Winter Hearts

Hongbin Sounds Out Leo

Leo and Hongbin walked along the main row of shops that faced the sea. They passed quaint boutique shops, banks and eateries as they headed for the main jetty which they could see ahead. They crossed the main road which ran along the waterfront and made their way past a small playground until they came to the water's edge, where the jetty began. They were standing on old stone or marble that had been used to build the huge jetty that was as wide as a double-carriage road.

As they walked along the jetty, they saw huge iron moorings every few metres. They were a deep reddish brown and polished smooth by the elements and handling. They looked like huge iron heart-shaped mushrooms which they could stand or sit on.

They looked over the edge to find that the water was already quite deep, which was suitable for smaller vessels to moor right by the dock. However all the larger vessels would probably drop anchor in the bay a few hundred metres out where it was deeper. They saw a fish trawler coming close to the jetty as it passed by, a small flock of seagulls trailing behind it.

They walked to the very end of the jetty where they saw a permanent lighting fixture, like a maypole of string lights, which had been bolted to the ground. It was conical, the shape of a christmas tree. Since it was permanent, it probably played more functions than just as a christmas ornament. Beyond it, there was a lighthouse, small and squat, just tall enough to make it one story above ground.

And next to it, a lone bench which looked out into the quiet, still waters of the bay.

Hongbin was making audible noises of awe, whilst Leo walked straight to the bench and sat down. He took in the beautiful vista in front of him. Right below his feet, the deep dark green waters of the bay silently lapped against the stone. Straight ahead, the glassy waters reflected the sun with such a glare that the glint hurt his eyes. And if he looked to the horizon, the surprisingly clear view of the Pelopponesian mountain range was in the distance.

Really a huge island, the Pelopponese formed the southern border of the Corinth Canal, whilst the mainland where Itea was situated, formed the northern perimeter. In between, the waters of the Corinth were so beautiful and still they were like a glass mirror, or a metal sheet, that reflected the sky's moods with reverence.

Except for the chugging of the passing trawler, it was quiet and peaceful. They couldn't even hear the bustle of the street. Leo pulled out his phone to take pictures, hoping to send some back to his family when he reconnected to wifi. He took video clips and selfies with Hongbin, before they both settled into a comfortable silence, sitting on the bench together.

"Hyung, they really found a great place for us to have our vacation," Hongbin started.

Leo nodded thoughtfully while Hongbin studied his reaction.

"And our hosts are very nice." Another thoughtful nod.

"Mr Mikhalis is very accommodating. And Siana is very charming."

Leo looked at Hongbin pointedly. Hongbin took it as a sign to keep going.

"She was so friendly and helpful."

"She was avoiding me," Leo said.

"Hyung, you were wearing your scary face and barely said hello, of course she would keep her distance." Leo nodded reluctantly. Hongbin didn't know about their lift encounter, though.

"What do you think of her?" Hongbin ventured.

"Why are you asking me?" Leo asked, almost too quickly.

"We will be spending a lot of time together, which is a lot to expect from someone who is obviously a fan. I mean, can we trust her to act appropriately?"