I apologize for my title that is really pushing the limits between humorous and lame. I AM REALLY SORRY!
But I really, really loved their comeblaq!
Anyway, the point of this post is that:
1. Chapter 2 of That Place By The Sea has been posted!
2. I am looking for a beta reader!
What does the beta reader do?
Well for me, I just need someone who will be able to read my chapters when I'm done. Still deciding whether I should email the draft or publish and send the link - but that will be settled later.
When reading, the beta reader will be an angel and pick up all the grammatical and spelling errors that I missed, and can also suggest changes to sentences that don't make much sense.
What I'm looking for in a beta reader:
- Must have a good command of English.
- Must be reachable when I'm finished with a draft. Don't worry, I won't finish it at 3AM in the morning and demand you to finish reading by 9AM - as long as you don't go MIA and are online on weekdays it's alright!
- Must NEVER, EVER claim my work as your own, or post it anywhere else.
What's in it for the beta reader?
Honestly, there isn't much.
You'll get to read drafts, or my updates ASAP - but I don't pay ;_;
I could pay you with graphics and drabbles, but that's pretty much it!
If you are interested, you can:
1. PM me in AbsoluteMBLAQ forum - my username is: mikuen ; OR
2. Leave a comment on this post with your email / something I can contact you with.
That is all :)
Have a great weekend people, don't miss MBLAQ's sexy comeback stages!
Friday, July 15, 2011
That Place By The Sea ~ 02
02 ~ ripples
~~*~~
Why did this situation, this kiss, his lips - all seem so familiar?
The thoughts soon disappeared into the back of your mind, because Seung Ho's fingers that were slowly tracing their way from the back of your neck to your hips did not help hold any coherent thoughts in place.
Being a self-conscious person (so much more when in the presence of an idol you had only dreamed of meeting), you tried not to shiver too much.
Tried not to shiver from the breeze that still managed to find its way through Seung Ho's jacket, onto your drenched clothes.
Tried not to shiver from the fact that the distance between both your bodies was gradually disappearing.
Tried not to shiver when his warm figure finally pressed onto yours. It was so invitingly warm that you shuffled closer - anything to keep the cold from biting deeper into your skin.
You were sure he smiled into the kiss when your body pressed closer onto his - slightly desperate, slightly unsure. The sea water that wrapped around the lower half of your body was surprisingly warm, yet you could not feel your legs.
Perhaps this numbness was Seung Ho's fault. The intoxicating smell of his cologne, the way his arms wrapped around your frame so perfectly - his breathtaking kiss. But you were proved wrong when a sharp pain shot through your legs.
Shocked by the sudden pain, you broke the kiss. It did not leave as fast as it came, and you could only hold on to Seung Ho for support.
"What's wrong?" You looked up to see his eyebrows furrowed together in worry.
"I'm not sure. Maybe the cold's gotten to me. Can't stand. Legs hurt." The pain seemed like it was traveling up and down your legs in random bouts, it made speaking a much harder task than it used to be.
Not questioning any further, Seung Ho lifted you and swung your legs over his other arm. Heading towards the shore, he asked where you house was.
"You see that bend on the left? My house is on the beach, right after the curve. It's the only house."
Nodding, he followed your directions. "How are you holding on? Is the pain still not gone?"
Shaking your head, you gave him a tiny small to reassure him that you would not die from the pain - not just yet. It confused you, and even though you tried to think of a proper reason - you could only conclude that it was a horrible coincidental muscle cramp.
But cramps did not hurt like that.
"Don't worry, just head over to the clinic tomorrow." The comforting words calmed you; you did not even realize how overly tensed you were. "Thanks, I will."
"Is that yours?" Seung Ho motioned to a large white house with a blue roof that sat on the beach, near the main road.
"Yup!" A rush of dread and relief washed over you at the sight of home. You could not wait to curl up in bed, under the covers and let the sound of lapping waves put you to sleep again. Yet you did not want Seung Ho to leave - would you even get to see him again?
Stopping at your doorstep, Seung Ho asked if you could walk. "Or am I allowed to go in?"
As if it was all planned, the door swung open to reveal your aunt. Shock took over her face for a split second, then she smiled in relief. "I just found out you were missing. Thank goodness you're alright! And who might this be?"
Introducing himself, Seung Ho also explained the earlier events - conveniently leaving out parts relevant to the kiss. "Such a kind soul you are!" Your aunt exclaimed, patting Seung Ho on the back. "Perhaps you could do me one last favor and send her to her room? An old lady like me can't possibly can't possibly carry such tremendous weight up the stairs!"
"Aunt Maris!" You hissed in embarrassment. "You are definitely not old, and I am not that heavy either!" She waved her hand dismissively and motioned Seung Ho up the stairs. You noticed that he tried not to laugh, and obliged to your aunt's request.
"So, which door do I open?" Seung Ho asked when he reached the top of the stairs. Pointing to the one on the far right, you apologized to him for the trouble. "No worries." He took a look at the name painted on your door, pausing before he bent slightly lower to reach the doorknob.
"Nice name." Seung Ho commented as he stepped into your room, looking around with a lost expression on his face. "Um, do I lay you on the bed? Or should you be taking a shower?"
"The bed will do." Your voice came out softer than you intended it to be. "I'll shower in a bit. Sorry for the trouble, don't let me keep you."
"No worries." He reassured, laying you on the covers. You looked up at him, waiting for proper words to say goodbye. He beat you to it, kneeling beside your bed and whispering in your ear your name - followed by a "I'll visit you tomorrow."
"See you." You whispered as he stood up to leave. The last thing you saw before he closed the door behind him - was his beautiful smile. Even though you smiled back, you could not take your mind off the fact that: the pain in your legs left as he did.
~~*~~
"When the sisters rose, arm-in-arm, through the water in this way, their youngest sister would stand quite alone, looking after them, ready to cry, only that the mermaids have no tears, and therefore they suffer more." Closing the book, you glanced over at Leo. Patting his head, you asked "Are you falling asleep to my story-telling? I haven't even got to the part where she trades her voice for legs."
Leo seemed uninterested, and turned his brown puppy eyes towards the sea instead. You followed his gaze, past the crowded beach, across the sparkling blue sea and into the distance.
Pursing your lips, you drummed your fingers on the cover of the book. Your legs had been fine since you woke up. No sharp pain, no cramps, not even a trace of numbness stayed. After last night's ordeal, you could not help but to be very grateful for every step you could take. It made you want to run around the beach immediately - just so you would never regret if that privilege was ever taken away from you again.
Unfortunately, your aunt seemed to think differently.
"How's my niece doing?" Maris sat down next to you, glancing at the book in your hand and then patting your back. "Not well, since I'm grounded for having leg cramps last night. It's summer! I need to go swim and mingle with the holiday crowd, you know?" You replied with a hint of desperation, hoping she would change her mind.
"Sorry darling. I'm responsible for you, and I can't and do not want to take any chances. God forbid if you have leg cramps when you swimming!" She explained. The worried look on her face made you feel guilty to even think of leaving the house. "I'm sorry. I'll stay in today. You'd let me swim after a few days, right?"
"Yes dear, after a few days. Plus, you're not so far from all that summer crowd. We're practically among them!"
She was not lying - what could have been the house's garage had been renovated to be a shop. Run by your aunt, it sold beach necessities from sun tan lotions to ice-cream, cans of cool soda drinks to quirky looking floats for all ages. Being the only shop there, beach-goers frequented it.
So in a way, you were sitting amidst the summer crowd; yet you were not part of it. Experience had taught you that rebellion brought nothing in this house, so you reluctantly prepared yourself to face a few boring days of vacation.
"Don't look so glum! I'll even give you extra allowance this week to get yourself a summer dress!"
"But I already hav-" Ignoring your protest, she stood up and headed into the direction of the shop. "I have to go now, be a good girl and stay at home!"
Sighing, you ruffled Leo's head and stood up. His ears perked at the creak of the floorboard under your feet, and pushed himself up to follow you. Making your way through the house, you reached the patio behind.
As you settled yourself on the hammock, Leo did the same next to the huge wooden chair nearby. Flipping the book open, you continued reading. From the part where she finally got to see the world above, to how she save the prince she admired so much - till the part where she lay his unconscious form on the beach. Hovering over his torso, she stroked his wet hair, noticing the hue of life return to his cheeks.
A chuckle broke your thoughts - wait, did you fall asleep?
Opening your eyes in shock, you found yourself face to face with Seung Ho. That was not the only thing that surprised you - as you soon came to realize that you were lying on top of him. Apologizing incoherently, you moved to get off him - only to stumble and have him catch you in a sitting position. His chuckles turned into a warm fit of laughter, and you blushed at the situation and the intimate position he held you in.
"Having an early morning nap? You should have just slept in." He commented, you could tell that he was trying to cease his laughter.
"Ah, well. I couldn't really sleep. Thought I'd wake up to join the beach crowd, but I was grounded instead."
"Because of what happened last night?" He asked, his expression no longer of amusement, but of curiosity. Before you could answer, he continued "Are you feeling better today though? How are your legs?"
"I'm fine, thanks to you." You smiled gratefully.
"Mmhmm, and you should thank me for catching you too."
"Catching me?"
"From your fall just now."
"Oh that - how did that even happen?" You wondered aloud. Seung Ho ruffled your hair, saying he would also like to know. "I was standing over you, wondering if I should wake you when you turned and fell. It happened so fast, I actually feel pretty proud of myself for managing to break your fall."
"You should be proud! Thank you, once again." Instead of answering, Seung Ho's hand slid from your hair to your face. A soft gasp escaped your lips upon the touch of his warm palm against your cheek. There was a affectionate look in his eyes, and it did not help calm the erratic beating of your heart.
When his other hand moved to hold your arm, your eyes were darting anxiously back and forth from his hazel eyes to his inviting lips. "I didn't request for another game of Truth or Dare while I was sleeping... did I?"
A grin appeared on his face, and from where you were sitting - it looked amazing yet surreal. "No, silly. What makes you ask so?"
"Were you going to kiss me?" The question came awkwardly, desperately, bluntly - you had no idea what possessed you to have such shamelessness.
His answer was a half-chuckle followed by a cough. "If you take up my offer to be my tour guide, I'll let you know at the end of the day. Deal?"
"How would I know if you'll keep your word?" Looking at him questioningly, you reluctantly slipped out of his grasp and sat on the hammock. Being in his arms did weird things to your head.
"No trust for me, huh?" A pout formed on his face for a few seconds before turning into a grin. "Why don't you take a picture of us. If I don't keep my word, you can do anything with it."
Laughing at how carefree his words seemed, you jokingly mentioned that it wouldn't be worth much of a blackmail material unless it was scandalous.
Seung Ho raised his eyebrow at your comment, a seductive expression taking over his face in an instant. "What would you consider scandalous? A shot of us in bed? A shot of us kissing?" He asked in such a serious manner that you were at a loss of words. "Or maybe... a shot of us eating ice cream at the town's most famous dessert parlor?"
Smiling, you agreed with his final suggestion. "Ice cream sounds good."
"Let's go then!" He motioned. "I've already asked your aunt, and she said it's alright as long as I don't let you swim. Oh, don't look at me with such an adorable smile - I might not be able to control myself."
Still smiling, you gave him a brief hug before heading out.
~~*~~
Being Seung Ho's tour guide was a lovelier experience than you could have imagined. As you brought him around and explained the town's famous landmarks to him - you realized that he actually knew his way around - and that he did not really need a tour guide in that sense.
"I just wanted company." He answered sincerely when you asked him about it.
After ice-cream, you brought him to the park where a group of kids were playing a huge game of hide-and-seek. An adorable little boy came up to you with an invitation to join, but you declined since you were wearing a knee-length summer dress. However, Seung Ho accepted the invite and insisted that you should too.
"One... two... three..." It - a girl donning a cute straw hat - counted against a tree.
Seung Ho grabbed your hand, pulling you through a pathway covered by the arched branches of many trees. You protested, pointing out that "I know better places to hide than you do!"
"I know some nice ones too." He grinned.
Awhile later, you were squeezing through a tiny space in the park's wall - Seung Ho's excited voice was heard on the other side. When you stepped out of the hole, you found yourself at a riverbank. The river was the only one that went through the town towards the sea.
Most townsfolk knew the main part of the river, as it was the center of the park. What they did not know was that it branched out into a small channel as well - the one that you were looking at.
You knew because you had been here countless times. What you did not know was that someone else discovered this place too. "How did you know about this place?" You asked Seung Ho breathlessly.
"I told you, I know some nice hideouts too."
"I don't doubt you... but I thought no one else knew about this place." You whispered. "It's supposed to be my secret hiding place. I've never seen anyone else here before, never. Did you live here before? Is there something you're not telling me?"
A restless feeling stirred inside you, trying to tell you something - yet you couldn't put your finger on it. Yesterday's pain already disturbed you, but this just made things weirder.
Seung Ho's fingers lightly held your chin, turning you to face him. His chocolate eyes seemed to swallow you up, his gaze long and unwavering. "I think I'd like to ask you the same."
Upon hearing his answer, your eyebrows furrowed.
What did he mean, ask you the same thing?
Why did he seem so comfortable around you, even though you had only met him yesterday?
You disliked this strange familiarity. It felt like how other parents who met you outside school would treat you - friendly, polite and even caring - but in the end, they did not know you. They only knew you as an orphan - it was all just an act of kindness.
Biting your lips as to not cry out loud, you wiped the tears that made their way down your flushed cheeks. Seung Ho's gaze broke at the sight of your tears. Moving closer to pull you into an embrace, he stroked your hair, whispering apologies.
Apologies for nothing.
He was sorry, but he did not say what he was sorry for. In fact, why was he even apologizing?
Pushing him away, you apologized for the sudden breakdown. He tried to hold you close, but it only resulted in you stepping backwards clumsily. You felt the back of your foot hit something, and fell backwards into the river.
As the cool water enveloped you, you silently thanked God that the water was clear, instead of murky. Having swam almost your entire life, you made no hurried movements to resurface. This part of the river barely had a current - it was a perfect place to swim on days when large waves threatened the beach.
In fact, you had swam here so many times that it was like your second home. Flashes of you splashing about in your younger days filled your mind. The peaceful surroundings, flowers that swayed in the breeze, birds that flew by to rest on the branches, vivid colors that reflected off the river when the sun set, the moon that lighted your midnight swims - wait, did you ever swim at night?
Before you could ponder further, familiar arms pull you upwards. Breaking through the surface, you noticed the angry look on Seung Ho's face. "What were you thinking?" He half-shouted.
You would have apologized for worrying him, but a morbid tingle started creeping upwards from your toes. "Seung Ho!" You gasped, clutching your legs - burning pain seared through them, the cool water almost made it feel less horrible. Just almost.
Clinging onto Seung Ho to dear life, you felt him swim towards the river bank and lift you up. "Is it your legs?" Even though it wasn't the time to be feeling so - you felt comforted by the distinct tone of worry in his voice.
Yet all comfort that drained away when you looked at your legs.
The pleasant summer tint on your legs had faded, to be replaced by a dull shade of blue. You looked at Seung Ho for an explanation, but he looked as shocked and confused as you did.
"This is a really stupid question..." He finally managed to say, "But are you alright?"
"Aside from the shock of... this - the pain's gone."
Slumping beside you, he sighed in relief. "That's good to know."
Nodding, you continued staring at your discolored limbs. You tried making sense of it, but your mind was just a blank. Warmer hands slipped between your cold, trembling ones - you looked at the reassuring smile on Seung Ho's face.
"We'll figure this out. Should I send you home? Or do you want to..."
"Stay here. Please, at least for awhile longer." You squeezed his hand. Leaving here would mean returning to reality, to worry. At least here, it was just Seung Ho and you.
"You aren't freaked out?" You whispered, holding his hand tighter - afraid that he would indeed leave. When there was no reply, you sneaked a glanced at him.
His eyebrows were furrowed as he stared frustratedly into the distance. He would occasionally tighten his grip on your hand, and you waited patiently for him to sort his thoughts out. Breezes came and went, the both of you huddled closer to each other, his hand still holding yours.
When he finally moved to face you, he sighed. "There's something I should tell you, at least I think I should. I really don't want to - because it seems absurd, it's something I'm not too sure of myself - but I think it's best if I told you.
"Alright." You nodded, your grip tightened. "Go ahead."
"First thing's first then - you're right. I used to live here. Not permanently though, I just visited every weekend for half a year."
"When was that?"
"Exactly ten years ago. I wanted to go on a break, all by myself. It was a childish idea, but I wanted to get out of the study routine I put myself in. A friend suggested this place, so I took a bus over."
Imagining a younger version of Seung Ho taking off from home on his own, you giggled. "What an adventurous kid you were!"
The seriousness in his face dispersed, and he smiled - but only for a split second, and then he looked somber again. "It was usually a day trip. I would spend my time at the park, get some snacks, take some pictures and head home. But there was once, I stayed overnight."
He paused to take a deep breath. You reached out to touch his cheek, and he smiled at your act of comfort. "What happened then?"
"That night, I met someone who looked exactly like you."
~~*~~
Why did this situation, this kiss, his lips - all seem so familiar?
The thoughts soon disappeared into the back of your mind, because Seung Ho's fingers that were slowly tracing their way from the back of your neck to your hips did not help hold any coherent thoughts in place.
Being a self-conscious person (so much more when in the presence of an idol you had only dreamed of meeting), you tried not to shiver too much.
Tried not to shiver from the breeze that still managed to find its way through Seung Ho's jacket, onto your drenched clothes.
Tried not to shiver from the fact that the distance between both your bodies was gradually disappearing.
Tried not to shiver when his warm figure finally pressed onto yours. It was so invitingly warm that you shuffled closer - anything to keep the cold from biting deeper into your skin.
You were sure he smiled into the kiss when your body pressed closer onto his - slightly desperate, slightly unsure. The sea water that wrapped around the lower half of your body was surprisingly warm, yet you could not feel your legs.
Perhaps this numbness was Seung Ho's fault. The intoxicating smell of his cologne, the way his arms wrapped around your frame so perfectly - his breathtaking kiss. But you were proved wrong when a sharp pain shot through your legs.
Shocked by the sudden pain, you broke the kiss. It did not leave as fast as it came, and you could only hold on to Seung Ho for support.
"What's wrong?" You looked up to see his eyebrows furrowed together in worry.
"I'm not sure. Maybe the cold's gotten to me. Can't stand. Legs hurt." The pain seemed like it was traveling up and down your legs in random bouts, it made speaking a much harder task than it used to be.
Not questioning any further, Seung Ho lifted you and swung your legs over his other arm. Heading towards the shore, he asked where you house was.
"You see that bend on the left? My house is on the beach, right after the curve. It's the only house."
Nodding, he followed your directions. "How are you holding on? Is the pain still not gone?"
Shaking your head, you gave him a tiny small to reassure him that you would not die from the pain - not just yet. It confused you, and even though you tried to think of a proper reason - you could only conclude that it was a horrible coincidental muscle cramp.
But cramps did not hurt like that.
"Don't worry, just head over to the clinic tomorrow." The comforting words calmed you; you did not even realize how overly tensed you were. "Thanks, I will."
"Is that yours?" Seung Ho motioned to a large white house with a blue roof that sat on the beach, near the main road.
"Yup!" A rush of dread and relief washed over you at the sight of home. You could not wait to curl up in bed, under the covers and let the sound of lapping waves put you to sleep again. Yet you did not want Seung Ho to leave - would you even get to see him again?
Stopping at your doorstep, Seung Ho asked if you could walk. "Or am I allowed to go in?"
As if it was all planned, the door swung open to reveal your aunt. Shock took over her face for a split second, then she smiled in relief. "I just found out you were missing. Thank goodness you're alright! And who might this be?"
Introducing himself, Seung Ho also explained the earlier events - conveniently leaving out parts relevant to the kiss. "Such a kind soul you are!" Your aunt exclaimed, patting Seung Ho on the back. "Perhaps you could do me one last favor and send her to her room? An old lady like me can't possibly can't possibly carry such tremendous weight up the stairs!"
"Aunt Maris!" You hissed in embarrassment. "You are definitely not old, and I am not that heavy either!" She waved her hand dismissively and motioned Seung Ho up the stairs. You noticed that he tried not to laugh, and obliged to your aunt's request.
"So, which door do I open?" Seung Ho asked when he reached the top of the stairs. Pointing to the one on the far right, you apologized to him for the trouble. "No worries." He took a look at the name painted on your door, pausing before he bent slightly lower to reach the doorknob.
"Nice name." Seung Ho commented as he stepped into your room, looking around with a lost expression on his face. "Um, do I lay you on the bed? Or should you be taking a shower?"
"The bed will do." Your voice came out softer than you intended it to be. "I'll shower in a bit. Sorry for the trouble, don't let me keep you."
"No worries." He reassured, laying you on the covers. You looked up at him, waiting for proper words to say goodbye. He beat you to it, kneeling beside your bed and whispering in your ear your name - followed by a "I'll visit you tomorrow."
"See you." You whispered as he stood up to leave. The last thing you saw before he closed the door behind him - was his beautiful smile. Even though you smiled back, you could not take your mind off the fact that: the pain in your legs left as he did.
~~*~~
"When the sisters rose, arm-in-arm, through the water in this way, their youngest sister would stand quite alone, looking after them, ready to cry, only that the mermaids have no tears, and therefore they suffer more." Closing the book, you glanced over at Leo. Patting his head, you asked "Are you falling asleep to my story-telling? I haven't even got to the part where she trades her voice for legs."
Leo seemed uninterested, and turned his brown puppy eyes towards the sea instead. You followed his gaze, past the crowded beach, across the sparkling blue sea and into the distance.
Pursing your lips, you drummed your fingers on the cover of the book. Your legs had been fine since you woke up. No sharp pain, no cramps, not even a trace of numbness stayed. After last night's ordeal, you could not help but to be very grateful for every step you could take. It made you want to run around the beach immediately - just so you would never regret if that privilege was ever taken away from you again.
Unfortunately, your aunt seemed to think differently.
"How's my niece doing?" Maris sat down next to you, glancing at the book in your hand and then patting your back. "Not well, since I'm grounded for having leg cramps last night. It's summer! I need to go swim and mingle with the holiday crowd, you know?" You replied with a hint of desperation, hoping she would change her mind.
"Sorry darling. I'm responsible for you, and I can't and do not want to take any chances. God forbid if you have leg cramps when you swimming!" She explained. The worried look on her face made you feel guilty to even think of leaving the house. "I'm sorry. I'll stay in today. You'd let me swim after a few days, right?"
"Yes dear, after a few days. Plus, you're not so far from all that summer crowd. We're practically among them!"
She was not lying - what could have been the house's garage had been renovated to be a shop. Run by your aunt, it sold beach necessities from sun tan lotions to ice-cream, cans of cool soda drinks to quirky looking floats for all ages. Being the only shop there, beach-goers frequented it.
So in a way, you were sitting amidst the summer crowd; yet you were not part of it. Experience had taught you that rebellion brought nothing in this house, so you reluctantly prepared yourself to face a few boring days of vacation.
"Don't look so glum! I'll even give you extra allowance this week to get yourself a summer dress!"
"But I already hav-" Ignoring your protest, she stood up and headed into the direction of the shop. "I have to go now, be a good girl and stay at home!"
Sighing, you ruffled Leo's head and stood up. His ears perked at the creak of the floorboard under your feet, and pushed himself up to follow you. Making your way through the house, you reached the patio behind.
As you settled yourself on the hammock, Leo did the same next to the huge wooden chair nearby. Flipping the book open, you continued reading. From the part where she finally got to see the world above, to how she save the prince she admired so much - till the part where she lay his unconscious form on the beach. Hovering over his torso, she stroked his wet hair, noticing the hue of life return to his cheeks.
A chuckle broke your thoughts - wait, did you fall asleep?
Opening your eyes in shock, you found yourself face to face with Seung Ho. That was not the only thing that surprised you - as you soon came to realize that you were lying on top of him. Apologizing incoherently, you moved to get off him - only to stumble and have him catch you in a sitting position. His chuckles turned into a warm fit of laughter, and you blushed at the situation and the intimate position he held you in.
"Having an early morning nap? You should have just slept in." He commented, you could tell that he was trying to cease his laughter.
"Ah, well. I couldn't really sleep. Thought I'd wake up to join the beach crowd, but I was grounded instead."
"Because of what happened last night?" He asked, his expression no longer of amusement, but of curiosity. Before you could answer, he continued "Are you feeling better today though? How are your legs?"
"I'm fine, thanks to you." You smiled gratefully.
"Mmhmm, and you should thank me for catching you too."
"Catching me?"
"From your fall just now."
"Oh that - how did that even happen?" You wondered aloud. Seung Ho ruffled your hair, saying he would also like to know. "I was standing over you, wondering if I should wake you when you turned and fell. It happened so fast, I actually feel pretty proud of myself for managing to break your fall."
"You should be proud! Thank you, once again." Instead of answering, Seung Ho's hand slid from your hair to your face. A soft gasp escaped your lips upon the touch of his warm palm against your cheek. There was a affectionate look in his eyes, and it did not help calm the erratic beating of your heart.
When his other hand moved to hold your arm, your eyes were darting anxiously back and forth from his hazel eyes to his inviting lips. "I didn't request for another game of Truth or Dare while I was sleeping... did I?"
A grin appeared on his face, and from where you were sitting - it looked amazing yet surreal. "No, silly. What makes you ask so?"
"Were you going to kiss me?" The question came awkwardly, desperately, bluntly - you had no idea what possessed you to have such shamelessness.
His answer was a half-chuckle followed by a cough. "If you take up my offer to be my tour guide, I'll let you know at the end of the day. Deal?"
"How would I know if you'll keep your word?" Looking at him questioningly, you reluctantly slipped out of his grasp and sat on the hammock. Being in his arms did weird things to your head.
"No trust for me, huh?" A pout formed on his face for a few seconds before turning into a grin. "Why don't you take a picture of us. If I don't keep my word, you can do anything with it."
Laughing at how carefree his words seemed, you jokingly mentioned that it wouldn't be worth much of a blackmail material unless it was scandalous.
Seung Ho raised his eyebrow at your comment, a seductive expression taking over his face in an instant. "What would you consider scandalous? A shot of us in bed? A shot of us kissing?" He asked in such a serious manner that you were at a loss of words. "Or maybe... a shot of us eating ice cream at the town's most famous dessert parlor?"
Smiling, you agreed with his final suggestion. "Ice cream sounds good."
"Let's go then!" He motioned. "I've already asked your aunt, and she said it's alright as long as I don't let you swim. Oh, don't look at me with such an adorable smile - I might not be able to control myself."
Still smiling, you gave him a brief hug before heading out.
~~*~~
Being Seung Ho's tour guide was a lovelier experience than you could have imagined. As you brought him around and explained the town's famous landmarks to him - you realized that he actually knew his way around - and that he did not really need a tour guide in that sense.
"I just wanted company." He answered sincerely when you asked him about it.
After ice-cream, you brought him to the park where a group of kids were playing a huge game of hide-and-seek. An adorable little boy came up to you with an invitation to join, but you declined since you were wearing a knee-length summer dress. However, Seung Ho accepted the invite and insisted that you should too.
"One... two... three..." It - a girl donning a cute straw hat - counted against a tree.
Seung Ho grabbed your hand, pulling you through a pathway covered by the arched branches of many trees. You protested, pointing out that "I know better places to hide than you do!"
"I know some nice ones too." He grinned.
Awhile later, you were squeezing through a tiny space in the park's wall - Seung Ho's excited voice was heard on the other side. When you stepped out of the hole, you found yourself at a riverbank. The river was the only one that went through the town towards the sea.
Most townsfolk knew the main part of the river, as it was the center of the park. What they did not know was that it branched out into a small channel as well - the one that you were looking at.
You knew because you had been here countless times. What you did not know was that someone else discovered this place too. "How did you know about this place?" You asked Seung Ho breathlessly.
"I told you, I know some nice hideouts too."
"I don't doubt you... but I thought no one else knew about this place." You whispered. "It's supposed to be my secret hiding place. I've never seen anyone else here before, never. Did you live here before? Is there something you're not telling me?"
A restless feeling stirred inside you, trying to tell you something - yet you couldn't put your finger on it. Yesterday's pain already disturbed you, but this just made things weirder.
Seung Ho's fingers lightly held your chin, turning you to face him. His chocolate eyes seemed to swallow you up, his gaze long and unwavering. "I think I'd like to ask you the same."
Upon hearing his answer, your eyebrows furrowed.
What did he mean, ask you the same thing?
Why did he seem so comfortable around you, even though you had only met him yesterday?
You disliked this strange familiarity. It felt like how other parents who met you outside school would treat you - friendly, polite and even caring - but in the end, they did not know you. They only knew you as an orphan - it was all just an act of kindness.
Biting your lips as to not cry out loud, you wiped the tears that made their way down your flushed cheeks. Seung Ho's gaze broke at the sight of your tears. Moving closer to pull you into an embrace, he stroked your hair, whispering apologies.
Apologies for nothing.
He was sorry, but he did not say what he was sorry for. In fact, why was he even apologizing?
Pushing him away, you apologized for the sudden breakdown. He tried to hold you close, but it only resulted in you stepping backwards clumsily. You felt the back of your foot hit something, and fell backwards into the river.
As the cool water enveloped you, you silently thanked God that the water was clear, instead of murky. Having swam almost your entire life, you made no hurried movements to resurface. This part of the river barely had a current - it was a perfect place to swim on days when large waves threatened the beach.
In fact, you had swam here so many times that it was like your second home. Flashes of you splashing about in your younger days filled your mind. The peaceful surroundings, flowers that swayed in the breeze, birds that flew by to rest on the branches, vivid colors that reflected off the river when the sun set, the moon that lighted your midnight swims - wait, did you ever swim at night?
Before you could ponder further, familiar arms pull you upwards. Breaking through the surface, you noticed the angry look on Seung Ho's face. "What were you thinking?" He half-shouted.
You would have apologized for worrying him, but a morbid tingle started creeping upwards from your toes. "Seung Ho!" You gasped, clutching your legs - burning pain seared through them, the cool water almost made it feel less horrible. Just almost.
Clinging onto Seung Ho to dear life, you felt him swim towards the river bank and lift you up. "Is it your legs?" Even though it wasn't the time to be feeling so - you felt comforted by the distinct tone of worry in his voice.
Yet all comfort that drained away when you looked at your legs.
The pleasant summer tint on your legs had faded, to be replaced by a dull shade of blue. You looked at Seung Ho for an explanation, but he looked as shocked and confused as you did.
"This is a really stupid question..." He finally managed to say, "But are you alright?"
"Aside from the shock of... this - the pain's gone."
Slumping beside you, he sighed in relief. "That's good to know."
Nodding, you continued staring at your discolored limbs. You tried making sense of it, but your mind was just a blank. Warmer hands slipped between your cold, trembling ones - you looked at the reassuring smile on Seung Ho's face.
"We'll figure this out. Should I send you home? Or do you want to..."
"Stay here. Please, at least for awhile longer." You squeezed his hand. Leaving here would mean returning to reality, to worry. At least here, it was just Seung Ho and you.
"You aren't freaked out?" You whispered, holding his hand tighter - afraid that he would indeed leave. When there was no reply, you sneaked a glanced at him.
His eyebrows were furrowed as he stared frustratedly into the distance. He would occasionally tighten his grip on your hand, and you waited patiently for him to sort his thoughts out. Breezes came and went, the both of you huddled closer to each other, his hand still holding yours.
When he finally moved to face you, he sighed. "There's something I should tell you, at least I think I should. I really don't want to - because it seems absurd, it's something I'm not too sure of myself - but I think it's best if I told you.
"Alright." You nodded, your grip tightened. "Go ahead."
"First thing's first then - you're right. I used to live here. Not permanently though, I just visited every weekend for half a year."
"When was that?"
"Exactly ten years ago. I wanted to go on a break, all by myself. It was a childish idea, but I wanted to get out of the study routine I put myself in. A friend suggested this place, so I took a bus over."
Imagining a younger version of Seung Ho taking off from home on his own, you giggled. "What an adventurous kid you were!"
The seriousness in his face dispersed, and he smiled - but only for a split second, and then he looked somber again. "It was usually a day trip. I would spend my time at the park, get some snacks, take some pictures and head home. But there was once, I stayed overnight."
He paused to take a deep breath. You reached out to touch his cheek, and he smiled at your act of comfort. "What happened then?"
"That night, I met someone who looked exactly like you."
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