Spring Moon

46

Kevin and I roamed around the village, abandoning our friends at the dormitory after having our issue solved. He claimed that he found a shop that looked so vintage which we weren't supposed to miss from going while we were here.

So, we trailed the narrow tarred road together side by side as we passed by some old houses with their owners waving, greeting us. The villagers were friendly enough to us - the guests and the fact that I was able to chin up was good progress for me.

"I couldn't imagine what would happen if I rejected your offer to come here," I said, grabbing the hem of his tee. "I love how unbothered people here."

"Because they probably don't know you?" He nudged me in a joking manner.

"Maybe that too..." I laughed it off.

After 2 more minutes of walking forward, a glimpse of the said shop was seen - small and antique. The wall was made up of plank but sturdy and at the outside there was a 5 x 5 feet square plank stage that I believed was used for sitting. Just like the old movies and dramas we used to watch.

Kevin left me there with his iPad as he went inside buying something refreshing for us to beat the heat of summer. He probably thought that I was looking at all the sketches he drew but no, I was viewing Moonlight portal.

But, I couldn't stay long inside there. What a shame. Kevin came back afterwards with cold drinks, so, I had to act like I did nothing. He couldn't know that I'd been using his device to spy.

"Soda for you," he passed the cold can to me which I took and swiftly placed it on my burning cheeks.

"Cooooolllddd!" I dramatically squealed which made Kevin giggle cutely next to me.

Taking a sip, the sparkle hit my throat right away in the most refreshing way while watching birds chirping on the tree not too far from us like they were gossiping about this village's newcomers - me and Kevin. But the taste was so addictive that I wanted to keep sipping even if it hurt my throat.

"Oh my!" An exclaim was heard, interrupting our comfortable silence. We both turned in the direction just to find the owner of our dormitory was clapping her hands excitedly. "Fancy to see you two here! How's the house so far? Is it okay?"

I turned to Kevin, silently hoping that he got my point - that I wanted him to respond. At first, he looked clueless - I meant, we were both introverts, so it was quite understandable.

Nonetheless, he seemed to have read the air as he flashed a smile at the old woman. "Yes, everything is fine. We are all happy to stay there."

I tried to be friendly as well but it wasn't easy to utter any word to a stranger. So, I just smiled but then choked on the air as the old woman was looking down at me rather strangely.

"How lucky you are, young lady..." She said. "You have a very handsome boyfriend, soft-spoken and also sweet. I would like to take him in as my grandson-in- law as well."

Second choke.

"It's impossible to have someone with these specs," I pointed at Kevin with an awkward laugh. "Because he is the only one in the world and unfortunately, God has given him to me... But, you may find someone else that a bit like him, we have billions of humans in this world after all. So... I wish you good luck!"

My awkward laughter streak continued when I glanced over at Kevin who had the best of his time watching me ramble. I guessed he could sense the sarcasm laced in my tone when I said those. That was why he laughed.

"There is only one me in the world?" He questioned in mockery tone as soon as the old woman left. "Are you that scared if she wants to match me with her grandchild?"

"I almost lost you about 15 minutes ago and you think I will want that to happen again?" I scoffed, watching the direction the grandmother had left.

"Well, 15 minutes ago was you asking for a breakup," Kevin backfired and I granted him a slap. "Ouch! Easy... I'm joking. There might be a lot of stars but I'll stay with the only one. With you."

Stop!

Kevin Moon had never failed to make me flutter.

"Oh, by the way!" It was then, that he exclaimed, reaching out for something from his back pocket. "I brought this that I believe belongs to you."

I pondered, watching him struggle to take it out. He made me think whether he was only exaggerating with those excessive moves. However, when the thing finally appeared, I did not doubt that he was struggling.

It was a piece of folded paper which he smartly shoved in his pocket.

"This is mine?" I queried as I reached for it, Kevin hummed confirming my question. "When did I have this?"

Then he shrugged.

"I found this in the bag of chocolates in front of the store last night. I supposed this is yours."

Oh!

I almost hit my head at my own dumbness. How could I forget? This was the letter Sunwoo gave and Kevin was supposed to read it with me last night.

Thanks to someone, my plan was ruined.

"Wanna read it with me?" I offered and Kevin scrunched his face. Why do I need to read with you? I saw his eyes shooting the question. "If you pass, then... it's okay."

I was about to slip the letter into my pocket when Kevin stopped me, holding my hand.

"I didn't say that," he said with a straight face which made me instantly giggle.

I knew it. He would eventually give in.

So, I beckoned him to come closer to me and I opened the folded paper. Kevin gasped as soon as the handwriting was seen, and his dramatic expression - eyes widely opened and jaw dropped, returned.

"Is this a love letter?" He questioned and threw another gasp. "Who is giving my starlight a love letter?!"

He was dramatic and exaggerating, no doubt. But, I played along.

"Well... I've charmed people, I guess."

Ignoring him, I resumed reading the content. It was nothing serious. Sunwoo was just pouring his disappointment at Daisy who dared to ruin her best friends' lives and a bit of encouragement that I found myself planting it in my head.

This too shall pass.

"At least, your secret admire has senses," Kevin spoke up for what I assumed he too had done reading.

He was sniffling before he took another sip of his drink when I stole a glance at him. I found it funny - his body language and his expression.

And I found myself asking, "Are you perhaps... jealous?"

"N-No..."

"Sure..."

"Ivy, I'm not jealous," he turned his body wholly facing me as if this was a big misunderstanding and he wanted to make it clear. "I know you are lovable, Ivy. Everyone could fall in love with you, Moonlights are the evident proof. It's just... you never realized that."

I couldn't deny that. Even if Kevin didn't point out my weakness, I was aware of it. That I was insecure. I often doubted if people loved me. Knowing that Moonlights purely loved me made me instantly want to secure the love but I'd failed. They trusted Daisy more than me.

"Speaking of which... I don't want to keep any secrets from you," it was then, that I spoke up which seemed to be out of my willingness but I knew I had to make a change. Otherwise, I would keep living in a nightmare. "I'll tell you everything, Kev... About my past."