The Time We Wasted

Part 2 - The Talk

Jung Hwan shuffled his feet nervously. He walked to the departure schedule board and checked his watch for the hundreds times. His eyes scanned the schedule board, he didn't need to do that, honestly. He already remember the train arrival schedule for today by heart, he could answer anyone who asked him the train schedule for today. He was doing that because he needed something to do to calm his nervous heart. He reached inside his uniform pocket and pull out a pack cigarette, finally decided to waste time waiting by smoking. Suddenly a long whistle signaling arrival of a train was heard, before he could even lit his cigarette. Finally the train he waited arrived, right on schedule. Sea of people went out of the train, and Jung Hwan scanned the crowd, trying to find for a certain someone. He checked each peron exit and finally he spotted him.

Standing near a coffee vending machine was Choi Taek. He was trying to put coins inside the machine but the coins always come out. He observed the coin hole seriously, tilting his head and tried to peek inside the hole, wondering why is it so hard to buy coffee. He tried to put one more coin, but the coin immediately fell out of the hole, again. He scratched his head, wondering what went wrong with the vending machine.

Jung Hwan smiled a little watching the struggles Taek faces to get his coffee. He never changes, that little bastard. Always struggles in daily life, for the most trivial things ever. The gang already gave up trying to understand why in the world Taek always so late in catching up the newest news or the newest technology. While the world see him as a quiet and genius Baduk master, for the Ssangmun-dong gang Choi Taek is their clueless Heedong. Well, he might get occasional scolding from Dong Ryong and Deok Seon, but the gang always ready to help him, eventhough he made them frustrated. Because they are family, and family always there for each other.

Jung Hwan walked closer to Taek. He reminded of memories from years ago. The Taek who hates asking favor to other person, had to sell his name to a hospital director for Jung Hwan's Dad to receive treatment. Being the awkward boy he was, Jung Hwan couldn't really express his gratitude. So when he tied Tae's shoelaces, they both knew that both party were grateful over their friendship and there was silent understanding between each other. Sometimes, sincerity conveys better from simple actions than some polished words.

He tapped Taek's shoulder. He pointed to a paper above the coffee display. Written on the paper with bold letters was "VENDING MACHINE UNDER REPAIR". Taek sighed, feeling disappointed. He turned to Jung Hwan and smiled brightly, "Jungpal-ah, what are you doing here?" Grabbing Taek's luggages, he answered, "Picking you up. Come on, I treat you to coffee. Hyung told me there is a new coffee shop opened in Insadong."

Taek followed Jung Hwan to his Jeep. He had a feeling he knows what made Jung Hwan come. He opened the door and jumped inside. Jung Hwan started driving, but no words exchanged between them. They always like this. Both are the more quiet kids of the bunch. Sun Woo and Dong Ryong talked a lot, so he almost never had a silent moment with them. Different with Jung Hwan, they usually spent time together quietly, enjoying the comfortable silence. With Jung Hwan, he could never guess what he was thinking about. Jung Hwan is quiet, unpredictable but affectionate.

After not too long, they arrived at the coffee shop. It was a small but nice coffee shop. Dominated with color brown and red for the furnitures, definitely a nice place to have a cup of coffee. Might be because it was a newly opened coffee shop, but they seemed to be the only customers. Jung Hwan chose to sit beside the window, gesturing to Taek to take a seat in front of him.

A waiter came, and after placing their order, Jung Hwan asked, "Did you have a good trip?"

Taek nodded, "Yes, I slept the entire train ride."

"Did you win?"

"Yes, I won," Taek answered. He leaned his body to the chair, and folded his hands on his thigh, "But, did you pick me from station only to asked these? You could call or page me."