despite the fact that summer break had begun, jaehyun was focused on projects that the upcoming semester would entail and researching a variety of different companies that he may possibly carry out the first steps of his career with. aside from school and career related affairs, his (debatable) independence from his family also meant he had to prove he was making a living for himself somehow. though, in that sense, he was fortunate enough to have a friend willing to hire him without much question.
thus, with his increasingly hectic schedule, leaving people “on read” had become the norm, while quick responses were uncommon. whenever he had spare time, he was much too exhausted to socialize and in fact, preferred exercising or delving into films and documentaries that he couldn’t watch while working. rarely did he ever feel guilty for this habit of his, as he felt that people can easily find better things to do if he did not reply. he would feel more guilty about unmatched enthusiasm towards the conversation, so this was better for both parties, he’d argue.
however, this mindset did not seem to apply all that well when it came to a particular peanut he had befriended. jaehyun noticed himself checking his phone ー their message window, to be exact ー more often than he did with any other person, and wanting to reply as quickly as possible. when he could not do so, guilt would follow. he had no idea why such was the case with her. it was peculiar.. or as she would put it, “unpleasant.” even now, on his morning run (which he swears he prefers over socialization), the fact that she was probably left without a response from him was bothersome.
the course he decided to take that day eventually led to a path filled with street vendors and small shops. had it been any other day, a terse greeting to those who were working would have been given before he quickly paced away. but today, he stops. he’s reminded of her.
“hello, sajangnim.” a bow proceeds the greeting and his eyes briefly scan the display.
“getting something for your girlfriend?” the vendor asks, grinning from ear to ear.
“pardon? no… no. no, i don’t have a girlfriend. just a friend. girls like these things?”
“they do. these are the most popular. they like to decorate their bags with it. and room décor, too.”
“ah.. i see. but she wouldn’t like that design..” the last part is mumbled to himself.
after a while of picking up one thing and looking at another, he purchases a few that catch his eye, alongside a box to place them all into. jaehyun doesn’t care too much about the glances he’s been receiving for the past 30 minutes or so, but it probably was quite a sight. a grown man, buff and almost monstrous in comparison to the stature of the vendor, leaning down to look at tiny accessories on the baby pink display. but it was all (hopefully) worth it.
for a split second her joy was suspended, the surprise protecting her until it bursted into giddiness. the overwhelming kind that thaws down her utility to assess. mirae could have sworn the box by the door was for soeul, from one of her many admirers probably. because who wouldn't want such a fine specimen. she knew it well since even her own friend had come to be one despite the lack of familiarity.
everything surprises mirae. that is the bonus of having low expectations, or in her case, having no expectations at all. people will surpass it with ease. she believed high expectations are just a one way ticket to resentment and she couldn't live that way. in her perspective, everyone kinder than the average person who does things out of courtesy is an angel in disguise. however easily won over she may be, the thoughtfulness in the presents she had carefully yet, at the same time, excitedly put out on display opened up a lot of confusion.
first was, for what reason? mirae is naive, but inquisitive at the same time. she doesn't rest until she finds out a concrete answer or figures out a solution to a problem. it couldn't have been for simply being reminded of her. otherwise, she needed no bribe to consider someone her favorite company. why was he thinking of her in the first place?
and yet, the suggestion of romantic thoughts were the farthest things on the list she had fancied in her head. as much as anyone would wish from someone they admired, this was as a result to her lack of self-esteem. however so shall it stay put, a smile eternally stained upon her lips owing to the first set of gifts she had received in quite a while. a few years to count. the warmth of such harmonies, the swelling symphony that can mend any broken heart. all of which reaches the ears of anyone within close earshot, namely her dog and a couple of neighbors who had stayed within the quarters for the summer, just like her despite not being enrolled for the current term.
she closes her eyes and savors the moment, but never releasing her grip on the seemingly of moment treasures very specific to her liking. how he knows her passion for plants, her adoration for cats, and her high revere for the preaching of happiness.
how simple that may be, all of it, actually, she remained blown away.
none of these questions she could really ask him upfront. she was too shy, and too grateful to be prying. nonetheless, she's confounded and at a loss of how to truly, properly express her feelings to him. plopped down on the bed, legs folded, weight to her knees, and her thumb a victim to the harsh nibbling of her teeth, she ponders over the items lined up in front of her. maybe making a short poem could do...
it'd be awful. she was no good in it. neither was she confident enough to let a terrible one see the light of day. she'd better join the literary club quick and learn. the next thing she does was respond to soeul, sharing the details, then asking for any kind of advice. the friend does deliver, though no matter how efficient they all seemed to sound, she refuses to follow. a message it is. and perhaps... an invitation. hopefully despite his busy schedule, he agrees.
