Ephemeral

Chapter 6

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday went by again in a flash. On a Thursday afternoon, I went back to the bench under the oak tree.

It has become my habit to come here whenever I have a free time and wanted peace.

I started to sketch this secret spot as it calmed me down.

After a while, I looked at my agenda. I've signed up for a trip to the orphanage this Saturday since the professor said we would find inspiration in the most unexpected place.

I believe he just wanted to send some people there under his name to look good. But then again, this way I can stay out of that toxic place called 'home'.

"I see that you've taken my secret spot."

I turn around and see Jaebeom looking at me with a smile on his face.

"It's not a secret when it's open to public."

Jaebeom chuckled.

"I guess you are right. But why are you here? Did you miss me that much and hoped that you would find me here?"

"Ha, you wish."

Jaebeom sat next to me. After a while, I can feel him looking at me.

"This is different." He commented.

"What is?"

"The Soo-Hee I knew would've chased me away or she would be the one walking away right now. I wasn't expecting to be able to sit next to her for more than one minute."

"As I said, it's a public property. I can't just claim it all to myself."

I turn to face Jaebeom and he has a surprised expression on his face.

"Why are you so surprised?"

"I'm more ecstatic than surprised. At this rate, we might even be able to be friends."

"Maybe, who knows." I said as I turn back to my agenda.

I can hear Jaebeom chuckled. I can't help but look at him, interested about what is so funny.

"Is something funny?"

Jaebeom shook his head.

"I am just happy to hear your answer." He then extended his hands.

"Can we officially become friends now?"

He signaled me to shook his hand, so out of selfishness, I did.

"Sure. Let's be friends."

Jaebeom smiled widely. I don't understand why he is so happy over being friends with someone. He just gave that person the permission to hurt him.

"Since we are friends now, we should have each other's number, don't you think?"

I took out my phone and hand it over to him.

He took it, put his number in, called his own phone and gave me back mine.

"We can now chat and call each other. So if you do miss me, you don't have to come here every time to search for me."

"I'm here because I like being here."

"Well, now this place can be our own secret place. What do you think?"

"As long as I can be here."