Secrets and Dreams

Chapter 4 - An Awkward Friendship

The afternoon seemed delightful, if that could properly describe how Sicheng felt, as he walked the path to the park. He wanted to clear his thoughts even for a few moments. Cleanse would be more appropriate. He can't deny the fact that what was still mostly occupying his mind apart from his other worries, is that dream he had and vividly feeling Taeyong's warm breath on his parted lips. No, stop it you idiot.

The path led to a small playground which he avoided. Instead he headed towards the far end where there was a wooded enclosure that seemed more quiet. As he approached the metal benches he drew a sharp intake of breath. There on the last bench, he saw an unmistakable figure crouching over, head in both hands. Sicheng froze on his tracks not knowing whether he should quietly back out of sight, or give in to his urge to sit close to Taeyong and run his hands thru his dark luscious hair. Idiot. Stop being delusional.

He decided to be the coward and slowly started backing out and turned to leave. He then made a decision to put a stop to this madness. I'm coming to my senses, good.

"Sicheng?" The tentative voice of Taeyong barely audible and sounded somewhat shakey. His deep voice sent shivers down Sicheng's spine.

Sicheng hesitated but eventually turned and put on a casual expression on his face, smiling brightly. His heart racing faster than an F1 car. "Oh hello."

"Hi," Taeyong said, smiling warmly. "How are you today?"

Not okay thanks to you... Sicheng cleared his throat. "I'm good, thanks. And you?"

"Good, good."

"Ah... I have to.." Sicheng started, pointing his thumb towards the way he came from. But Taeyong interrupted him. "Would you like to sit with me for a while?"

Sicheng wanted to say no, but something powerful pulled him towards Taeyong so he obliged. He sat as far away from Taeyong as the bench would allow. He felt very awkward and he couldn't think of anything relevant to say. At that moment he could see from the corner of his eyes Taeyong was staring at him. Did he have something on his face? He swallowed nervously, wracking his brain for a way to break the awkward silence. Taeyong did it for him.

"So have you settled into your new home?"

"Uh...yes thank you." Sicheng knew it sounded curt but his being uncomfortable was all he could think about. If only Taeyong didn't continue to study his face like this...

"So where do you plan to finish school, here in Seoul, right?" Taeyong asked.

"Yes, in the School of Asian Performance Arts. Its just near here I think. My father's colleague who helped us settle here suggested it because his daughter also studies there. Luckily I got accepted so I can finish my remaining semesters there. They also live in our neighborhood. They were the ones who helped us get the apartment too. They are very kind, they're having dinner with us this weekend..." Suddenly Sicheng felt his cheeks burn. He was blabbering.

Taeyong was still looking at him, Sicheng realized. He seemed to be staring as if studying a piece of art hung at museums. Sicheng found his courage and dared to steal a glance at his companion. Taeyong's expression was that of amusement and something else. Sicheng could not place it. It was Taeyong's eyes that held his gaze. It was a gaze full of tenderness and something else. Something familiar. A flash of...desire? No, that's not possible. I'm just remembering my dream, imagining things. The thought brought Sicheng to reality. "What about you? Where do you study?"