Outside the cozy café called Ai no Hitokuchi, Ha-Joon and In-Su sat side by side, their chairs facing the three others across the table. Ha-Joon and Joy took leave that day so there were customers.
''Ah, this café is the best'' Nira mutters sipping her coffee.
The afternoon cast a warm glow, and a gentle breeze played with Nira's hair, making it dance softly across her face. She wore- casual clothes comfortable and effortless and her bright smile reflect her relaxed mood.
Yuki sat beside her, golden rays on his messy hair, he wore a black shirt with no sleeve, his arms relaxed behind Nira's chair.
Joon-Seo however, looked uninterested- his gaze was turned away, eyes fixed on some distant point, arms crossed as if he couldn't be bothered.
Nira leaned forward, her tone friendly and inviting '' So tell us what we need to do'' she said with a warm smile.
Ha-Joon took a deep breath before explaining, his tone earnest but a little nervous.
He talked about their projects, what the story was about, the roles each of them will play and where they plan to shoot. His words flowed with enthusiasm trying to hide his nervousness with a bright smile.
Yuki tilted his head, eyes twinkling '' so...it's a love story?'' he said a playful grin on his face.
Ha-Joon nodded slowly, with a shy smile '' It's not only a love story'' he said glancing at In-Su who nodded in support '' It's a story about friendship.... dreams and overcoming obstacles, it's more then just romance.''
In-Su glancing at the note in Ha-Joon's hand - maybe the script outline - added calmly '' And don't worry about the... transportation and expenses, we're covering all, we just need your help in some roles, that's it.''
Joon-Seo scoffed loudly arching an eye brow '' How great... You're basically giving us charity'' he said with a sneer.
He then sharply turned towards Nira his words harsh and dismissive, ''Why did you drag me into this? I told you I didn't wanna help some kids...'' Joon- Seo snapped clearly annoyed.
In-Su's eyes flashed with a dangerous calm. Without rising he slams his hand on the table, making Nira jump slightly.
'' Then why are you here?'' In- Su asked voice low and steady '' You know you can Just walk from here, no body's stopping you'' he added standing up with a quiet authority.
Ha-Joon reached out gently - and pull In-Su's arm trying to calm him down- but in his eyes was doubt, his confidence was slowly slipping away.
Nira's eyes soften with slight irritation '' Come on Joon-Seo don't be like that...'' She said softly '' we're all here to help each other right?'' she added.
Joon-Seo scoffed, turning his gaze to a distant horizon. A silence tension lingered in the air.
Yuki trying to be the peace maker, broke the awkwardness '' Ok... Your story sounds interesting, we will be happy to help... but when do we start?'' he asked eagerly.
Ha-Joon smiled a little '' Tomorrow. We will be leaving tomorrow, send us your addresses and we will come pick you up'' he said his voice low.
Nira nodded her smile genuine '' Then we will see you tomorrow.'' she said softly.
They all nodded in agreement except for Joon-Seo who suddenly pushed himself from his seat his voice dripping with disdain '' You're just wasting your damn time, go and do what's best for you, we're their seniors not servants.''
He said turning to Nira '' Let's go home'' he commanded voice sharp.
Nira startled slightly but managed a polite smile '' Don't worry'' she whispered softly to Ha-Joon as she gathered her bag '' He'll come around soon, he's just.... difficult''. then she turned around and started walking away beside Joon-Seo her hair flowing in the breeze.
Yuki patted both Ha-Joon and In-Su on the shoulder '' see you tomorrow'' he said cheerfully before following Nira.
Ha-Joon watched them go, a sinking feeling inside his chest his eyes shadowed with uncertainty. He turns to In-Su a flicker of sadness crossing his features '' What did I say wrong?'' he asked softly voice trembling.
He lowered his head his grey bang covering his eyes, his confident was shattered replaced by a quiet doubt.
In-Su reached out placing a hand on Ha-Joon's shoulder '' None of this is your fault... it's just him... he's arrogant'' he said his voice soft but firm.
Ha-Joon sighed deeply, shoulders slummed slightly the weight of disappointment settling in.
He wasn't the confident person he was earlier-the courage he had gathered seemed to melt away.
In-Su leaned closer whispering '' Come on let's go you parents, must be worried.'' he said cheerfully trying to lift his friends spirit.
And as they stood up and walked away In-Su's head was filled with thought I hope this trip will remind him about who he truly is, I still can believe it's been years and he still doesn't remember is he that dumb or something? In-Su thought eyes flickering with amusement.
THE NEXT DAY....
It was a bright crisp morning outside Ha-Joon's house.
The sky was clear and a gentle breeze rustle the leaves,
Ha-Joon stood outside the porch ready to leave for the trip.
His grey travel bag swung on his shoulder, and his backpack on the other.
In front of him expected people stood there, Mrs. Kim and her calm husband, Ji-Woo and Min-Ju.
Ji-Woo stepped forward, her eyes slightly moist, she looks at her little brother with a soft pout, before pulling him into a warm hug '' Ah... my Ha-Joon's first trip alone''. she whispered voice trembling slightly.
Ha-Joon giggled and pats her back gently '' It's okay'' he said '' it's just a week I will be fine''.
She let's him go and then gave a nod with a smile. Mrs. Kim stepped forward, her eyes fill with motherly concern, she gently kissed his forehead and smiled .
''Take care son, remember to eat properly and take a shower before bed'' she said smiling softly.
Ha-Joon nodded and solemnly embrace her in a quick hug.
His father's warms smile appeared as Mr. Kim stepped forward nodding softly '' Take care son'' he murmured voice steady.
Ha-Joon replied with respect '' Yes father'' and returned a smile.
Min-Ju walked closer hands crossed, acting nonchalant. He roughly patted Ha-Joon's shoulder and cleared his throat.
''I am glad you're leaving. See you soon'' He said trying to sound casual.
Ha-Joon chuckled amused by his demeanor '' Yeah.. I am not sure if am glad.. but thanks'' he replied with a grin.
Suddenly a loud horn cut through the peaceful morning, Ha-Joon looked up sensing who it was '' Ah, that must be Ji-Hoo'' he said with a smile.
Within moments, Ji-Hoo came in through the gate alongside him, Nira and Yuki, all three wore similar outfits- with Nira wearing a skirt.
They approached the family with cheerful smiles.
'' Hi... Mrs. and Mr. Kim'' Nira and Yuki greeted sweetly.
'' Hi you must be Nira and Yuki... my son told me about you...'' Mrs. Kim replied kindly.
Ji-Woo smiled and squealed excitedly '' Hi.. I'm Ji-Woo you're so pretty'' She said smiling at Nira.
''Thank you'' Nira replied shyly.
Ji-Woo's gaze then turned to Ji-Hoo and her eyes narrowed '' and you.. you better not be teasing my brother... or I will break you'' she warned and Ji-Hoo nodded almost immediately.
'' Yes ma'am...'' he said obediently.
Yuki turned to Ha-Joon with a bright smile. '' Let's go or we will be late''' he said and Ha-Joon nodded. With a last wave and hugs to his family he walked away heading towards the bus.
INSIDE THE BUS.
As Ha-Joon entered the bus, he looked around looking for a seat. He spotted In-Su by the window, and Joon-Seo at back, both had their armed crossed.
Not wanting to make things awkward, he hurriedly sat beside Joon-Seo since it was the only empty seat.
He hesitate for a moment then smiled and turned to Joon-Seo '' Hi'' he said softly.
Jon-Seo just glanced at him without much expression and pulled out his phone ignoring Ha-Joon entirely. Rude.
Suddenly the boss door closed with a hiss, Ji-Hoo the bus driver starts the car with a mischievous grin.
''Now we will go pick up my girlfriend'' he announced eyes beaming with mischievousness.
Ha-Joon made an expression '' Joy?'' he asked but then In-Su spoke up casually.
''She's not your girlfriend just the main leads'' He said, and Ji-Hoo chuckled.
Everyone nodded, and the bus went quiet only the soft hum, of the engine and the soft sound of chatter, as the bus began to move.
.