Secrets and Dreams

Chapter 14 - Deception For Separation

The school library was as expected almost empty that time of day when most of the students wished to hurry home after class, neglecting any desire to remain at the library just to study. Unlike Sicheng.

But not today.

The rarity of the moment was a novelty as Sicheng stared blankly through the window pane overlooking the school yard. He was painfully bored with the history of the Joseon period no matter how colorful the historian painted it with words. Memorizing the names and dates were not the issue. All he could think about was of course Taeyong. He hated to admit that Taeyong was a distraction. Instead he believed it was a momentary lapse of interest. He was worried, if he were to be honest, for Taeyong and himself.

During the first day of school when Lia dragged them both after classes to a nearby coffee shop, Sicheng's heart sank when he saw Jandi at the counter. She was apparently a barista there. Taeyong's face was expressionless, despite the cheerful greeting from Jandi. Great, thought Sicheng. Now they have two obstacles, one for each of them. School was becoming less and less exciting.

The only motivation for Sicheng was for the past three weeks since school has started, Taeyong spent almost all his available hours with Sicheng. In school during breaks, at lunch, going to and coming from school, they were inseparable. Almost every night they would study together despite having different subjects. They would eat dinner either at the Dong's home or of late at the Lee's home.

The first time Taeyong introduced Sicheng to his mother and sister was the day Sicheng thought his insides would explode. He never thought he would see the day.

It happened the weekend before when Sicheng got locked out of the house having forgotten the keys. It would have been fine had not his parents gone away overnight for an office retreat. So, naturally Taeyong thought Sicheng should spend the night at his place. Sicheng anticipated meeting Taeyong's family. They arrived just in time for dinner and Mrs. Lee and Areum were setting the table. Mr. Lee was however, was away overseas on an assignment for a construction project.

Everything was pleasant during dinner time, the food was marvelous and Taeyong's mother was very warm and kind to Sicheng. She was pleased to finally meet one of Taeyong's friends and a neighbor at that, she disclosed. She inquired about whether Sicheng has been able to adapt well to the Korean lifestyle and environment. She also insisted that the Lees were ready to help in case they needed anything, them being neighbors and all. However, it was Areum who made Sicheng just a tad uncomfortable. She quietly observed the two boys while they ate, especially Sicheng.

After dinner Taeyong and Sicheng did the clearing and washing of the dishes with Taeyong's mother retiring to the bedroom. They were alone in the kitchen and while Sicheng was soaping the dishes Taeyong stood behind him and planted a soft kiss on Sicheng's nape just as Areum was entering. They were unaware that she had seen them. She walked towards them as Taeyong took to drying off the dishes. Areum sat on the kitchen counter and brightly said with a smile, "so, since when have you two been dating."

Sicheng turned white as fresh snow and almost dropped the bone china Mrs. Lee seemed to value as much as her son. Taeyong on the other hand, just shrugged and said, "it's really none of your business, but if you must know Sicheng has been my boyfriend for over a month. Now please leave."