Invite To Play

오늘 밤 공원에 만날래요?

Moonbyul had not shown you the film at your last meeting. Maybe she had forgotten. Was it intentional? I went over the possibilites after the cafe.. meetup? Date? Whatever the category. The reason for future meetups. Was I ready to give it up?

I shook my head, if I wanted to have a heathly relationship, or friendship, it would do no good to be secretive. Except about me liking her. That could remain a secret.

I looked at the heart under my message. Wow, I'm super gay. I wondered if she was excited as I was.

The sun had set long ago and the air was brisk. I bundled a scarf around my neck to keep the chill out, suddenly grateful I had opted for pants tonight.

The path was well lit and I found myself in the center. The fountain was off due to the season but the decorative lights were still on. They were lain in a row. When the water was on it created an arch of light.

"I wish they were on." I said to no one. I slipped my phone into my back pocket before putting my hands in my coat pockets. I stepped closer to peer into the empty basin of the fountain.

If I had heard her approach I probably would not have screamed. I can say that much to salvage my dignity. Moonbyul knocked into my elbow and I shrieked, nearly tipping over. She laughed, steadying me with a hand on shoulder.

"What was that for?" I spluttered, pretending to be mad. I couldn't hold my expression. Her smile was too wide for me not join in her laughter.

"I called your name. You must not have heard." She hooked her elbow around mine, I had to conscoiously remind myself to breathe, led me away from the fountain.

I was glad for the darkness for it hid my warm cheeks. Maybe she would think it was because of the cold. But this was the closest we had been, ever.

Good thing you can't hear a heartbeat.

We ended up at the children's park. Moonbyul bowed, sweeping her arm down to the seat, "Your throne awaits, my queen."

I laughed,"You serious? I can't remember the last time I was on one of these."

She sat in the next seat, feet slowly dragging in the sand. Moonbyul pulled out her phone to play a song. It was instumental but arranged in such a way I could not name. It fit with the atmosphere, a quiet park, the clink of the swing chains, and lowlight from the lanterns.

We continued listening to music, Moonbyul narrating what film she had used it in or when she connected the music to a moment in her life. I added my own tracks and shared my school life until now.

It was a different way to grow close but I felt like we understood each other way more now.

"Hey..." Moonbyul dragged her feet in the ground to come to a stop. She moved her swing closer to mine. "Do you think I could..?"

I blinked as a raindrop fell on my nose. Moombyul's cap protected her face but made plonks when it was splattered with the rain.

"Time to go." Moonbyul helped me up and grabbed my hand. I didn't have a second to say anthing as we began running.

Running in the rain was the least romantic way to end the night. We ran to the bar, seeking shelter just outside of it.
"I live nearby, so I can walk home. What about you?" I asked, covering my head with my scarf.

"I'll have to call a ride. I'm sorry our night got cut short." She looked disapointed, looking almost angrily at the rain.

I would have thought it was cute had I not too been upset at the turn of events. "It's not like you can control it. I'll wait with you until your ride comes."

She shook her head, the ends of her hair saturated with rain. "Let me walk you home. I'll call from there."

I nodded, a bit surprised. Any extra time with her was welcome. We prepared ourselves again before running in the direction of my apartment. It was more of a studio loft but it was close to work and nice for the rent.

I wanted to invite her in but she was already on her phone calling for a ride. All too soon a car drove up and she was getting in.

She gave me one last look before closing the door,"Take a shower right away. You don't want to catch cold." I nodded, waving goodbye.

It was only when I was laying in bed freshly showered that I remembered, What did she want to ask me?