his eyes, looking at me groggily. He looked down at me before separating away from me. He turned off the alarm on his phone.
He uttered in a raspy, deep, and weary voice, "Sorry.." I then responded, "It's fine." I then rose to my feet and made my way into the bathroom. I could feel my cheeks burning with embarrassment as I covered my eyes.
𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓 Sunwoo came into the living room, carrying two bowls of Reese's Puffs. As he handed me a bowl, we both began to eat in silence. "Are you okay?" Sunwoo asked, breaking the silence. I glanced over at him and replied, "Yeah, just a bit tired," before returning to my cereal. "I'm sorry again for earlier," Sunwoo apologized once more. "It's fine, just a mistake," I reassured him as I continued eating. Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Sunwoo got up, leaving his cereal on the table, and went to answer the door, peering at the person outside.
Sunwoo inquired as the man stood in the doorway. "Hi, I'm Jung Wooyoung. I was hoping to find Ceazia Williams. Is she here?" With a rush of excitement, I carefully set down my bowl and rushed to the door. "Wooyoung!" I exclaimed joyfully as I wrapped him in a warm embrace. "Hey Ceazia," he responded, returning the hug. After pulling away, I looked up at him. "How did you find me?" I asked. "After you posted on Instagram, Desire showed me, and we both got tickets. We arrived here around 6:00 am and then drove around, knocking on each house," Wooyoung explained.
Desire approached the car parked in front with a beaming smile on her face. "Oh my gosh, I missed you," she exclaimed, wrapping me in a warm hug. I couldn't help but chuckle softly in response. After the embrace, I turned to find Sunwoo and Wooyoung watching us. "I'll go get my suitcase," I declared, making my way past them. As I walked by, I sensed Sunwoo's gaze following me. Heading upstairs, I gathered the clothes I had left lying around and neatly packed them into my suitcase.
𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐖𝐎𝐎'𝐒 𝐏𝐎𝐕: Remember the old days when we used to goof around?" I remarked with a sly grin on my face. "Looks like you haven't changed a bit, dickhead." Wooyoung said. I held my heart dramatically. "Looks like someone forgot their place, want me to remind you?" I said before stepping closer to Wooyoung. "I'd like to see you try." Wooyoung scoffed. Before I could do anything, Desire stepped between the both of us. "Both of you stop. Sunwoo grows up. We aren't in primary school anymore." Desire said, pointing at me.
"C'mon, can't a guy relive his memories?" I rhetorically asked with a sly grin. Wooyoung shot a glance at Desire before turning his glare on me. He stomped away to the car, clearly furious. Desire let out a sigh and turned to me. "Does she know about your past?" she inquired. "She only knows that I traveled to LA. Besides, I've changed. Just wanted to tease you both," I replied, emphasizing "traveled" with air quotes. "Dickhead," Desire muttered as she made her way to the car.
I chuckled to myself, reveling in the moment. Ceazia emerged from the house with her suitcase, and my smile faded. "Are you ready to leave?" I asked, my voice strained. She nodded, standing before me. "Do you think you'll ever come back to America?" I inquired, a part of me hoping for a positive response. "Maybe, when I'm in a more stable financial state," she replied, holding my gaze. "Thank you for letting me stay at your place and showing me bits of America," she added. I nodded slightly. Suddenly, she pulled me into a tight hug, stretching up on her tippy toes.
I held onto her for a moment, feeling her warmth as I wrapped my arms around her waist. After a lingering embrace, Ceazia pulled away. "I'll see you around," she said, rolling her suitcase away. Desire stepped out of the car, and the trunk automatically opened as Ceazia approached. Placing her suitcase inside, Ceazia made her way to the passenger side, while Desire did the same on the driver's side. The trunk closed with a soft thud. Before getting into the car, Ceazia looked back at me, her eyes meeting mine as she waved with a warm smile. I returned the gesture with a small smile of my own. Finally, Ceazia got into the car, and as the engine revved to life, the car drove off, leaving me standing there, watching her departure.
The distance between me and the car seemed to shrink as the car disappeared from view. I let out a heavy sigh and stepped inside my house. I settled into the living room and noticed Ceazia's half-eaten cereal sitting on the table. I picked up the bowl and carried it into the kitchen, disposing of the milk and cereal before placing it in the sink. With Ceazia gone, the house seemed even quieter than before, amplifying my sense of solitude.
𝐂𝐄𝐀𝐙𝐈𝐀'𝐒 𝐏𝐎𝐕: We were boarding the airplane, and finding our seats. Once finding it, I sat next to the window while Desire and Wooyoung sat next to me. I wore my wired headphones, plugging it into my phone. I then started to play 'Drive By' by Eric Bellinger while going on Instagram, wanting to make a post.
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𝐒𝐄𝐎𝐔𝐋 | 𝟔:𝟑𝟎 𝐩𝐦 I parked my car and grabbed my suitcase, making my way to the door of my small home. Turning back, I waved goodbye to Desire and Wooyoung as they drove off. As I inserted my key and turned it in the door, I anticipated the comfort of home. However, as soon as the door swung open, I was greeted with an unexpected sight - nothing. The rooms were bare and empty, leaving me utterly confused. Unable to comprehend what was happening, I left the house and approached the store owner next door. "Excuse me, have you seen my mom, Celeste Williams?" I inquired. The store owner, recognizing me as her daughter, started to inform me where she was. "She told me to tell you that she has become a housemaid wherever she is working. She also told me that you should go to her," the store owner said before entering his store. With his words in mind, I prepared to embark on the search for my mother.
I feel a sharp pain in my stomach. It's upsetting that my mom is working even closer to the people I can't stand. .
