Garden Days

Daydream

"You came." Sehun said softly as he stood from the greenery.
"...Yes, I did." Irene answered, digging in her waist apron for a rag. The young man was covered in dirt, having obviously slept overnight in the garden. She wasn't too concerned since he'd done this many times before, but whether they were on good terms or not, she'd end up being the one to take care of him. "Here."
The young man took it, grateful, and wiped his face free of dirt and mud, a look of shame passing across his face shortly after. He bowed his head, tucking his hands into his pockets. "How are you?"
The conversation was slow to start, with Irene biting back the words she really wanted to say. "I'm good. Things could be better, but I'm good."
"I see. What could make them better?" Sehun was looking at Irene again, interest and curiosity in his eyes.
Irene plopped to the ground, finding herself a seat among the flowers and patting an empty spot next to her. "Sit." He complied and made himself comfortable. "Do you remember the first time I found you sleeping here? You-."
"-wanted to make sure you were okay." Sehun finished. "The day before, you had gotten into trouble and since your dad wouldn't let me see you, I...waited until you came back to the garden." Sehun said.
She bit her lip and hummed, spiteful words threatening to spill over. "You were...so childish then."
Her companion sat back to have a better look at her. "And now?"
"Well," Irene tucked her knees to her chest, suppressing the harsh reality with softer words. "I wouldn't say you're the most mature."
Sehun gave her a light tap on the arm. "Hey, I've grown a lot more than you think."
Thinking of a quick banter, the young woman retorted. "No, I know you-."
"I'm sorry." The air around them fell silent and she turned her head to look at him.
"You meant every word." She retorted.
"Was I wrong to be honest?"
"No, but-."
"It made you uncomfortable, didn't it? Unsettled and even a little regretful..."
Irene looked back at the ground and picked at the weeds with her cheek sitting on her on knees. "Do you love me?"
"Wh-What?" Sehun stuttered. "The other night, I...was just thinking- It's not like that-!"
"It's okay if you do," The young woman interrupted before she sat up to add. "And it's okay if you don't. Either way," She turned to her companion with a soft expression. "We both lose."
They sat in a confused silence, keeping to their own thoughts while the world around them continued with its busy affairs. "If I...love you," The young man began slowly, afraid as he took his turn to speak, careful of his next words. "Am I alone or...are we both losers in the game?"
"Game? If love was a game, I'd have lost a long time ago." A pause. "But, to answer your question Sehun, yes. Yes, we both lose out."
"...What does that mean for you? Emotionally, I mean." Sehun sounded very cautious to ask, his voice shaking just enough to give it away.
Irene inched closer, her chest heavy with what she was about to answer. "It's not too late to foul, is-?"
"Irene."
She turned her head; her heart stopping at the unwarranted presence.
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I know it's super short but there's a reason. I'm almost done with the next chapter so don't worry about having to wait long.
Im sure you've heard EXO's new album by now. Do you like it? Tempo is by far my favorite song off the album.
ALSO I'm in love with Lee Hyun's voice. Where can I find a [/n attainable] man who sounds like an angel?