05. Choi Jongsuk

I was walking home trying not to limp. My back was hurting too much for me to even stand straight. I reached the apartment and waited for the elevator which is rare for me to do. Because I'm usually so impatient I'd rather take the stairs but not today.

We lived in apartment 404 in this seven-floor building which was relatively cheaper than the rest considering that it has two bedrooms and washrooms. I entered the house and saw that mum had fallen asleep on the couch. I sighed in relief. There was a grocery list on the tea table along with some money. I guess she was waiting for me to get the grocery.

(4 is considered an unlucky number in Korea)

I was quick to change into a pair of brown sweatshirts and black track pants. Taking the list slip and the money I quietly left the house again using the elevator. It took me longer than normal to reach the convenience store. Upon entering I began searching for things I needed.

So... I need kimchi, eggs, some veggies, and milk... I'll grab some patches for pain relief and ointment. After getting the items I was about to check out when I saw a pack of muffins. Chocolate muffins... Which I can never resist. So I decided to buy them as well.

While walking home the burning pain in my back got too unbearable for me so I thought it would be better to put the patch now. I went to the public washroom in some random park and carefully put it in the painful area. Once I exited the washroom, I was shocked to see someone lying unconscious on the ground. It was a boy around my age wearing the same uniform as that Delight High.

With a lot of struggle, I got him on my back and laid him on a bench nearby. I lightly slapped his face. Not gonna lie but he had really angelic visuals...

The boy slowly opened his eyes and I helped him sit straight.

"Are you alright? Do you want me to get you a cab to go hospital?", I asked as I tilted my head anxiously.

He replied, "Oh no... That won't be needed. It's just that I didn't eat anything since yesterday. Thank you for helping me. I'll get going now."

"Wait", I stopped him. "Would you like to have some?" I asked offering him some chocolate muffins that I just bought. "If you don't trust me, I can eat them as well."

He chuckled saying, "It's alright but it sounds better to have them together. I'm Choi Jongsuk. You are?"

"I am Choi Junseo."

"Oh hey! We have the same family name. Are you new here?", he said taking a bit of the muffin.

"Yeah, I'm from Daegu."

"No way! I'm from Daegu as well!", he exclaimed excitedly. He is such a happy-go-lucky... kinda reminds me of mom.

"Wow... Wait. What year were you born?", I asked. we already have so many similarities.

"2001. And you?"

My eyes widened. say what?! "You're kidding!"

"No I'm not", he explained in confusion, and then his expression changed to match mine. "You're 2001 as well? Are you my long-lost twin that I never knew about?!"

I laughed out loud as he choked on his theory. But Jongsuk lightly slapped my arm saying, "I'm serious! When is your birthday?"

"It's on September 13th"

"Oh... mine is March 13th. So your not my long-lost twin?", he asked with a teasing smile.

"Too bad I'm not."

"It was nice meeting you Junseo. I hope we can be good friends." He gave me a bright smile as I tried to smile just as brightly.

Friends? He studies at the same school as me... Will he still want to be my friend if he finds out about my school life? But I don't want to disappoint him right now...

"Sure!", I replied.