Butterfly [j.jk]

삼십구

비밀

spring never grows old. that's what nari would say.

the way the vibrancy of every flower and the soft touch of each petal perfectly encapsulates the essence of youth, reminding you that these timeless days are those that should be kept close to your heart.

these colors of spring that are akin to the colorful emotions you feel in the season. its warmth that engulfs you in its mellow rays.

now, meadows of green are turning greener; a glimmering sun's embrace growing warmer. soon, these charms of spring would only be vestiges in a few days.

as soon as spring bids the lush plains a farewell, another season will come to greet the blue skies.

summer

the name rung in his mind like it was just yesterday when summer echoed through the fields and a groggy jeongguk first step foot in the garden. a place where enchanting butterflies danced in the air and a multitude of memories bound to be made.

and like the kites that ruled the skies, three seasons flew by in a flicker. time truly is something.

through the seasons he had watched the same flowerbeds grow and flourish. and with each season that surpassed, his heart grows closer to this garden.

as the sun rises and falls, summer turning into autumn, autumn to winter, and winter fading to spring, he finds a different version of himself every time. one being happier than the last.

and though the cool breeze of spring promised the brighter days of summer, as he watched her bubbly giggles and honey smiles, he thought;

could he say this season was going to be as radiant as the last?

"ah, you're here." her gaze settles on the familiar tall figure, walking through the garden. "took you long enough." she adds. just like every other day, they sit side by side on their bench. a piercing gaze fixed on the endless skies.

it's funny how with time, they'd now call it their bench. what used to be an ordinary rusted seat, turned into a regular rendezvous they'd familiarize by the bed of aster and daffodils.

"i can't believe spring passed by just like that." nari utters with an easy breath.

"and i can't believe it's almost been a year since you came!" she exclaimed, both hands cupping her face. "it's been almost a year since that grumpy boy graced the acres of this garden." she teases.

the boy lets out a laugh, but only a little chuckle. and it seemed like a laugh with a trace of bitterness in its timber.

"but you know," she turns to the boy, "this has been the best spring i've come to witness my whole life. and now i get to walk through the bright days of summer with my best bud!" a smile dancing across her lips as she spoke.

how was he supposed to tell her?

that was the only thought spiraling in his mind. he was too caught up in his daze that he has yet to utter a word to the girl beside him, which she found odd.

she watched as he stared blankly into the sky. a daze that suddenly engulfs them into silence.

just then, a familiar pair of crimson wings dawn upon them, but jeongguk is yet to notice.

nari could spot those wings even a mile away. and the sight brings an unsettling feeling every time. it was a red admiral. a pair of ruby wings that entails not just grace but secrets.

her eyes follow its flutters as it coincidentally remains behind the boy. and upon the sight of scarlet winged insect nari's thoughts turn into worries and doubts.

jeongguk, what are you hiding?

20
red admiral
- signifies hidden secrets