Winter Hearts

Min Caryatid

"We're up here!"

Siana waited for one of the boys to hear from down below.

She and Min had decided to go on ahead, getting their tickets and walking slowly up the causeway towards the Acropolis' city gate, which stood atop a sudden steep giant staircase that rose suddenly out of the gentler sloping road that lead to it. They were already on those stairs when they saw the boys arriving and getting their tickets.

The wind and the rustle of the shrubbery made it seem like the sound of her voice just flew away sideways out of her mouth.

Just when she thought no one could hear her, Leo looked up and caught her watching them. After a beat, he gave her a big smile, a smile that spoke of much more than happiness and made her heart skip a beat.

She heard Min hum appreciatively for her benefit.

"Girl, that's a look," she heard her say, making her beam with pleasure.

The rest of the boys noticed and looked up also, waving and starting to walk up the road. Min nodded to N, who had looked up and was watching her expressionlessly. She noticed Hongbin flashed his dimples before turning to chat with Ravi as the other boys began the climb. Ravi nodded, his face all seriousness, in full concentration.

"What is that Ravi made of, though? Heaven?" She muttered to Siana, who snorted.

"Do you find everyone attractive, Min?"

Min turned to her without hesitation. "First of all, Ravi is hella attractive, who wouldn't? Secondly - yes. I find everyone attractive."

"Even the nasty people?"

"Yes. Even so-called ugly people. Even people I detest."

"I see. No. I don't see!"

Min smiled a lopsided smile at Siana. They had had such conversations before, where no matter how much she tried to explain herself, Siana still couldn't fathom feeling the same way as her.

"You know, this is about what you think is attractive and what I think is attractive. Although I like pretty faces, it's the light behind their eyes, the expression they have when they talk to you, it's the way they carry out their intentions. The little gestures, the thought processes. I see it all immediately, and there is always something to like in anybody. And I let it show that I like it."

Siana pondered on that for a moment.

"So it's not just physical beauty? Because I think Ravi is gorgeous, but there's just no attraction there."

"Well, we're on the same page then. It's just that I like looking for that appeal and making the most of the moment of connection, no matter how short. You're not looking for that because you want real lurrrve."

Siana laughed, nodding.

"Which is why, even if you are with one guy, you will still flirt outrageously with another one."

"What's wrong with that?" Min asked, loftily.

"What would the guy you're with feel about that?"

"He knew the moment we laid eyes on each other that's what I am like. Because I showed him with all honesty what I liked about him right at the start. Any guy with me who says differently is kidding himself - and that is when I move on."

"Isn't it like cheating for some people?"

"I can admire a cake without eating it, babe." Min turned as she heard the boys approaching. She watched with unabashed pleasure as the tall line of males exerted themselves walking uphill.