Love in the Time of Corona

28

It was the end of my classes and so I decoded to call Giancarlo. But for some reasons, he didn't picked up.

"Hi mi amor. Call me back." I said in a hushed voice. I can't let anyone know about us just yet. It's not that I'm not proud about us, I can't risk his career just for me.

I haven't mentioned it before but whatever we have is kinda illegal. I'm still a minor and dating one doesn't look really good. He's almost 23 while I'm literally just finishing junior highschool. I know, it makes me look like I'm a rebel. Can't stop, anyway.

When I got home, I noticed that my mother's slippers are missing. Why is she home early?

"I'm home." I said. Even if no one's around, I always do that. I guess that's my thing.

"Krystal." I heard someone call me. I looked around and saw my mom grimacing.

"What's with the long face?" I was about to kiss her in the cheek but she pulled away.

"What's wrong?" I asked. This is getting concerning.

"Do you have something to tell me?" I gulped.

"Nothing." I decided to just go to my room but my mom literally tugged me in my arm.

"What?!" I raised my voice unintentionally.

"Did you cut classes with Abi?"

"Everyone does that! Let. Me. Go." I emphasized.

She did. But she bombarded me with questions. "What did you do? Did you do some drugs or something? Did you sleep with someone? What did you do? YOU HAVE TO TELL ME!" Her high pitched Asian accent makes it hard for me to understand her.

"Nothing you have to be concerned about!" I exhaled. "You know what, mom? I should just get out. I'll wind down and you calm yourself too." I took my bag and even in uniform, I walked out on her.

"KRYSTAL SIENA COME BACK HERE!" I hear her scream. I'm very much unwilling to do so. I'll just meet up with Abi or Giancarlo.

"Abi! Can I come over at your place?" I asked during our call.

"Mike's unwillingly present with his Dad." She sighed. "They're setting us up... and I can't do anything about it." It makes me think that she's on the verge of crying for not having any control over the situation.

"How are you? Have you told Shoichi about this?" Shoichi is her secret boyfriend. I'm getting concerned with how messy this could be.

"No." She sobbed. "I'll figure it out. I'll get some help from Mike. Call you back." She hung up.

That leaves me with Giancarlo. I dialled his number but it's still unattended. I just sent him a message.

To: G

I'll be at Namsan. I'll wait for you at the tower.

Sent!

I hid my phone in my coat. I placed my hands in my pockets too. It's very chilly during winter. Usually, I would just stay home but at the moment, I don't think that's the best idea.

An hour later, I arrived at the tower. I was about to walk my way up but someone hugged me from behind.

"Sien." He said in his hoarse voice.

I turned to cup his face. "Why aren't you responding to my calls? Is everything fine?"

He hugged me tighter. "Let's just stay like this, even for the last time."