the walk to my dorm after filling my belly with a hearty ramen feels different. everything seems a lot brighter and fuller, maybe because the last meal i had was ramen for breakfast, and i just ate another cup. i can already imagine coach kim shaking his head...
as i approach the four-way crossroad, i see a familiar figure standing in front of the convex mirror, taking a picture with his camera.
i'm about to walk past when i realise it's wonwoo.
should i say hi? um, yes, we're friends... but are we?
oh, never mind.
"oh, wonwoo," i say, trying to sound casual, though my voice comes out a bit awkwardly. i'm trying to act as if i'd just seen him moments ago, not minutes ago, while my inner thoughts are in a bit of a scramble.
wonwoo turns around, his camera slipping from around his neck.
"oh, it's you," he says with a warm smile. "what are you doing here?" he asks.
"i just got back from the shop, eating. and you?" i ask, slipping my hands into my pockets as the chilly air nips at me, hoping to find the hot pack i bought earlier.
"oh, nothing much. just strolling around the neighbourhood," he replies, adjusting the strap of his camera behind him.
"you take pictures?"
"um, yeah."
"can i see?"
"it's a film camera, so the picture won't come out immediately after i take it," he explains.
"oh, i love film cameras! i have one back at home." i notice his eyes widening slightly, as if i've caught his interest.
"really? what model?"
"a canon ql17 giii. it's an old one, and i hardly use it... been busy, hahaha." i finish with an awkward laugh, wishing i could sound more composed.
"wow, that's cool. i didn't know you liked taking pictures too," he says.
"yep! it's an old hobby, eheh, but i prefer film over digital. they don't have the same fe-"
"feeling."
"feeling."
we finish each other's sentences, and i feel a bit flustered.
we both stare at each other for a moment. what is this? i wonder, feeling a bit self-conscious.
nodding, i agree. "yeah, that."
"right... with a film camera, you don't really know how the picture will turn out. that's the beauty of it," wonwoo says, lifting his camera.
"wait, i do have some pictures from this camera. want to see?" he asks, and of course, i nod.
wonwoo reaches into his bag and pulls out a small photo album, its cover well-worn but cherished. he flips it open, revealing a collection of black-and-white photos, each one meticulously captured.
"these are from my recent strolls around the city," wonwoo explains, his fingers gently tracing the edges of the photos. "i like capturing moments that most people overlook."
i peer closely at the images, intrigued. there's something almost magical about the grainy texture and the way the light dances in each frame. one photo catches my eye—a serene park scene with a single leaf floating on a pond, its simplicity striking.
"wow, these are amazing," i say, genuinely impressed. "you have a real talent for this."
wonwoo's smile widens, and he blushes slightly. "thanks. i've always found film photography more personal. it's like each shot has a story."
i nod, captivated by his passion. "i can see that. it's like you're preserving little pieces of time."
"exactly," wonwoo agrees, his eyes lighting up. "it's about capturing fleeting moments before they're gone."
there's a comfortable silence between us as we continue to look through the photos. the chilly air seems to fade as we bond over a shared appreciation for something so intimate and tangible.
"hey uh" wonwoo says after a moment, "i remember you promised me a drink after i helped with the dishes. how about we catch up over coffee sometime? we can talk more about photography."
i'm caught off guard by his suggestion but feel a flutter of excitement. the thought of spending more time with wonwoo,.made my heard race. "i'd like that," i reply, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness.
wonwoo's smile grows warmer. "great. let's exchange numbers then."
as we trade contact information, there's an unspoken understanding between us, though neither of us is ready to acknowledge it.
"i guess we're friends now," i say, trying to sound casual but feeling a flutter of butterflies flying around me.
wonwoo nods, slightly laughing while a soft smile playing on his lips. "of course, you idiot."
we part ways with a feeling of anticipation in the air. my cheeks are sore from smiling, and i can't help but think,
i think i have a crush on him.
