Unexpected

Part 8

On Thursday I move into my new apartment. My mom is there, along with decorators that she'd hired. They had painted the place earlier in the week, and we had bought appliances and furniture online. Today we are adding the final touches and putting it all together.

I turn to look at her before opening the door to my own place. "This is it. I'm leaving the nest," I declare.

"Fly, little sparrow," she replies. "I knew this day was coming for months."

My first glance fills me with both peace and happiness. The walls are a light violet, the floors bamboo, and it's light and airy. After stressful races and training, I want to relax in my home. The whole day is taken up with settling in and setting up. Going on trips to the store for essentials and necessities. Mom and I go out for curry before coming back to the apartment to work some more.

"Besides putting away the last of your clothes, I believe you're set." Mom smiles.

"You'll spend the night, right?" I ask. "It's late."

"Not that late," she tells me. "And your younger siblings need me at home."

I roll my eyes. "They don't need you, but I understand." I hug her tight. "Thank you for helping me today."

"It was my pleasure. You know I love to decorate."

"And thank you for believing in me and being there for me as I pursued my dream."

"That's what parents are for."

"Bye."

"Good-bye," she calls as she puts on her shoes and leaves.

I pad back to the living room in my slippers and look around me with a smile. I have an urge to call Sangil. If we're going to filming here, and sharing this home onscreen, I want him to be familiar with the space.

It's not that late, as my mom had pointed out. Not even ten. He had replied to my first text, telling me not to worry. But that was it. I don't know his wishes, but I proceed with what I would want if our situations were reversed.

So I take a deep breath and call him. Every ring is accompanied by the loud pounding of my heart.

"Anyoeng?" I hear his familiar speech. Not an accent or a lisp, but something different from the way his members speak.

"Konbanwa," I say. "This is Sochi."

"Yes, sorry. Good evening," he replies in Japanese this time.

"I - I -" Why am I stuttering? I clear my throat. "Have you talked to the staff recently?"

"We got married?" he asks. "Not since my interview."

"Ah, okay. I moved into my apartment today."

"Congratulations." He sounds befuddled. I know, calling about that makes no sense.

"They told me that with all the traveling we'll be doing, it didn't make sense to rent us a house. We'll be using my place."

"Oh. I didn't know that."

"I was wondering if you wanted to see it. On video call." I hold my breath. Would he understand what I was trying to convey?

"Sure."

"Unless you like surprises," I hurry on.

He's quiet. "No, I would like to see it."

"Okay." I turn my camera on and showed him the living room. "And the bedrooms are over there."

"Two of them?" he wonders.

"Yes, but I'm using one as a home gym-slash-office."

I show him the rooms briefly, before presenting the kitchen. "You can bring whatever you like, to add here."

"It looks great. I'm not sure it needs anything."

"I decorated before I knew we'd be sharing it, so all the decisions are mine, but please, feel free to change things. I want you to feel welcome."

"Thank you."

Another moment of silence. "Well, that's all I wanted to show you."

"Okay. I'll see you at the next filming."

" 'Kay. Bye."

We hang up and I collapse on the couch in embarrassment. I know we can't force an easiness and friendship that we don't feel, but I wish I knew how to hurry it along. 

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