prism [ kim s.j ] ( fin )

† 44

     "hey kyu!" the bartender called out, "drink's ready."

     kyu leaped to one of the high chairs, eager for her drink. the man slid the drink to her, a carefree ease.

     "you're the best!" kyu laughed at his playful wink. "ajusshi, remember, you have a boyfriend!"

     "he loves you though, so you're all good."

     "i'm happy that i am," a sip, scribble. sip, scribble. "ahjusshi?" a hum, shaking a concoction in a cocktail shaker. "do you have any gin, by any chance?"

     "kyu, you know your oesophagus —"

     "i know, just a little bit though.

     she followed where his finger pointed, slipping to the space and grabbing the bottle. a small flow emitted a piney smell, christmas. slushed with the mango, she took a sip, tingles. messy slurps to the end, glass.

     "i'll be going, ajusshi!" papers in bag, guitar hugging her back.

     "don't forget your present, kyu." she slung the bag to her arm, pecking the man's cheek and a whisper of thanks.

     kyu tensed as she passed a table - a man in front of her. eyebrows furrowed, his flew up. stare judgemental, his sported woe. lips thin, laced with spiked mango - his quivered with strong tingles, soju and nuts.