Human: Paradigm (COMPLETED)

MATT

Jeon is sitting on the opposite side of the booth. He’s in a v-neck shirt that shows his neck under the navy blue cardigan.

Hmm? He’s looking better.

Last night, I returned to our unit after receiving the call from their president.

Knock knock

He isn’t answering.

“Jeon? Are you there?”

Knock knock

“Matt?”

Finally.

“Yes, I am here. Do you need something?” Jeon said.

“Can I enter?” I asked, but there wasn’t a reply.

“Jeon?”

“Please wait outside for a while. I will inform you when you can enter my room.”

“Ok.”

Afraid he might not be feeling well, I brought my ear against the door.

Claaank... Bang! Thump!

The deep sound of things falling was what I heard. What’s that?

“You can come in, Matt.”

Inside, his room is orderly unlike before, and although the light green comforter covered his bed, I could see the smooth flow of the bedsheet underneath. All books on the shelf were arranged according to volume numbers and genres. If Anne’s here, I’m sure he would get praise.

Near the window, Jeon resided on the upholstered couch. He crossed his legs.

“Hey. How are you?”

“I am fine. Do not worry about me.”

“I’ll be sitting then.”

“Sure. I am very sorry. I should have been more welcoming.”

“Don’t be. I can handle myself.”

I sat next to him.

“Your room’s very organized. I can tell you’ve been cleaning regularly.”

He smiled a little. “Thank you, but I am certain that your room is as proper if not greater or far more superior. Only if you can see your flooring. There are no traces of dirt that can be observed.”

“That’s just what my mom taught me.” this is getting off topic. “By the way, how did your audition go?”

His icy blue eyes flickered, then he looked down.

“It is fine. I passed the audition and became an official member of the club.”

“That’s great. But why the long face?”

He lifted his head. He swung it in my direction, but his eyes didn’t meet mine.

I brought my hand on his shoulder. “Jeon, I’m not forcing, but just to let you know, I am here to listen to you no matter what’s weighing on your chest.”

“Do not be bothered about it. I am not depressed... it is only a little blur because Hwan is my friend since middle school, and seeing him in that state is terrifying.”

I scooted closer. “I’m sure he’ll be fine. It’s not anything serious, right?”

Then, I wrapped my arms around him without waiting for his answer. Somehow, his body trembled.

“Y-y-yes. I-i-it’s not serious.”

“You can cry if you want. Because you’re my responsibility now.”

His body shook much more than before, so I stroked his back while I’m holding his other arm.

“T-thank you Matt, but I think this is enough.”

I let go. Looking at him made me see his face that was red as the carpet. He must’ve cried a lot, but I didn’t hear any sounds. And there’s no trace of tears in his eyes...

Nevermind.

I got something from my pocket. “Hey, take this.”

His mouth gaped open.

“This is a reservation card.”

“Do you think I’ve forgotten your birthday?”

“How did you know? I am certain I did not tell you anything.”

“You didn’t, but I asked Mr. An.”

“This is a prestigious shop, Matt. I do not want you to waste your money.”

“It isn’t a waste. It’s my gift for you.” I smirked. “Don’t tell me you aren’t going to accept it?”

“I cannot be such an imbecile to your gift. But-”

“Then we’re going to celebrate your day tomorrow. So, how about we leave at 10? The reservation’s at 11.”

“Thank you very much.”

By that, his face appeared brighter. It didn’t last long though. Because the moment his gaze shifted changed his expression considerably.

“Is that a bruise on your face?” Jeon asked a bit frantic. “What happened?”

“Let’s just say that we met some punks earlier and we had to defend ourselves. Don’t worry though. It’s already treated.”

“What did you say? You got in a fight?” he shook his head. “You should be careful. The people you are facing in this city are more connected to their abilities than you are. Attempt to avoid involvement in fights possibly as you can.”

“I know that. But it’s not like I have any other choice, right? And any other way, I’ll get beaten. Look, I’m not injured bad.”

He lowered his head and looked underneath. “May I know what really occurred earlier?”

“I went with a seonbae to buy art supplies. Everything is going fine, but when we’re walking the streets of 6A, she’s suddenly pulled in an alley.”

“Your seonbae is a girl...”

“Hadn’t I mentioned it to you yesterday?”

“I-i am sorry. Please continue.”

“So, yeah, she’s pulled in an alley by a group of delinquents, and it turned out that it’s the gang her ex is leading.“,

“I see... That is the time you defended her, am I right?”

“Because I couldn’t leave her like that.”

His complexion became paler than before. I reached for him but brushed my hand away.

“I apologize, but I can use some rest.” he smiled with a slight frown. “Can you please leave me alone for the moment?”

I nod. “Don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything.”

“I will inform you if needed.”

“I’ll call you when it’s dinnertime.”

“Thank you for your understanding.”

“Advance happy birthday. I hope you’ll teach me more Korean.”

He bobbed his head with a different expression I couldn’t understand.

But I guess I shouldn’t be worried now. He isn’t pale anymore, and it seems like he’s enjoying himself.

“You are not eating. Instead, you are gazing at me. Do you want some?”

Jeon has slid his plate in front of me. Lying atop is a pure angus beef burger and what’s on the side are long sticks of fries.

“Don’t mind me. I’m already full.”

“You are finished? It is no wonder why you are thin.”

“Five sliders are enough. Besides, their serving size isn’t bad.” including the prize too.

I stand from my seat.

“Excuse me. I need to use the restroom.”

“Go on. I will wait for you here.”

The restaurant’s filled with a few people. It’s good that the exit is blocked by the counter from our seat, so Jeon can’t see me from there. I make my way outside to the flower shop across the restaurant.

The sweet floral scent of the flowers creeps to my nose. Lilacs, sunflowers, and mixed arrangements of different sizes are on the display.

I approach the lady behind the counter. She gave me her business smile.

“Good afternoon, sir. What can I do for you?” she greets in English.

“Good afternoon. I made a reservation.” I say in Korean.

She widens her eyes. “Under what name sir?”

I place the tab on the counter. “Isaiah Matthew Cruz.”

“Alright. Wait for a moment, sir.”

She walks to the door behind. Now, only the man who’s fixing the display is left to attend to the customers.

“It’s you again.”

I turn to the sound of the voice. On my left stands a man in a long sleeve jersey with the number 19 printed in the middle of his shirt.

“You’re the one from the bookstore.” I say to him.

“We meet again! The world’s really small, huh.”

Since he looks cheerful, I smile wider than I use to.

“Is your girlfriend not with you today?”

“No, but I’m getting something for her. Today is our anniversary.”

“Wow. Happy anniversary.”

“Thanks. Thanks. I appreciate the sentiment. And you? Getting something for your girlfriend too?”

“It’s just something for my friend. I think you already met him when he’s running away.”

He narrows his eyes. “Jeon?”

“You know him?”

“Is he your boyfriend?”

Boyfriend? “No. I’m just getting it for him because it’s his birthday.”

“Excuse me, sir. Here’s the bouquet.” the lady from the counter says.

In her hand is the arrangement I’ve ordered. It’s a bunch of roses wrapped in a navy blue mesh roll.

“You’re giving that to him?” the boy asks. “Red roses for his birthday? For your friend’s birthday?”

“Why not? He likes red roses.”

A frown appears on his expression.

This is getting nowhere. “Sorry, but I need to go.”

“Gunwoo. That’s my name.”

“Yeah. I need to go, Gunwoo.”

“Be careful around him.”

I turn my back. “Yeah, I will. Thank you.”

“He’s gay.”

I stop. What?

“Who is?”

“Jeon. Be careful in your moves.”

I ignore him. I walk through the crowd.

The people strolling in the mall aren’t calming down. They walk here and there either chatting with someone or chatting to someone on their phones. My mind is chatting itself with questions too. Who’s that Gunwoo? What happened to his friendly atmosphere before? And Jeon, he’s gay?

Just before I know it, I notice the scarlet color of the booth. In front of me is Jeon, with his hand on his lap.

“You took a long time using the rest-!”

I hand him the bouquet of flowers. “Happy birthday, Jeon.”

Suddenly, his face becomes tinted of pink, and his eyes dart all over the place.

“W-what’s this?”

“My gift for you.”

“But you already bought me swimming equipment that I could not possibly acquire without your help.”

"These are my gifts. You know, I couldn’t have probably survived my stay without your help. This is payback because you’re my friend.”

“T-thank you.”

“You’re always welcome.”

The red tint on his face turns more vivid.

Hmm... He must really like red roses.

Or could it be what Gunwoo said is- Stop thinking about that. I don’t even know him.

I need to clear my mind. So, I take the glass on my left to drink. The coldness of the orange juice is enough to make me shudder and soothe my mind.

I gaze at Jeon.

“By the way, are you free next Saturday?” I ask.

“I should be, but I am not aware of the changes that could come. It is possible that the swimming club will summon all of the members for practice.”

“I didn’t think about that.”

“Why did you ask? I can go or help if I am free.”

“I was just thinking. Maybe you can go with me to my practice for the audition.”

“Sure. I will inform you about my schedule once I am able.”

“Ok.”

This is great. Shizumi will be glad to meet Jeon. They’ll become friends in no time. I’m sure of it.