The Kissing Booth: Adult Edition

Strangers Among Us

"Ok! So if we pool all our money together, that gives us um..... just over seven hundred thousand won for food per week!" Which amounts to roughly eighty dollars. "Eh, that's more than I thought," I shrugged my shoulders. Ever since Marco moved in, we'd began pooling our monetary resources together. Well, Lee and I were already doing that, but Marco brought a significant portion to the table. Since I- and my landlord- wasn't charging either of them rent, they agreed to pay for everything else, mostly. I still insisted on contributing to the food budget, which had grown considerably since Marco arrived. For someone who was living on twenty dollars a week before, this was like living rich for me.

Marco, Lee, and I were all sitting at the small kitchen table, pouring over finances. Initially I thought Lee would be hesitant to a third person moving in, but he took the news rather well. Since both bedrooms were already full, Marco volunteered to sleep on the couch. I got the comfiest blankets and pillows I could find for him. He seemed happy with his little setup in the living room, all things considered.

It was currently Friday morning; we'd all go grocery shopping tomorrow. Lee had the great idea to order pizza tonight, and since we had a bit more spending money, food-wise, Marco and I agreed. To be honest, we totally forgot that today was the day Noah's flight landed. Or at least we did until Lee's phone went off. After groaning dramatically, he explained the situation to Marco, who was shocked to hear that Noah was coming to Seoul. But Lee was quick to assure that his visit wouldn't interrupt with any of our plans. I frankly hadn't planned on seeing Noah at all while he was here. Relieved to hear this, Marco agreed to do pizza tomorrow night instead- what's the point in ordering pizza without Lee here to eat half of it? I'd make us something tonight instead.

Lee was going to meet Noah at the airport early this afternoon while Marco and I were at the university. He wouldn't be home until late apparently. We said goodbye to Lee and headed off to campus together. I really liked having someone to ride the train with every day; it made the journey go by much faster. As per usual, Marco walked me to my department building before going to his own. "I'll pick you up here at seven," he said. "Sounds good," I replied. He grinned and I smiled back at him. "Have a good day, Elle; don't work too hard." "Haha, same for you! Bye, Marco," we waved at one another until he was out of sight. With one last grin to myself, I made my way up to my office.

Typing that letter to my supervisor was..... painful. I couldn't say why I didn't have the books, only that I didn't read them as of yet and was still in the process of acquiring them. Marco and Lee both messaged me halfway through the email construction to inquire how it was going. I knew what that was code for: they were really checking up on me. But I found it sweet and texted back saying that it was coming along. Coming along indeed- ha! This was sheer agony. And I had yet to call Daddy about the ticket money either. Nugh, this wasn't an experience I would remember fondly when I got back to Edinburgh.

Eventually the long but not too-too long email was crafted, and I sent it on its merry way. Feeling completely drained after that, I decided to head over to the food court for something to eat. There was like two bucks in my pocket currently, enough for some noodles. Set on that, I made my way down to the bottom floor and out the doors.

While on my way through campus, I passed the gardeny part with lots of cement and wooden benches. I really liked this part of the university, so took my time going through it. This is where I came with Lee that one day.... Lee, my eyes lowered as I walked past some large oak trees. That's right, he's on his way to meet his brother now. It's so weird to think that Noah and I will be in the same city again. Not that we'll see each other or anything. It's just strange to think about... I mean, it's not like I want to see him again... do I? No, of course not! I've got better things to do with my time, like spend it with Lee and Marco. They aren't going to be here forever so I should enjoy them while I can.

It was around this time that I was coming up to a man on the path. He was older; maybe mid-to-late forties I'd say. Definitely not someone you'd see on campus a lot. He wore a tattered shirt, loose-fitting pants, and a stained black hat. His hair was long and straggly. I don't think he meant to come straight in my direction; more like he was aimlessly wandering about. Before I could get out of his way, he bumped into my shoulder, shoving me to the side a little. "Sorry," he muttered in Korean, then continued walking in that disorganized sort of way. I watched him, confused and a little frightened, for a minute until it was obvious he wasn't going to turn around.

I did flinch, however, when the PTA came on, echoing all throughout campus; it was all in Korean. "Attention everyone! This is an alert to say that the fifth science department building is in lockdown! I repeat, the fifth science department building is in lockdown! All students and staff outside, please go into your nearest entrance! The university thanks you for your cooperation!" "Huh? What....?" I spat out loud totally dumbstruck. Seconds later my phone went off inside my pocket. It was buzzing like mad when I pulled it out.

"Marco? Hi." "Hey, Elle. Did you just hear that announcement over the intercom?" "Yeah. Did you understand it?" "Barely, but I got the gist of it. Did you hear? Some man broke into one of the science labs." "Really?" My eyes widened. "Yeah. Apparently he snuck past security and caused some real damage in the labs. He managed to get away before they caught him; the police are looking for him now on campus." "Really?" I then looked in the direction the strange man went off into; he was nowhere to be seen now.

"Where are you?" "I'm uh, going to get some lunch in the cafeteria." "Ok, you need to get inside now. I'll keep listening for any updates, but I think it would be best if you stayed in the cafeteria for a little while. I'd come join you but they're not letting anyone leave my building." "That's alright. I'll go wait in the cafeteria until they say it's safe to leave." "Good. Call me before you go back to your building." Awe, Marco; I couldn't stop myself from smiling. He's worried about me. "Will do. You stay safe too, alright?" "Always." "And call me if you hear anything else." "Got it! Talk to you soon, Elle. Enjoy your lunch." "Thanks, Marco. Call you soon." Click! My vision rolled from my phone but up in the direction the man vanished in. Huh, I wonder if.....? But no, that'd be too much of a coincidence, wouldn't it? My hand gripped my phone a bit tighter. Then again, it's kind of unusual to see someone like him wandering around campus.

I wonder if it is the same guy?