metal straw | ast. cha eunwoo

sixteen

For the next few weeks, the two unlikely friends started to talk more than Soyeon had ever thought they would. Who wouldn't? Cha Eunwoo was always seen alone with girls tailing behind but only ever opened his mouth when he talks to someone. Kim Soyeon, on the other hand, was another kind. Though she was rarely seen with friends and mostly spent her time alone, she was always loud and joyful when someone came talking to her. Everyone would enviously watch Soyeon running passed everyone to meet Eunwoo, whether it was after or before school. They would meet whenever they had the chance, Soyeon doing most of the finding part.

Thus, there they were, sitting on the edge of the pavement by the school building with yet another episode of cold sweet smoothies after school. They watched quietly the countless colourful vehicles zooming passed them in a swift as they took small sips of the drinks through the metallic tube.

"What's your favourite animal?"

Soyeon immediately turned and stared at the boy surprised, nearly choking on her drink at the sudden question. "W-What?"

For the first time, Eunwoo finally agreed with himself to ask her a question she would ask. Moreover, Soyeon was usually the one who would start the conversation. She would ask him questions that would spontaneously appear in her head and say it in thin air. She knew his favourite colour was blue, he learnt to speak English, he can play lots of instruments like the piano and guitar, he sings quite well. That made her question why he never thought of being a singer, though he did mention he wanted to be like a doctor or a lawyer.

A frown appeared on his face when he saw Soyeon being completely unresponsive. She sat there like a statue, unsure of what to do or say as if her brain was still processing what Eunwoo had asked her. Silence came upon them immediately and he was starting to feel doubtful of him starting the conversation. He cleared his throat awkwardly as he turned to face front and away from Soyeon's gaze.

"You don't need to answer, I was just curious—"

"I like turtles!" she replied, yelling out her answer. "Seals and dolphins too!"

Of course, she would say those were her favourite, Eunwoo thought. He sighed, feeling like he wasted that question to know exactly what her answer would be.

"Don't worry, I'll let you have a follow-up!" Soyeon said after noticing how he appeared to look slightly disappointed.

"Favorite... colour?"

"Rainbow!"

"Favourite subject?"

"None!" she screamed, earning a chuckle from the boy.

"What... does your name mean?"

"Little sun, I think," she answered, "what about Eunwoo?"

"I think it was... merciful and..."

"And awkward—"

"No."

Eunwoo's quick and blunt response caused a giggle to escape Soyeon. As she was still trying to contain it, she then gestured towards him to ask more.

"Go ahead, any question."

Eunwoo took his time to think of what to ask her. All of his thoughts suddenly were aiming at one specific question that had been lingering in him for a while from then.

"Why are you into metal straws?"