You Know

Chapter 5: 6 o'clock

Kenji’s POV

I know I’m perfectly capable of getting myself to school tomorrow—I've got my car, and there are buses along the way. But how could I possibly refuse an offer like this, sent straight from heaven?

All night, I was preoccupied with thoughts of what to prepare for him. As soon as morning came, I messaged him with an invitation to come over and included the code for my unit.

I was in the middle of preparing the meal when I was surprised to see him already there, watching me. Suddenly self-conscious, I wondered: How do I look? Am I coming off as too desperate or too serious while cooking?

“You were so focused that you didn’t notice I was here,” he said. “You look stunning when you’re concentrating and happy while cooking.”

His words made my face flush, and I couldn’t help but blush.

Yuri continued, “You know, I’m not great at cooking, but I am good at making coffee. Can I make some for both of us?”

His offer took me by surprise and filled me with happiness. I simply smiled in response. I finished preparing breakfast and packed some for lunch, then sat on the kitchen counter, watching him in the kitchen.

I found myself voicing my thoughts out loud, “This could be the best morning ever.” I realized too late what I’d said, but Yuri just looked at me with a warm, inviting smile. My heart was racing, unsure whether it was still in shock or on the verge of exploding.

“You know, I’ve been really looking forward to this meal,” he shared as he sat right next to me. “I was even thinking about it while I was running.”

At that moment, I felt like I was already a goner. We shared the meal and grew even closer. We started having more meals together, engaging in conversations where he opened up more than just a few words.

6 a.m. became my favorite time of day. I’d message him at night, and he’d be there at my kitchen counter, watching me prepare breakfast.

After the first school trimester, I asked if he wanted to hang out and grab a few drinks after a school event. He agreed, and I was looking forward to it.

“You know what, we should play a game—not too intense, just something relaxing,” I suggested. “How about a Q&A?”

He looked around, contemplating. “Great! No physical movements, not truth or dare,” he replied, and we both laughed.

Yuri started, “So, how's the university treating you so far?”

I chuckled. “Come on, what kind of question is that?” I teased. “Alright, I’d say I’m doing better than I expected. It's my turn now. Have you ever had your heart broken?”

Oh god, was the alcohol speaking for me?

Yuri’s eyes grew serious. “Wow! That’s a big leap from my question. (he sighed) Well, yes, I’ve been through it. It was with someone I thought was worth doing something crazy like jumping out of an airplane.” He looked at me and smiled. “And you? Have you?”

Seeing the sadness in his eyes hurt me deeply. I thought about that night again.

“No, I haven’t,” I admitted. “I’ve never met someone special enough to make me feel like jumping out of an airplane. But I hope your heart heals from the scars only you understand.”

Yuri’s expression softened. “Wow, that’s very comforting.”

“I haven’t experienced heartbreak myself,” I said, “but I know what it feels like to see someone special going through pain.”

Eventually, Yuri fell asleep. He wasn’t much of a drinker, so it didn’t take much for him to drift off. As he slept like an angel, I looked at him and whispered, “I never had an experience of meeting someone so special that’s worth jumping out of an airplane—until I met you, Yuri.”

That night, while he slept peacefully, I cried. I prayed intensely for his happiness and hoped he would find someone who truly deserves his love.

I could ask God to make me that person, but I understand that my feelings may not match God’s will. If it’s meant to be me, I ask for guidance to make this work.

After our night out, Yuri left the country. He mentioned he was going to visit his grandparents. As for me, I dove into summer varsity camp, immersing myself in the activity to pass the time.

The separation felt more profound than I anticipated. As the days of the semester break stretched on, I couldn’t shake the feeling of longing that settled deep within me. The routines we’d shared—waking up early, making breakfast together, and our evening conversations—had become a cherished part of my life. Now, those moments were replaced by the empty quiet of my apartment, and the absence of Yuri's presence was a stark reminder of how much he meant to me.

Each morning when I prepared breakfast, I found myself looking around, half-expecting to see him at my kitchen counter, ready to make coffee or share a laugh. Instead, there was just silence and a pang of emptiness. Every time I checked my phone, hoping for a message from him, I felt a twinge of disappointment when none arrived.

As I went through the motions of my daily routine, I couldn't help but imagine what he was doing—how he was spending his time with his grandparents, and whether he missed our time together as much as I missed him. The distance between us felt like an ocean, and though I tried to focus on my camp activities and stay occupied, my thoughts often drifted back to him.

The waiting seemed endless, and every day that passed without seeing him felt like an eternity. I longed for the day when he’d return, for the familiar comfort of his presence, and for the chance to pick up where we left off.