LI JUN

The attic

Lin walked up to the highest floor of the mansion which is the attic. There were numerous attics in the house but the one Shin chose as their hiding spot was the most reclusive one. It's a small space hidden almost to the furthest end where no one ever comes.

Shin and Lin could disappear in there for hours and no one is going to find out. She sat on an old dusty sofa that's been in the attic forever. Lost and forgotten in time. Flume of dust rose stirred by her movement.

It did not take long for Shin to come along. Thank goodness, because it was the middle of the night and there's something about being in the attic alone that terrified her.

"Shin!" She breathed in relief.

"Sorry about that, I didn't mean to make you wait. I wanted to make sure no one saw me come up here."

"It's okay." She said. She can understand how hard it is to sneak out at night.

Shin took the seat beside her and got comfortable, throwing his arms around her while resting her leg on him.

"So what was it you and your father was talking about?" Inquired Lin remembering the hostile conversation they had this morning.

Shin exhaled. "Yeah about that....he wanted to send me abroad for studies."

Lin stilled. This was quite a shock.

"I know father was against us getting together but I have no idea how determined he was." Shin continued.

"So, what're we going to do?" Asked Lin.

"I'll try to talk him out of it, but if he don't change his mind, I have no option but to go."

Lin sighed some more and pulled away slightly, unable to hide her disappointment. "Four years abroad seem like a long time." What if Shin meet someone? What is she going to do then?

He faced her, brushing her arm. Shin could tell how upset she was, leaning to give her a kiss. "Don't worry, four years will go by." ...and kissed her lips one more time.

***

By the time they woke up, it was near dawn. The sun was breaking through the horizon when Shin flicked his eyes open. He panicked yanking himself from the sofa, still half naked from the night before.

Lin awoke with him, the same kind of panic latched on to her as she watched Shin rushed to get his pants and shirt back on.

"We fell asleep." Shin moaned, stumbling to get his sock on one foot.

Lin nodded in silent agreement. It was her fault as well, but she was more than exhausted. Can you blame her? After working all day, she spent much of the evening cozying in his arms.

But it was a good night and Shin didn't seem so upset anymore.

Shin gave her a final kiss but before he could leave, Lin reeled him back to her. Her brown eyes fluttered and Shin didn't have to be told what she wanted. He could spare a few more minutes this morning.