"Tell me the story of the ring Jisung," Mr. Kim asks at the next session.
"Oh well, it all started when we were thirteen so almost three years ago," Jisung begins.
"Happy birthday Ji," Jaemin says the second I open the door. He rushes in and gives me a tight hug. I weakly wrap my arms around him, not fully shaken sleep from my system.
"Do you have any plans today," he asks pulling away, excitement written in his eyes.
"Uh, no, I don't think so," I say, my morning voice still evident.
"Well that's good because I have plans for you and I! Now go get ready," he orders.
"But Jaemin, it's only," I pause to check my phone, "eight thirty."
"And? You only turn thirteen once," he says optimistically. I chuckle at him before retreating upstairs to get ready.
When I get back downstairs Jaemin immediately grabs my hand and yanks me through the door.
It's cold outside, seeing as it is still February. Snow dusted the ground making it a little slippery.
"Jaemin, where are we going," I ask as we walk along the sidewalk.
"Oh no Ji, you don't get to know until we get there," Jaemin reply's, a playful smirk on his face. I roll my eyes but can't stop a smile from spreading across my face.
We walk for a little while longer until we reach the bus stop. We wait a little while before getting on.
The bus ride was too long and so boring. Jaemin and I lived on the outskirts of Seoul in a very nice, very rich neighborhood.
Once we reach central Seoul, we get off the bus. It was loud and busy. The streets were full of people and the smell of street food filled the air. I loved the city, it was a shame we had to move away.
Jaemin leads me through the streets, navigating between all of the people until we reach a small cafe. It was one of my favorite cafes.
We step inside and the aroma of coffee beans and delectable sweets flood my sense. The soft music and the quiet chatter make the cafe feel homey.
We move to take our seats at one of the spare tables, seated in the corner. The waiter comes over minutes later.
"Hello, what can I get you both today," he asks taking his pen and paper out of his apron.
Jaemin goes first. He orders some strong coffee. How does he sleep at night?
"I'll just have a hot chocolate and a begal with strawberry cream cheese please," I say quietly. The waiter nods and walks off.
"So here were my plans, we're going to spend the day in Seoul! We can do whatever you want! Go where ever, buy whatever, eat whatever. It's all on me," he says with a huge smile on his face.
"But I don't want to waste all of your money Nana," I say with a slight frown.
"Jisung, my parents own the most successful headphone brand in Korea. I'm rich. You won't be spending anywhere close to all of my money," Jaemin reassures me.
"Ok then," I say trying to sound ok with the idea.
After our drinks are served we enjoy quietly.
We do numerous things. Shopping, enjoying street food, we even stopped to watch some of the people dancing in the street. Jaemin knew how much I enjoyed dancing.
Once it reached three, Jaemin took me too the bowling alley. There we met up with some friends. It was amazing.
When we reached my home, my parents surprised me with a cake. We sat around, eating cake and opening presents.
"Thank you for today Jaemin," I say, standing at my front door, biding Jaemin goodbye.
"Actually Ji, I have one more present for you," he says before grabbing my hand. He leads me out into the gardens, down the brick path and towards the tree house.
After we first met, the tree house became our favorite hang out spot. We were in the tree house everyday during the summer.
I follow him up the latter and into the tree house. We had kind of outgrown the treehouse last summer. We began just hanging out in the backyard.
It was so dark and dirty now. Frozen leaves and snow were settled on the ground. The lights and blankets had been taken out of it. The little covers over the windows were gone. Now of just looked like a sad, lonely tree house.
"Why'd you bring me up here," I ask, crossing my legs.
"I have one final present to give you," he states, pulling a small, velvet box out of his coat pocket.
He hands it to me quietly and I open it. A smile creeps onto my face and tears come to my eyes.
It was a simple silver ring but it was so special with the words 'Prince Ji+Knight Nana' engraved in it.
"Jaemin, you didn't have to," I say leaning forward and pulling him into a tight, thankful hug. He pulls away a little too quickly though. He's expression held sadness.
"Jaemin, what's wrong," I ask, concerned.
"Jisung," he begins. This wasn't good. He was using my full name. He never used my full name.
"Jisung, I'm moving away. To America. I'm studying abroad," he states, fumbling with his hands, his eyes in his lap.
"Oh."
"I'll be back for summer and Christmas! It'll just be a little while. I'm moving back my senior year," He says, finally looking up at me. I look out the window behind him.
"Ji," he says softly. I look at him. He had a hopeful look in his eyes. Hopeful for what? That I wasn't mad? Or that'd I'd be fine with him leaving?
"Why are you studying abroad?" is the only thing that comes out of my mouth.
"I applied for one of their fine arts schools and they accepted me," he says, an excited smile on his face.
I just nod. There are so many things I want to say. I want to say that there are plenty of fine arts schools in Korea. Right here in Seoul there are several.
"I'm happy for you Jaemin," I say, flashing a fake smile.
"Thank you Jisung."
Silence settles between us.
"I love you Jisung, you know that right?"
"When he told me he loved me my heart fluttered. I didn't know what it was then but I would in due time."
