Distance. LYY

tangerines

I looked around the shelf of ceramic mugs and couldn't decide on which to buy. I took a simple bright blue mug and placed it on the cashier top. "You made a great decision picking this.

The person who did this mug had to redo it multiple times because it wasn't perfect" I just nod while handing out my card. "Tell him that this mug makes my day and that I'll use this often" I replied and took the paper bag.

"Oh, you have probably mistaken her. But don't you worry, I'll tell her once she's back later" The worker bowed and I walked out.

I took out my shades and pushed down my mask once I leave the elevator to walk towards my house door. A plastic bag then captured my eyes on the handle door. I took the plastic with me and enter my house. It's plastic filled with tangerines and a note.

Welcome to the apartment. Talk to any of us if you need a helping hand. Do enjoy the tangerines. A store down the neighborhood sells the tastiest tangerines.

your neighbour

Weird. I'm the only person leaving on this level since the one opposite mine is empty. I took out the mug I purchased earlier and washed them before filling it with ice water. I placed the tangerines and my mug above my coffee table and sit on the floor once again.

There's no use of the dining table when I kept seating on the floor instead, right? I tore the skin of the tangerine and tried a slice. It's not bad, it's amazingly sweet and tasty.

My phone suddenly rang and I picked it up after the third ring. It was Donghyuck.

"Hm? What is it?" I started first. "Nothing. I really want to buy the portrait from the person. What kind of idea would capture her heart?" He asked and I snorted.

"I don't know. Maybe flowers? Like tulips? Something extraordinary you know... But a yellow one would be great" I said, knowing the reason behind the colour and flower choice. "Ah~ thanks a lot. I didn't think of that" He replied and we end our call.

Donghyuck has been struggling with finding the student his mother taught. When he first told me about her, I never expected Luna to be related to his situation. Donghyuck too has been always talking about her and her artworks. He didn't know she's someone I'm familiar with.

Probably a one-sided thing. She won't remember me either, since we've never talked or meet. It's just me, that noticed everything from the start. It's been a solid 6 years, and it feels like she's something that my mind can't get rid of.

2.57 am

It's freezing here. I got out of my car and walked towards her store. Donghyuck manager called me at 10 pm to ask me his whereabouts. He disappeared right after his comeback showcase that makes me only know a place where he went.

The entire street is completely dark and quiet. Got me thinking that I shouldn't be here in the middle of the night to find him if I didn't have trouble sleeping.

I forgot the door will definitely be locked that I just tried pushing it open and surprisingly it wasn't locked. I slowly walked inside and yellow tulips could be seen above the countertop.

She must've loved him so much. I tried my best going up slowly and as expected, he's sleeping on the couch. Sleeping on her embrace, to be exact. They probably cried and hugged each other before falling asleep.

I smirked to myself and walked downstairs back to leave them alone. It's a relief that he's safe with her. He needs that comfort. I started my car's engine and drove back home.

7.27 am

mama calling...

"Ya! You son of a bitch! Who asked you to buy an apartment when you can stay at our old penthouse? I didn't raise you to be this stupid! Pack your stuff and leave that place at this instant!" Mom started screaming so loud after I answered her call. She's calling from Europe.

"Sorry. I won't go back there. I'll continue staying at this place. The place where I bought with my own sweat and tears. Bye loves you" I quickly end the call before she could start screaming louder twice. I sighed and tried closing my eyes.

Why would she even call me this early? I turned around, trying to sleep in the other position but got distracted with my otter plushie. I caressed the head and put it against my chest.

After taking light breakfast and cleaning myself up, I took my bicycle with me and went out of the house. I entered the elevator and it stopped and the level underneath for someone to enter. "Good Morning" the person who entered started while giving a small bow. "Miss Kim?" I questioned and she heard. I'm certain it's her.

She turned, confused and I scratched my neck. "We were from the same high school. It's a small world, I can say" I continued, acting dumb. She totally doesn't remember me. "Ah. You are?" She asked. "Yang yang, class 1" She just nodded off and we reached the basement. She held for me the elevator door while I got my bicycle out from here.

"Then... we should talk more often since we're neighbors now" She bid goodbye and walked the other way. I got onto my bicycle after looking at her who's walking further and further. It reminds me of the old days when I'm only allowed to watch her only from afar.

11.54 pm

After my schedule, I got home and decided to have a walk around the neighbourhood till I realized there's a river. I sat down, on the rough floor while enjoying the cold breeze. It's midnight soon, and it's fun doing this alone.

The shores were greeting me. "It is a small world" I heard a voice out of nowhere and turned around. It's her, Luna. She sat beside me and continued, "How're the tangerines?" I was taken aback. "Didn't know it's from you. It's delicious" I replied, looking at the river.

"How're things going for you?" I asked and she forces a smile. "Not sure. You?" She questioned me. I let out a chuckle to not reply to her. "Take it easy on Haechan. Don't hurt yourself because of a person" I said, staring at the rocks while we went silent. "Also, how did you find this place? It's a hidden gem" She chuckled while asking. Her laughing is something I didn't know I needed.

After few chats, we walked towards the apartment together. "What are you? An owl?" I asked her while we're walking on the streets. It's literally 2 am and we're still bright awake. "Question yourself too" She replied. We enter the elevator and I continued, "Thanks for your time. Goodnight, Yang yang" she bid goodbye and leave the elevator.

I can't help it but smile when she mentioned my name and honestly, it's an unexpected night.