Hanoi is calling you

III

Jihye was cycling on the road when she reached the intersection of Quang Trung and Tran Hung Dao. She turned right. The green traffic light stayed on. Her pace was steady, avoiding any collisions. A fleeting glimpse. A silhouette. A familiar figure. Coming closer, she could make out the hair. Then, unexpectedly, a red light. But it was a blessing...

Jihye struggled to catch her breath as she turned her head and saw Haerin's face. It filled her with both joy and confusion. Was it her imagination, or were Haerin's cheeks slightly flushed? Were her lips pressed together just a little? But Jihye could clearly see her chest rising and falling. And then... Haerin sternly scolded her.

"Don't be reckless! You'll cause an accident"

Jihye lowered her head, a faint smile appearing on her lips, like a child being scolded but secretly thrilled inside. That scolding tone, that fleeting stern look—how could Jihye not find it utterly endearing?

"I'm sorry. Are you okay?" Jihye asked.

"I almost wasn't" Haerin replied with a smile.

"I... I was careless. Good thing I didn't scare you," jihye stammered, tightening her grip on the handlebars and stealing quick glances at Haerin before looking away.

"You need to be more careful, Jihye. I don't want you to get hurt."

Jihye smiled shyly, a mix of embarrassment and joy.

"I promise. I won't be reckless again."

"Good. I'll hold you to that promise."

Haerin turned to Jihye, her gaze softening slightly before she gently brushed her hair back, the wind having tossed it into disarray.

"Well, I have to go."

Jihye nodded, reluctant to part.

"Uh... where are you heading? Can I give you a lift?"

"Minji asked me to buy some stuff at the general store"

Jihye gave her a ride, the old bicycle creaking with each pedal. When they arrived, Haerin stood outside the entrance, clutching her ration coupon tightly, her wide eyes taking in the chaotic crowd inside. People lined up in streams, pushing and shoving like a school of fish fighting over bait. Laughter, chatter, and weary sighs blended into a cacophony of noise.

Haerin hesitated, unsure whether to step forward or stay back. Her fingers fidgeted with the coupon, her expression showing clear uncertainty.

"What do you need? I can get it for you" Jihye offered, tilting her head as if trying to read Haerin's thoughts.

"Minji asked me to buy three kilos of mung beans"

"For a party? That's a lot!"

"It's for wrapping chung cake. If we don't buy it early, it'll run out"

"Let me get it for you. Stay here; no need to push through."

Before Haerin could respond, Jihye snatched the coupon from her hand and dove into the crowd. Her petite frame wove through the throng with surprising agility, like a shuttle in a weaver's hands, determined to reach the counter. Finally, after some effort, she emerged victorious, holding three packages of beans, looking as proud as someone who'd just won a prize.

"Here you go!" Jihye beamed, handing them to Haerin.

"Did you really have to go through all that trouble?" Haerin asked gently, though her voice carried a note of gratitude.

"It's no trouble at all. Just be happy, okay?"

"Thank you, Jihye" Haerin said bashfully, her words escaping her rosy lips like a whispered prayer.