HA-JOON'S POV:-
I coasted down Arborwish lane, the morning sun glinting off the freshly oiled chains of my repaired bike. The soft hum the wheels blended with the gentle bounce of my swept gray-streaked hair.
Before long I rounded a corner and the bungalow stood modestly behind a tidy flower border-just big enough for Joy and her mom Mrs. Noh, but warm and and welcoming.
I hopped off, lifted the white gate latch and stepped onto the stomach flagstone path.
Inside the front room Joy waited in a brown table. Her hair tied back with a pink ribbon, her glasses perfectly intact on her face. Her freckles bouncing as she smiles.
''Joy! how are you? hope you are doing better?'' I asked my tone soft, Joy nodded brushing a strand of hair behind her back.
''I'm fine... Ha-Joon hope you are too. I see the bandage is still on your nose..'' She replied and handed me three Mochi packed containers, plump and sweet.
''Ahh, Joy!!''
Joy giggled pride shaking in her voice '' Don't forget to tell In-Su I made them....'' she said. ''there's enough for you also and anyone you would like to give''
I grinned as I took the sweet rice cakes ''Thanks Joy..'' I smiled '' You're the best''
I then shoved them Inside my bag, My hand suddenly shifted my fingers curling around the familiar spin of the brown book.
I opened my mouth to speak '' Oh, Joy there is something I want to show you..'' When a sudden shout echoed from inside.
'' JOY-SHI!! BREAKFAST ON THE TABLE DON'T KEEP ME WAITING''
The call was crisp and loving, but laden with the authority of a mother.
Joy's face fell, for an instant, she gave a pout, and an apologetic look.
''Sorry..'' she whispered and I nodded.
''It's okay greet... Mrs. Noh for me..''
''Alright take care my dear Ha-Joon-ah'' Joy squealed and ran inside.
I smiled and shoved the book back inside my bag , I smiled and went out. I swung my leg over my bike, feeling a familiar rhythm under me once more as I paddled off.
END OF POV....
ring-ring -ring
When the lunch break bell rang, Ha-Joon spun around, expecting to see In-Su behind him. Instead, his arm full of three Mochi-Packed containers, he found his seat empty and just beside his, Ji-Hoo grinning at him.
Ji-Hoo's eyes were dancing with mischief as he called out '' Grandpa! where is Joy?''
Ha-Joon let's out an annoyed scoff, shifting the containers to one arm '' She's sick. Why do you ask?''
For a moment Ji-Hoo's grin faltered and he gulped, looking a little too quick to clear his throat '' I.. uh just thought the classroom felt more peaceful without her chattering'' he lied barely meeting Ha-Joon's gaze.
Ha-Joon nodded as if that made sense ''Right'' he said arching an eyebrow '' You-the noisiest person in the class, find peace in silence? sure.''
Ji-Hoo shrugged recovering his teasing smile, finally his eyes drifted to Ha-Joon's nose, Bandaged.
'' Ah.. silver... what an art installation, grandpa where did you get this from?''' He reached to touch the nose but Ha-Joon smacked his hands.
Ha-Joon rolled his eyes '' It's nothing... I slipped'' He lied.
Then Ha-Joon remembered the three container pressed under his chest. He kept two on his desk and offered the last one to Ji-Hoo '' Here take it.. I know you're my bully but I don't have any other person to give...'' He sighs '' Anyways... Joy made them...''
''Joy?'' Ji-Hoo starred at the container for a beat, cheeks flushing pink soft '' Oh..my gosh.. I'm not hungry..'' He said, but he took it anyway, typical Ji-Hoo.
Ha-Joon glanced back at In-Su's chair '' By the way.. where is In-Su?'' He asked.
Ji-Hoo peeled back the lid on his Mochi box, pretending to inspect the pastel threats.
''Yeah.... He told me he is going to the rooftop... that's what he told me...'' Ji-Hoo replied.
Ha-Joon smiled ''Ok...then... I will be going...''
Ha-Joon got up and left with the two container before Ji-Hoo could say something annoying again.
Ji-Hoo didn't even care he was focus on the Mochi made and given by people he would annoy so much. He smiled and popped a Mochi into his mouth.
Ha-Joon climbed the narrow stairs, until he landed onto the roof top, where In-Su sat parched on the low brick wall. The afternoon breeze lifted In-Su's black hair, strand dance on his face.
Free of it's usual mask.
He tilted his head back his eyes closed shut, as he breathed in the warm air,
Ha-Joon paused a few feet away, When he finally moved forward, his own silver grey hair lifted in the same gentle wind.
He reached out and tapped In-Su on the back, In-Su didn't startle, no hesitation, as if he'd none Ha-Joon would come maybe he did.
In-Su patted the spot beside him on the brick ledge '' sit'' he said quietly '' I know you'd come.''
Ha-Joon blinked ''Ok.. you would... if you were...''
In-Su gave a small nod, as if that explained everything '' I just found out''
Reaching behind him, Ha-Joon retrieved one of the container.
''Joy made theses'' he said offering it forward '' We wanted to thank you for caring to help us- from those goons''
In-Su smiled gently as he took the box. He lifted the lid , revealing row of soft petal Mochi.
''Thanks the both of you...'' He said his voice calm but deep..
Then teasingly glanced at Ha-Joon's bandaged nose '' Those guys really went harsh on you look at you''.
Ha-Joon grinned a small laugh escaping from him as he touch the edge of the gauge.
Ha-Joon's eyes drifted over to the city scape for a moment before turning back to In-Su.
''Why are you here alone?'' he asked.
In-Su's lips curved into a small sad smile '' Nobody wants to be close to me they all say I'm... scary'' His voice steady but his shoulders dropped.
Ha-Joon nodded thoughtfully '' Well Yeah..... you look scary when you stare like that... and no one has seen your face...'' He gave In-Su a teasing poke.
''But you can't judge a book by it's cover...'' Reaching into his Mochi container, Ha-Joon plucked out a petal pink ball and popped it in his mouth, chewing thoughtfully.
At that In-Su's red eye flickered with amusement, when he smiled, a pair of small fangs peeked out '' Why do you always stalk me now? when you do that you are scarier then me'' he said his voice low.
Ha-Joon pretended to be offended '' I do not stalk you!! I....I just...'' He trailed off embarrassed.
In-Su raised a perfect eyebrow, After a heart beat he said quickly '' Let's be friends''.
Ha-Joon's eyes went wide, the wind lifting strands of their hair around on their face, as they stare at each other '' Friends?'' He echoed as if though testing the word he heard for the first time.
In-Su nodded turning back to look over the rooftop.
''Hmm....ok friend it is.....'' Ha-Joon sighed, and they just sat there, letting the breeze play with their hair.
''Oh I can't believe am finally In-Su's friend, he really played too hard to get. Why do I care..?, now I will know why my parents think you're different.'' - Ha-Joon thought.
''Ha-Joon am being your friend because I want to... and because I want to save you... I need to protect you... my parents are getting out of hand. I hope I can protect you'' - In-Su thought.