The Kissing Booth: Adult Edition

Here, There Was Friendship

I managed to scrape up enough money to take Lee out for a coffee and pastry. There was this local café near my place which I liked- they made good donuts which were perfect for breakfast. I got a hot chocolate while Lee got this fancy coffee I don't know the name of along with a tart. We sat at a two-person table beside the front window where we could eat and talk in peace. We spoke in English, so I wasn't too worried anyway.

Lee shoved half his pastry into his mouth. "Marco? Really? It's been what? Seven, eight years?" "Almost eight years. The last time I saw him was at high school graduation." "And he just up and called you out of the blue like that? After no contact for all these years? And on the same day I got here too; that's eerie, man." "I know. That's some coincidence, right?" I took a small sip of my hot beverage and set down my cup. I never drank anything hot too fast.

"What did he say? Just calling to say hi or.....?" My best friend inquired. I gave a mild shrug. "He said he's coming to Seoul this weekend and asked if I'd like to meet up." "Wait, what?! He's really coming all the way to Seoul?" Lee gasped shocked. "He said he's coming for a school thing; probably like the same deal I have," I nodded. "Whoa, talk about scary coincidences. You guys don't talk all throughout undergrad and masters, and now you're suddenly both in a different country around the world at the same time? That's freaky stuff; I'll tell you what," Lee leaned back in his chair. My shoulder simply gave another mild shrug. "Stranger things have happened, Lee," though this was pretty strange.

A lull in the conversation came over us. I couldn't help but notice Lee eyeing me suspiciously from his side of the table. A mischievous smirk rolled over his face. "So, he wants to meet up, does he?" There was this playfulness to his tone, which I caught right away. My finger immediately pointed to him from across the tabletop. "Oh, no you don't, Lee." "What?" His arms flew out at his side, trying to act all innocent. But I knew better. "I know what you're implying. It's one coffee date- nothing more." "Come on, Elle; read the signs. A boy you used to have a crush on suddenly shows up back in your life? And in South Korea of all places? You can't tell me that doesn't mean something." "It doesn't! I told you before, I don't have time for any guys- besides you, that is. And remember, I liked Marco back when I was dating your brother. I had no business thinking about Marco in that way when I did, and kissing him was a big mistake. No, we're just meeting up as friends. I barely know the man anymore, and I'll probably never see him again after Saturday. We both know it's not a date." My eyebrow twitched when Lee's cocky smile wouldn't disappear. His arms folded for emphasis. "Boy, that was sure a long explanation you gave there- more like justification, I'd say." "Oh, sod off!" And Lee burst out laughing.

After we finished our snack at the café, I took Lee to the downtown part of Seoul and on a tour around my campus. It was Friday afternoon so it wasn't uber busy; Lee and I could walk side-by-side without constantly bumping into people. It would be even more dead tomorrow when I met up with Marco. Marco.... The hands which were holding myself gave my forearms a squeeze. My head turned to give Lee a soft smile.

"What would you like to do this weekend, Lee?" My query seemed to surprise him somewhat, as his eyes shifted over towards me. "This weekend? Aren't you meeting up with Marco tomorrow?" "Well, yes, but that'll only be for a little while. You've slept the last three days, so we haven't really done anything together yet. I thought that you might like to experience some real South Korean culture." "We have three months together, Elle. Trust me, I want to spend all the time I can with you, but I'm in no rush to do anything in particular yet. I honestly think you should wait and see how things go with Marco."

I huffed loudly, turning my head back forward. "Would you stop shipping me and Marco? It's not going to happen, Lee." "I never said it would! And who said I'm shipping you two? Look, all I'm saying is that you and I have lots of time. We live together now; can't get closer than that." Eh, he had a point there. When I didn't verbally respond, Lee saw fit to continue. "Don't worry at me, Elle. We'll do everything on my list in due time; there's no big rush. I'm just so happy to be with you again." "I'm happy to be with you too," my eyes wandered back over to him. His smile only grew at this.

"I wouldn't want to be here with anyone else, Elle." "Thanks, Lee; I mean it. I really missed you...." "Girl, you have no idea how much missing you was killing me." Awe, Lee. "This is going to be a great three months," I sighed happily. "Right? So let's just chill this weekend. I'm still getting over jetlag anyway. We can plan something for next week," Lee's arms clasped and stretched high above him. I looked at him for a second, thinking to myself. "You could come with us, if you want." "Who?" "Me and Marco. You can come to coffee with us." Lee looked straight at me. "Are you kidding? It's not me he wants to see- it's you." "Oh, that's not true, Lee. He just doesn't know you're here. I'm sure Marco would be thrilled to see you again." "Maybe....

But I have a feeling it's not me he'd be looking at."