On a chilly evening, Jaekyeon found himself standing by the bus stop, watching the sun dip below the horizon. The air was crisp, and the faint glow of streetlights flickered on, signalling the end of another long day. He had been waiting for her like the previous night, anticipating her arrival with a mix of excitement and nervousness.
As the bus rolled in, Jaekyeon spotted her through the window. A warm smile spread across his face as she waved enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with recognition. The moment she hopped off the bus and ran towards him, all the exhaustion from his day melted away.
"Hey, OPPA!" she called out, breathless but cheerful.
"Hi! I didn't think you'd come today!" he replied, trying to hide how much he had been looking forward to this moment.
They began talking animatedly, sharing stories about their day and their dreams for the future. The conversation flowed easily, as if they had known each other for months. They laughed over small jokes and exchanged curious glances, feeling an undeniable connection growing between them.
After a while, they decided to stroll back toward her apartment, taking the long way home. The streets were quiet, illuminated by the soft light of the moon. As they neared her building, Jaekyeon mustered the courage to ask, "Can we keep in touch? I'd like that."
"Definitely!" she replied, pulling out her phone. They exchanged numbers, both excited about this new chapter of their lives.
That night and many nights to follow, Jaekyeon found himself picking her up after work. With each encounter, their friendship blossomed.
They shared stories about their childhoods, their hobbies, and their hopes. Sometimes, they would sit on the stairs of her building, gazing up at the stars and talking about everything under the sky. It felt natural and easy, as if they had been friends in another life.
Eventually, they began to confide in each other, sharing fears and dreams. Jaekyeon realised how much he looked forward to those late-night meetings; they became the highlight of his days. And for her, it was comforting to have someone who understood her so well.
As weeks passed, their bond deepened, turning into a small fire of friendship that warmed their hearts. They often playfully argued about who got to choose the destination for their late-night adventures, and each small victory felt like a sweet triumph.
In those moments, under the stars and amidst the bustling city, they both knew they had found something special—an unexpected companionship that had changed their lives most wonderfully. Together, they stepped into the future, unsure of what lay ahead but ready to face it hand in hand.
Jaekyeon had just settled into his evening routine when his phone rang, breaking the silence. He glanced at the screen, and his heart skipped a beat when he saw Nila's name. "Hey Nila, what's up?" he answered, concern creeping into his voice.
Her voice was barely a whisper, strained and weak. "Hey oppa… I'm really not feeling well. I've got a high fever, and… well, I'm on my period too."
Instantly, his worry deepened. "Do you want something? Tell me," he asked, eager to help.
"Could you buy me some medicine and, um, some sanitary napkins? I completely forgot to stock up," she admitted, her voice trailing off in exhaustion.
"Of course! I'll call you when I get there," Jaekyeon replied, already thinking of how he could make her feel better.
"I'll send you the password for the door. I think I might just sleep as soon as you get here," Nila said with a hint of fatigue.
"Okay, message me the password. I'll be there as soon as I can," he assured her.
After they hung up, Jaekyeon hurriedly gathered his things, anxiety tingling in his chest. He really hated that she was feeling this way. A quick message dinged on his phone, and he opened it to see: "**********" — the password. "I'm feeling dizzy, man. I'm going to sleep."
His heart raced. He couldn't waste any more time. He rushed to the pharmacy, grabbing everything she needed. His mind was a flurry of thoughts about how she was doing and hoping she was okay.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he arrived at her house. He quickly input the password and pushed the door open, stepping inside silently. The house was dimly lit, and his eyes immediately went to her bedroom. There she was, pale and slumped on her bed, a blanket pulled tightly around her.
He approached her quietly, his hand pressing against her forehead to check for fever. It was alarmingly high. "Nila, wake up," he said gently, shaking her shoulder slightly.
She stirred, her eyelids fluttering open. "Oppa?" she croaked, her voice hoarse.
"Here, take this," he said, handing her the medicine and watching carefully as she swallowed it down with a sip of water he had prepared.
"Let's get you to the bathroom," he advised, helping her rise and supporting her as she staggered a bit. The bathroom was just a few steps away, but each movement seemed to drain her further.
After she washed up, he led her back to her bed, where she lay down heavily. Jaekyeon tucked her back under the covers, then turned his focus to the kitchen. He knew she needed to eat something, even if her appetite was nonexistent.
Jaekyeon scoured through her cupboards, finding some rice and vegetables. He cooked a simple meal but poured all his care into it. The aroma filled the room, and he hoped it would coax her appetite back.
Once it was ready, he returned to her side and set the plate on the bedside table. "Nila, can you try to eat a little?" he urged, his tone gentle yet firm.
She took a small bite, then another, surprising herself. The warmth of the food and Jaekyeon's presence wrapped around her like a blanket.
"Thanks, Oppa. I don't know what I'd do without you," she murmured, her voice still tired but her eyes shining with gratitude.
"Just try to rest now. I'll be here, alright?" he said, feeling relieved that she was finally eating something. As the evening wore on, Jaekyeon stayed by her side, ensuring she was comfortable, checking her fever, and refilling her water whenever needed.
In those quiet moments, he realised just how much he cared for her, and he hoped that once she recovered, he could find a way to tell her. But for now, his priority was clear: take care of Nila and help her through this tough time.
He often found himself lost in thought, weighed down by the problems he faced—and those he still feared to face. Each introspection brought a flicker of sadness, yet amidst it all, there was a sliver of happiness that bloomed whenever he was beside her.
He had taken to sleeping on the couch in the hallway, content in knowing he could care for her, especially during those times when her health faltered.
When she finally recovered from a nasty fever, he would return to his house, but never for long. He always made sure to visit in the evenings, checking in on her, ensuring she was alright. Their routine comforted him and gave him purpose.
One evening, he arrived at her house to find her busy in the kitchen. A familiar aroma filled the air, and he could see her moving about as she prepared tea for both of them. He walked into the kitchen with a lighthearted greeting. "Hey Nila, what are you doing?"
She turned to him, a soft smile on her face. "Nothing much, just preparing tea for us." There was a pause before she added, "Hey, why do you wear that mask all the time? Take it off! You want to drink tea, right?"
Her curiosity sparked something inside him. She had never seen his face; he always hid behind the mask and oversized hoodies, both his shield and comfort. Her question sent a wave of panic through him. He was afraid—not of her, but of the vulnerability that revealing his face would bring.
"No, I can't. I don't want tea because I don't drink it, and I have allergies, so I can't take it off the mask," he said hurriedly, desperate to maintain the barrier he had built.
She looked at him, a shadow of disappointment flickering across her features. "It's okay," she said softly. "I'm just curious to see your face. I only hear your voice, and that's why… If you're not comfortable, then that's alright."
Her understanding only deepened his internal conflict. He wanted to show her who he was, but felt trapped in the layers he had wrapped around himself for so long. While her words brought him comfort, they also highlighted the distance he had created between them.
Days turned into weeks, and he continued to visit her each evening, preparing meals together, playing games, and sharing stories. Yet, each time, the mask remained. He cherished their moments, but the wall he had built felt more oppressive with each passing day.