Metus

Howon shoved his face into his hands in frustration. Twenty four years – that was how long he had struggled through his life. As much as he had tried to hide, he had failed to stay low. No matter what, he was human. He needed company, he liked to socialize, and he wanted friends.

And so he thought that after twenty four years, he was prepared to leave the safety of his home. His large and empty home, containing only the bare basics, was a mere metal garage built in the middle of nowhere. Howon may or may not have settled illegally on land he didn’t purchase, but he wasn’t doing harm to anyone.

At least, as long as he stayed there.

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Howon squinted at the tall buildings in the distance, longing to travel down into the city. He had already gathered enough courage to stand at the edges, but there was no way that he could venture in.

He never knew that there was someone observing him from afar, though. So when a handsome boy stood beside him one day, Howon was startled to the point that he flew back a full meter.

“Whoa!” The boy laughed and pointed at Howon, using his free hand to clutch at his stomach. “You looked so scared!”

“Who are you?” Howon groaned as he stood up and dusted his pants off.

“Woohyun. Nam Woohyun!” Woohyun stuck his hand out and initiated a hand-shake, but Howon never raised his hand.

“H…Howon.” He stared at the hand and hung his head, knowing that he could never come in contact with other people.

“Why are you always standing here?” Woohyun took a step forward so that he was closer to Howon again, and the two realized how their heights were similar. Woohyun took the chance to sling his arm around his shoulders, getting too close for Howon’s comfort.

Howon cleared his throat and slipped out of Woohyun’s arm. “I like staring at the city, that’s all. I don’t have time to go and sightsee.”

“Really? You seem like you’re the same age as me, though.” Woohyun frowned. “What is there for you be busy over?”

“…Stuff.” Howon mumbled and looked anywhere and everywhere in an attempt to avoid eye contact. It was obvious that he would be awkward after more than a generation of no socializing, but he never knew exactly how hard it exactly was to talk to someone else.

“Well, if you have the time to stand here and stare for a few hours each day, then you have some time to visit the city!” Woohyun said cheerfully. “It only takes an hour by car.”

“I can’t, I have to go home now.” He turned on his heel.

“That’s alright. Have a good day!” Woohyun waved and sent him off with a large grin.

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