Stage 3:
You are lying on your tummy on top of your couch, staring at the black screen of your cellphone. And for the umpteenth time you pick it up and scrolled down your recent calls list:
“Oppa,
Eonni,
Eonni,
Eonni,
Eonni,
Eonni,
Eonni,
Yong Hwa,
and Eonni.”
You breathed, still unable to process the fact that you had Yong Hwa’s number. That he actually went through the trouble of adding himself into your contact, right before your eyes.
“Next time your opening up for me…” You repeated his word in a daze, with a grin on your face. Then you began to think more realistically, “Like that would ever happen” You scoffed as you sat up like a normal person. Making room for your Eonni and Patch, your over-bearing collie.
“What’s never going to happen?” Your Eonni questioned.
“Nothing,” You replied with indifference as you scratched Patch behind the ear. He in return stared at you with those big eye of his. “Yah, I’m fine. In fact I’m in the mood for a walk. Want to go for a walk?” you asked Patch. He in turn jumps off the couch and ran to fetch his leash.
“So what do you think about Yong Hwa?” Eonni asked.
“What brought this on?” You flinched.
“Come on, you’ve been staring at your phone all day. Are you expecting a call from him?”
“You and I both know I’m expecting squat from him. It was all a spur of the moment, probably just another kid with a good voice….”
“And a cute face!!!” She shouted, as she reached over and pinched your cheek.
“Yah! Eonni! That hurts. Stop it! Patch save me!” You laughed.
“Ahh My little dreamer is so cute when she smiles.” She said finally letting you go.
“Okay, well I’m off.” You said as you latch on Patch’s leash to his collar, and grab hold of your guitar case. “I’ll be back later!”
“Hyungggggggggggg! I’m tired!” Min Hyuk complained.
“Minnie your always tired. How about I treat you to some spicy rice cakes?” He replied.
“Okay!” Min Hyuk face brighten. “But Hyung what are we doing at the park?”
“To walk down memory lane and listen to some raw talent” he said with a smile.
“How do you expect to do it with that face?” He snickered.
“Your face is just as popular.” Yong Hwa pulled down his knit hat over his dongsaeng’s eyes and glasses. They walked through the park listening to people sing, play and strum away. Bring back memories of when they once stood in the same place as these talented youngsters. They walked by guitars being plucked and keyboard being played till he saw a fluffy brown and white collie run past him.
“Patch are you saving a spot for me?” Her giggle caught his attention. He looked up to find a lively sweet smile planted on her face, her thick black bangs hiding her eyes as she ran pass them.
“Oh it’s that girl from the other night!” Min Hyuk smiled. Yong Hwa stood there with a smile on his face, as he reached for his phone in his pocket. He scrolled through his contact till he came to
“Dreamer” and dailed. He watched her as she lifted her handphone to her ear, without even bothering to look at who was calling her.
“Hey I’m fine, ok? You shouldn’t be such a worry wart. I just need some air and Patch need a walk, I’ll be home later.” She replied as if habitual.
“Well I wonder who is this worry wart cause its not me.” He teased. He paused waiting to her an embarrassed squeal or a pour of repetitive “I’m sorry”
“Soooo is this a bet?” She replied “Or do you normally call at least once, just to get one’s hopes up.”
“Why do you sound so guarded? Are you normally this cold?” He smiled to himself as he made his way closer to her. “I was actually wondering if I can make a song request.”
“Don’t guys typically sing to the girls over the phone. Not the other way around.” She grinned.
“Don’t worry, I’ll just sing with you.” Surprised by the echo she looked around and saw Yong Hwa only inches away, smiling at her.