Miwa: What are you guys doing here?
Friend 1: Ryu invited us.
Friend 2: He told Taku was back, so we thought we could meet up and congratulate on the success of the exhibition.
Taku smiles at his classmates as Miwa and he takes their seats.
Ry: I met them when I was on the way here. I asked them to tag along. Hehe
Miwa grunts at her friend's stupidity but keeps a straight face as she thinks this would at least distract Taku for a while.
(chatter chatter)
Friend 1: Taku have you read the review of your exhibition. XXX magazine covered it.
Taku: No, I haven't read any.
Friend 2: Though the response was mixed, most of it is positive. They were shocked to see the shift in your style when compared to the previous shoot.
Friend 1: I think it was mostly because of the model. He was amazing but since it was his first time, you could tell.
Friend 2: I think the photos you selected were amazing. It covered up for the inexperience of the model. Lee Haesoo, right? I heard he was a writer.
The air is heavy now. The trio who were aware of it couldn't speak much. Someone had to speak up before it got too awkward.
Ryu: Yeah he is. But then Taku worked very hard for this exhibition and it showed in his work.
Friend 1: Oh that's true. We are so happy everything went well for you, Taku
Taku: Thank you.
The rest of the conversation faded in his head as the name kept ringing in his ears. The uneasiness that he had forgotten about started resurfacing and along with it came the ache he felt in his chest.
Taku: I'll be back. I need to get some fresh air.
Miwa and Ryu shared a worried glance at each other.
(Outside the restaurant)
The sun had already set. Time seems to be flowing in tides. Sometimes faster, higher waves and some painfully slow and lower tides. It was pouring as predicted. It surely was a weird day.
The wind blew some raindrops to him. Some landing on his face, some dripping down from his hair. It was cold and yet the downpour was refreshing.
His hands went into his pocket, to keep them warm. A familiar object came into his fingers. The blue old lighter that his uncle gave him. He took it to look at it. He never liked the bitterness of cigarettes so he never smoked. But he carried along because it reminded of time with his uncle.
But now it reminded him of Hae-soo. The times he lit the cigarette for him. Somehow he got used to the bitterness and accepted it. His gaze never left the lighter in the hand.
A boy came running through the rain. His hair and clothes were already drenched. He took shelter near the restaurant where Taku was standing.
Boy: You do realize you are getting drenched right?
Taku: ....
Boy: Haha looks like you enjoy the rain. Well, it's a weird day to be raining. Didn't predict it.
Taku hadn't realized there was someone by him until he spoke. And he also realized that he was indeed getting drenched. But the raindrops felt good against his skin.
But this boy moved closer to him and ruffled his hair while chuckling.
What is he doing?
Chapter 1
Start from the beginning
