It was a fine spring day in the Joseon dynasty.
I leaned under the oak tree, the place which served as my sanctuary for the past years. Gazing up to the sky, I dreamt about flying and touching the clouds. Under this tree, I can dream just about anything, I can be whoever I want to be with no one interfering me.
I savoured the peaceful atmosphere as I felt the sun kiss my pale skin. I deeply inhaled the fresh cool air that reminded me of the newly blossomed flowers. I was slowly drifting off to my afternoon nap when I heard my horse neigh.
“Thank you for reminding me that I have to go home” I sarcastically said to him.
We were strolling the dust-filled road towards our village, when I heard a smile cry somewhere behind another oak tree. Curious as I was, I jumped off from my horse and slowly neared the tree. I carefully picked up a fig just in case the crying creature behind the tree decides to attack me.
With each step, I can hear the cry louder, and when I was already inches behind the tree, I caught a glimpse of brown fabric. Leaning closer, the figure of a small girl was revealed to me. As if sensing my presence, she stopped crying and turned her head to my side. Her pained eyes locked with mine, and I suddenly felt my face flush at her sight.
“Oh, my apologies, I didn’t mean to interrupt” embarrassment flooded me, but she kept on staring at me without uttering a word.
“I-, I just heard you while I was on my way home. I better go, sorry.” But when I was about to leave, I hear her soft voice.
“I’m scared to be alone. Can you stay with me?”
I stopped on my tracks and turned to her once more.
“Are you sure? But I’m a stranger to you.” My expression in agape. Her lips turned into a small smile.
“Then let’s be friends. I’m Moon Chae Won, and you are?”
“Joong Ki, I’m Song Joong Ki” I answered with a smile.
That one fine spring day I gained a friend, for the first time in my life.
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“Oppa! Hurry up!” I hear her beautiful voice calling out to me meters away. I gaze at her direction, and I all I can feel was gratitude and contentment. It has been ten years since our first meeting under the oak tree, and our friendship has blossomed into something deeper, that is, on my side.
It was not a surprise when I realized that my feelings for Chae Won were no longer like that of a friend or a brother. She was the sun that brightened my life, the flower that made things beautiful in my sight, the breeze that calmed me in the storm. Indeed, she was the best thing that happened to me.
I do not know if she feels the same way, I do not even have the courage to ask her. I’m afraid that she might reject me, and walk away from my life. I just cannot bear the thought of losing her. Hence, I just have to settle with what we have.
I did not realize that I was in deep thought until Chae Won called my name, now in an annoyed tone.
“Do I really have to call you more than once before you appear?” She pouted and glared at me. I chuckled and patted her head, “Is that the way to speak to your oppa? May I just remind you that I am still a year older.” She just scoffed, not admitting defeat. This is very like Chae Won, the strong yet sweet girl that would brace anything just to have what she wants.
“Give me your hand” she ordered. I furrowed at her sudden demand. She still can be unpredictable even after ten years of friendship.
“Song Joong Ki oppa, I said give me your hand” she was getting more annoyed by the minute. Without hesitance I extended my right hand to her.
