Hazel's point of view
This is so awkward.
We've been sitting here in silence for the last five minutes. Every time she goes to speak her mouth closes just as fast. I absentmindedly draw circle on my thigh through the holes of my ripped jeans.
Angel: I like San.
Oh brother, I should've seen that coming. It still felt like a punch to the gut nonetheless.
Angel: But San likes you.
That almost made me want to smile but not at the expense of her sadness. I look over at Angel and she's staring straight ahead into space.
Angel: He's my bestfriend, there's not a thing in the world I wouldn't do for him. But being happy for you two is going to take some time.
I nod.
Me: How long have you had feelings for him?
Angel: Last year is when it really started to hit me. He's always been a great guy though.
Me: Why haven't you said anything?
She turns to look at me.
Angel: I didn't want to ruin our friendship. I know that's cliche but let's face it, friendships never stay the same after someone confesses.
That's true but my intuition tells me San may have felt the same once upon a time. Angel is pretty and every bit of awesome as he is. So it wouldn't surprise me if he looked at her as something more.
Angel: And now I'm sitting here selfishly pouring my heart out to his soon to be, how lame.
Me: You're not lame, you're human.
She turns her head offering a weak smile. She stands up suddenly while sighing.
Angel: I just wanted to tell you that.
Me: Do you want to come in for something to drink or?
A small laugh escapes her lips.
Angel: Thanks but no thanks. I don't do pity.
Me: It's not pity!
She gives me a look.
Me: Okay it's pity.
Angel: You're kind Hazel.
___
San and I spent the entire day texting. We've texted before but this, this is different. I find myself smiling every time his name comes across my screen.
Jongho eyes me weirdly as I hum while chopping up cucumbers for our salad.
Jongho: Had a good day I assume?
Me: Yeah it was interesting.
Jongho: Mhm, what's his name?
Me: Huh?
Jongho: Huh? What's his name?
I roll my eyes playfully.
Me: It's San.
Jongho: Really? Does he know he can do better?
I throw a cucumber slice at him.
Jongho: Seriously though, he's a good guy but I didn't think he'd be your type.
Me: I don't have a type!
Jongho: That's debatable. Either way I'm happy for you though.
For dinner we both decided to keep it light; pasta, salad, and breadsticks will do the trick.
Now that I'm not dancing at the club anymore I'll have to get a real job. Don't get me wrong the money Earl gave me will help tremendously but I want to stay ahead and not have to worry about playing catch up ever again.
Me: What do you think about moving into a different place? Maybe an apartment closer to both our schools?
He ponders for a moment before smiling.
Jongho: I think a fresh start would do us some good.
Me: You make things so easy for me.
Jongho: Well I gotta' cut you a break sometimes, can't be a pain in the ass all the time.
We both laugh.
He lifts up his cup of sweet tea.
Jongho: To new beginnings!
Me:건배!
_____
speaking of new beginnings, there will be some soon.
