Etude of Memories

Chapter 03 : Let's Walk Together

Under the crimson trees, that day, a young woman walked slowly. She immersed herself in the moment as she began to hum softly. It was at the end of summer, when the Fall was near. The weather was perfect for a walk. Her long hair subtly blown by the wind, her white dress danced everytime she took a step.

Suzy stopped under one of the trees. She looked up and smiled when she heard the soft rumbling sound made by the wind when it touched the leaves. Another wind came, this time it was a little bit bigger, as there were more leaves fell from that tree.

Suzy turned her head following the fallen leaves. That time, her eyes locked to a young man standing a few feet away from her. Their eyes met and locked for e few minutes. It seemed like the time froze for the two of them. He didn't say anything, neither did she. They just looked at each other silently.

***

Bogum was focusing on his camera. He took a few pictures near the South Gate of his campus, Yonsei University. His best friend, Seo In Guk, later came with a cup of hot americano.

"I can't believe the campus assigned us with this huge project, but didn't even give us money to buy coffee", In Guk sighed loudly. Bogum took a sip of his coffee, he finally put down his camera.

"Bogum-ah, you need to be more firm when they ask you to do something like this. You are the vice president of our photography club" In Guk stopped talking when he realized his best friend stared at him coldly.

"And you are the one who make me assigned to that position, because you secretly fill the registration form-"

"I know I know" In Guk stopped Bogum for explaining more. He took the camera and walked away, "Take a rest, Bogum-ah. You already worked so hard. I'll do the rest" In Guk waved innocently to his best friend. As Bogum watched In Guk took photos from a far, something caught his eyes.

Right at that moment, his eyes landed on a young woman. She walked slowly toward his direction. Her long hair was blown softly by the wind.

Bogum's breath caught in his throat. She is beautiful. He couldn't take his eyes off of her.As the woman walked passed Bogum, without much thinking, he followed from behind.

The woman suddenly stopped, she looked up at one of the trees. She closed her eyes and smiled. She is really beautiful. The scenery even made her more beautiful.

Bogum's heart still racing when suddenly the woman turned her head. Their eyes finally met. Bogum froze.

***

The young man looked around her age, if not older. He has his hand in the pocket of his jeans. As Suzy looked at him, he didn't even intend to look away.

Suzy gulped nervously, feeling uncomfortable, as the man started to walk closer, still with his eyes locked to hers. Step by step, he grew nearer. And with each step, Suzy's heart began to beat faster.

"C-can I help you?", Suzy said nervously. Up close, she can see the man's face clearly. His black eyes and sharp nose. If only she also could see, how nervous Bogum is at that time.

Bogum stayed silent for a moment. The woman even looked prettier up close. If only he had a courage to ask for her name..

"Do you know where is the closest convenience store?", Bogum asked without much thinking. He facepalmed himself on his mind. He didn't know why he asks such question, when there are so many better things to say, like 'hello' or 'can I know your name?'

Suzy started to look around. She noticed a 7-Eleven sign not far from where they are standing.

"There", she pointed out. She never imagines that young man would ask that question. She felt embarrassed inside. How can a stranger made her heart race just like that? And he on the other side, only wanted to ask for direction, nothing more.

"So, in what direction are you heading?", another question slipped out from Bogum's lips once more.

"U-um.. there" Suzy pointed to the same direction. Bogum nodded, tried to stop a smile forming on his face.

"Then let's walk together"

Suzy silently walked beside the stranger she just met. Every once and then, the man slower his foot steps, so that they can walk side by side. Suzy took a glance toward him, as he glanced back, Suzy looked away. Suzy just stays silent, while Bogum couldn't even think about what to say to her.

They just continued to walk in silence, enjoying the awkward feeling surrounding them.

"Um.. Thank you", Bogum awkwardly cleared his throat. They finally arrived in front of the store. He then went inside hurriedly, trying to hide his nervousness. Suzy just nodded. She bit her lip, regretting why she didn't ask about his name.

Still puzzled about the whole situation, she decided to continue walking to her boarding house.