Chapter 12

She went around town twice without any difficulty. No one told her to go anywhere. Ha-yeon had a habit of spending money whenever she goes somewhere, but she couldn’t go into any place because Tae-wan would try to pay for it. Turning around, she finally spent time sitting on a playground swing. At first, nothing transpired. Occasionally, Tae-wan would ask a question. As a result, their conversation naturally continued, but the important words did not happen. It was all about tests, going to school, and the story that she liked cherry blossoms the most. As time passed, intermittently, he talked about his grandmother, the story of living with his grandmother, and how she was a little unwell. Ha-yeon didn’t bring up anything about difficult financial circumstances or family affairs.

And from time to time, they talked about magazine modeling. When talking about modeling, Ha-yeon also talked more than usual. It was the first time that she could easily share such stories with someone other than her aunt. Moreover, her aunt was a photographer, so there was sufficient fodder for mutually relatable discussions about the problems of the modeling world.

In contrast, Tae-Wan noticed her grievances at once, even without any long explanations. Empathy and sharing, that alone was exciting. They conversed happily and then at some point became quiet and turn their heads. Tae-wan was staring at her with his forehead tilted forward as if connected to hers. The ends of his mouth were upturned, but his eyes were serious. The wind blew and his hair floated up and then sank down.

She wanted to ask why he was looking at her like that, or if he had something to say, but nothing came out. With a little embarrassment, she shut her mouth firmly.

“You are really good at talking.”

“… … .” Ha-yeon closed her lips even tighter at Tae-wan’s comments.

“Do you laugh and talk a lot to other people?”

“No.”

“Okay. Do not.” After he said so, he checked the time and got up on the swing.

A step behind, she missed out on the timing to ask ‘Why?’

“Is it time to stop?”

“I think I can go home now.” Ha Yeon said, looking at her wrist watch.

“I’ll take you.”

“It’s near here anyway.”

“So. Let’s go.”

“… … .”

“It’s dangerous to go alone at night.” Not really… . However, Tae-wan showed no sign of breaking his insistent streak.

Ha-yeon took the lead.

* * *

Ha-yeon, who arrived in front of the house, looked at Tae-wan, who stopped one step behind her. It was the first time someone had walked her home, so she couldn’t figure out how to say goodnight.

“This is my house. Thanks for taking me.” After thinking for a while, she said that.

Tae-wan glanced at her house and looked at her.

“I’ll go in then.” She turned to go.

“Wait a moment.” Ha-yeon stopped at Tae-wan’s call. He took out a plastic bag with a convenience store logo.

“… Why are you giving me this?”

On the way home, Tae-wan had stopped by at a convenience store saying he had something to buy. It was the same one she bought the kimbap from at that night.

“Because I bought something for you.”

“… … .”

“I don’t think you ate enough Tteokbokki. This is so you won’t be hungry at night.”

“I’m not hungry.”

“It was dry because I like eating it that way. Just take this.” When Ha-yeon looked at him without accepting it, Tae-wan forcibly shoved a plastic bag between her hands.

Ha Yeon’s gaze turned from the plastic bag to his hand that touched her. The difference in the size between their hands was so great that she was amazed that they were the same age. Kook. He had a strong grip. As she looked up with a surprised face, Tae-wan smiled and slowly removed his hand.

“Fortunately, although you appear shocked, it looks like it was not painful. Go in. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Tae-wan waved his hand goodnight as he stepped back without saying anything.

By the time Ha-yeon raised her hand to wave goodbye, he was already on the verge of disappearing from the alley. Ha-yeon turned her gaze to the plastic bag only when he turned around the corner and completely disappeared. Now it turned out that the bag was quite heavy.

When one of the handles was loosened, the contents inside were intact. It was banana milk, melon-flavored milk, convenience store lunch boxes, and candy. A smile appeared on Ha-yeon’s face as she looked at everything from meals to snacks. Suddenly, on a hot day, a cool rain seemed to have arrived. It felt like her loneliness that had earlier floated like dust in the rain has been swept away.